Skillet White Pesto Chicken and Orzo Recipe
A quick and satisfying one-pan dinner that combines juicy chicken breasts, creamy white pesto sauce, and tender orzo pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful and comforting skillet meal features a harmonious blend of savory chicken, herbaceous white pesto, and fresh greens, perfect for busy weeknights and adaptable to various dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Can be made gluten-free with gluten-free orzo or quinoa; Dairy-free options also possible
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Sauces & Dairy
- 1/2 cup white pesto sauce
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Broth & Oils
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Aromatics & Seasonings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Greens
- 2 cups fresh spinach or arugula
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Toast Orzo: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add orzo pasta and stir frequently, toasting lightly for a nutty flavor.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until orzo has absorbed most of the liquid and is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add White Pesto and Cheese: Stir in white pesto sauce and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy.
- Return Chicken and Add Greens: Nestle cooked chicken back into the skillet. Add fresh spinach or arugula and cook just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.
Notes
- Pound chicken to even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Toast orzo to enhance flavor and prevent mushiness.
- Use warm broth to speed up cooking and maintain orzo tenderness.
- Remove orzo slightly al dente to avoid dryness.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an aromatic boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: skillet chicken, white pesto chicken, orzo recipe, quick dinner, one-pan meal, creamy pesto pasta, weeknight dinner
