Hey, fellow food lovers! If you’re craving a dish that’s creamy, savory, and just downright delicious, then this Creamy Chicken and Pesto Orzo is going to be your new favorite! It’s a perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy pesto sauce, and orzo pasta that’ll leave you coming back for more. Whether you’re making it for dinner or prepping a meal for the week, this dish is quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into this tasty recipe!
Method
Cook the Orzo Pasta
Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Once the water is boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. It usually takes about 8-10 minutes for orzo to cook to an al dente texture. After it’s cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. It’s important to not overcook the orzo, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce later.
Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces, making sure they’re spread out evenly in the pan. Cook the chicken for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly on all sides. You want the chicken to be golden brown and cooked through, but not dry, so be sure to check it with a thermometer or by cutting into the largest piece. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce
Using the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if necessary and sauté the minced garlic over medium heat for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the pesto sauce and grated parmesan cheese. Continue to cook the sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens into a creamy texture. Be sure to keep the heat at medium to avoid the sauce from curdling. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of milk or water to reach your desired consistency.
Combine the Orzo and Chicken
Once the pesto sauce has thickened, add the cooked orzo pasta and the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir everything together, making sure the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the creamy pesto sauce. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and well combined. Stir gently to avoid breaking the chicken into smaller pieces.
Serve and Garnish
Once everything is well-mixed and hot, serve the creamy chicken and pesto orzo into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese. This not only adds a burst of flavor but also makes the dish look extra appealing. Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, savory comfort food!
Necessary Tools
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Cheese grater (if using block parmesan)
Creamy Chicken and Pesto Orzo A Flavorful Twist on Comfort Food
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup pesto sauce
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, for garnish
Directions
- Cook the orzo pasta
Start by boiling a pot of salted water and cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside. - Cook the chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside. - Make the creamy pesto sauce
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the pesto sauce and parmesan cheese. Let the sauce cook for a few minutes until it thickens and becomes creamy. - Combine the orzo and chicken
Add the cooked orzo and chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat everything in the creamy pesto sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is warm and well mixed. - Serve and garnish
Serve the creamy chicken and pesto orzo in bowls, and garnish with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of parmesan if you like. Enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t overcook the chicken Make sure to cook the chicken until it’s just done to avoid drying it out. It should be golden and juicy, not overdone.
- Watch the cream sauce Keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers if it boils too vigorously, it can curdle. Stir gently and let it thicken slowly.
- Don’t skip the salt A little salt in the pasta water makes a huge difference in the flavor of the orzo, so don’t skip that step!
Serving Suggestions
This dish is rich and hearty, so it pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. You could also serve it with some roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a well-rounded meal.
Fun Fact
Did you know that orzo pasta, despite looking like rice, is actually a type of pasta? Its name comes from the Italian word “orzo,” meaning “barley,” because of its resemblance to the grain!
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken and Pesto Orzo is a perfect example of comfort food with a twist. The creamy, savory pesto sauce combined with tender chicken and orzo pasta creates a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Give it a try you won’t regret it!
