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- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup prepared basil pesto - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 medium onion - 2 cloves garlic - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 cup cherry tomatoes - 1 cup fresh baby spinach - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving The main ingredients in this dish create a rich and creamy meal. The chicken adds protein, while the orzo gives it heartiness. Heavy cream makes it smooth, and basil pesto provides a burst of flavor. For seasonings, the olive oil helps to cook the chicken and brings out flavors in the onion and garlic. The Italian seasoning adds depth, and salt and pepper enhance everything. Lastly, the fresh add-ins brighten the dish. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness, and spinach adds color and nutrients. You can top it with fresh basil and Parmesan for extra taste. These ingredients come together to make a delicious one-pot meal that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. 1. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add one pound of diced chicken breasts. Season it well with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. 3. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until it is golden brown and cooked through. 4. Once done, move the chicken to a plate and set it aside. 1. In the same pot, add one finely chopped medium onion. 2. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. 3. Next, add two minced garlic cloves and cook for one more minute. You want the garlic to be fragrant but not burnt. 1. Toss in one cup of orzo pasta. Stir it continuously for about 1-2 minutes. This toasts the pasta and adds flavor. 2. Pour in three cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Raise the heat to bring it to a boil. 3. Once boiling, reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is al dente. 1. After the orzo is cooked, stir in one cup of heavy cream and one cup of prepared basil pesto. Mix well to combine everything. 2. Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Add one cup of halved cherry tomatoes and one cup of fresh baby spinach. 3. Stir gently and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. 1. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with more salt and freshly cracked black pepper if needed. 2. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a minute to thicken slightly. 3. To serve, dish the creamy orzo into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. How to ensure chicken stays tender To keep your chicken tender, do not overcook it. Sear the chicken just until it turns golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check if it reaches 165°F. This ensures it is safe to eat and still juicy. Tips for a creamier sauce For a creamier sauce, add the heavy cream slowly. Stir it in after the orzo cooks. This helps the sauce mix well with the other ingredients. You can also add more basil pesto for extra creaminess and flavor. Importance of toasting orzo Toasting orzo before adding broth makes a big difference. It brings out its nutty flavor. Just stir it for 1-2 minutes in the pot. This simple step can elevate your dish. Stirring techniques for even cooking Stir the pot gently but often while cooking. This helps the orzo cook evenly and prevents it from sticking. Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the bottom. Additional spices to consider Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. You can also use a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. These small adjustments can change the dish’s taste. Suggestions for homemade pesto Making your own pesto is easy and fun! Blend fresh basil, garlic, nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. This gives you a fresh taste and allows you to control the flavors. Mix in a bit of lemon juice for brightness. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish fit your needs. For gluten-free orzo, try using rice pasta or quinoa. Both options work great. They cook well and keep the creaminess intact. If you want a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with coconut milk. This adds a nice flavor. For cheese lovers, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. It gives a cheesy taste without dairy. Want to mix it up? Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a burst of flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes add sweetness, while olives give a salty kick. Both options elevate this dish. You can also incorporate different vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus work nicely. Just chop them small and add them when you add the spinach. They cook quickly and add color. For a twist on the protein, try shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a seafood flair. Tofu is a great choice if you want a vegan option. Just press it to remove water and cube it before cooking. You can also explore other vegan-friendly proteins. Chickpeas or lentils are tasty and filling. They add protein without meat, making this dish satisfying for everyone. To store your leftovers, let the dish cool first. Once cooled, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. In the fridge, it will last for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If you want to freeze the dish, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. The dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a pot over low heat, stirring gently. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creaminess. For meal prep, I suggest storing components separately. Keep the cooked orzo, chicken, and veggies in different containers. This way, everything stays fresh longer. You can cook the chicken and orzo ahead of time. On busy weeknights, just reheat and mix everything together. This saves time and keeps your meals fun! How long does it take to make One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Orzo? It takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You spend 10 minutes prepping and 20 minutes cooking. This quick time makes it perfect for busy nights. Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe? Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes. Options include ditalini, small shells, or even farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type. Caloric content per serving Each serving contains about 600 calories. This count can vary based on added ingredients or portion sizes. Breakdown of macronutrients - Protein: 35 grams - Carbohydrates: 50 grams - Fat: 30 grams These numbers help track your daily intake and balance your meals. What can I do if my orzo clumps together? If your orzo clumps, add a splash of broth or water. Stir gently to break it apart. Make sure to stir the pasta while it cooks to prevent sticking. How can I make this dish spicier? To spice it up, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. You can also include diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. Adjust to your taste for the perfect heat level. This article covered how to make a delicious One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Orzo. We explored key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. Each section aimed to make your cooking experience easier and tastier. In final thoughts, enjoy experimenting with flavors and add-ins. This meal is simple yet full of options. Whether you make it classic or try new spins, it’s sure to impress. Happy cooking!

One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Orzo

Indulge in a delicious one pot creamy pesto chicken orzo that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, creamy basil pesto, and orzo pasta for a comforting meal. In just 30 minutes, you can impress your family with a delightful dish that’s full of flavor. Click to explore the full recipe and make your dinner extraordinary tonight! #OnePotMeals #CreamyPestoChicken #ChickenOrzo #EasyRecipes
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

1 cup orzo pasta

3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup prepared basil pesto

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh baby spinach

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken, and generously season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

    In the same pot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional minute, ensuring it doesn't burn, until it becomes fragrant.

      Toss the orzo pasta into the pot, stirring continuously for about 1-2 minutes. This will toast the pasta slightly and enhance its flavor while preventing it from sticking.

        Pour in the chicken broth and raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and cook for approximately 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is al dente, stirring occasionally.

          Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto, mixing thoroughly to combine. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and add the halved cherry tomatoes along with the baby spinach. Stir gently and allow everything to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted.

            Taste the dish and adjust seasoning as necessary with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a minute to thicken slightly.

              To serve, dish the creamy orzo into bowls, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Serving Suggestions: Pair the dish with a side of crusty garlic bread or a mixed greens salad for a complete meal.