Velvety Chicken Orzo with Spinach & Tomato Pesto Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy chicken orzo delight with spinach hits all the right notes for a satisfying meal.

Hearty chicken mingles effortlessly with tender orzo, creating a comforting blend of textures and flavors.

Vibrant cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness throughout the dish, adding a fresh pop of color.

Fragrant basil pesto weaves its magic, infusing each bite with rich, herbal complexity.

Spinach brings a subtle earthiness and nutritional boost to this one-pan wonder.

The combination feels like a warm embrace on a plate, promising both nourishment and pure culinary joy.

Dive into this recipe and transform an ordinary evening into a delectable dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Creamy Chicken Orzo with Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes, and Basil Pesto Ingredients

• Chicken Fillets: Lean protein that provides a hearty foundation, choose fresh, organic cuts for optimal flavor and tenderness.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a rich, smoky depth that transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet experience.
• Italian Seasoning: Infuses the chicken with classic Mediterranean herb notes, creating a complex flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

• Orzo: Delicate pasta that absorbs flavors beautifully, select high-quality wheat varieties for best texture.
• Chicken Stock: Provides a savory liquid base that intensifies the dish's umami characteristics.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps develop deep, golden flavors during cooking.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that brings a punchy, robust undertone to the entire preparation.

• Spinach: Nutrient-packed green that adds vibrant color and earthy freshness.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bursts of sweet-tangy flavor that complement the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, silky texture that binds all ingredients together.
• Basil Pesto: Introduces a bright, herbal dimension with its aromatic blend of basil, pine nuts, and olive oil.

Equipment for Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe

• Large, high-sided skillet: Your main cooking vessel for this delicious one-pan meal.
• Cutting board: Perfect for slicing chicken and prepping ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Essential for cutting chicken fillets into strips.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring and combining ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately season chicken and measure spices.
• Plate: Used to set aside cooked chicken during preparation.

Instructions for Creamy Chicken Orzo with Pesto

• Chicken Preparation

Slice chicken fillets into delicate strips. Sprinkle with aromatic spices like smoked paprika and Italian seasoning. Season generously with salt and pepper.

• Searing Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Cook chicken strips until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.

• Orzo Magic

In the same skillet, toast orzo and minced garlic. Add chicken stock and cherry tomatoes. Simmer until orzo becomes tender and liquid reduces.

• Veggie Infusion

Fold in fresh spinach and remaining tomatoes. Let spinach wilt gently. Pour creamy pesto sauce, stirring to create a luxurious blend.

• Final Harmony

Return chicken to the skillet. Let everything mingle and warm through. Ensure sauce coats ingredients evenly. Serve immediately for a comforting meal bursting with Mediterranean flavors.

Tips to Bring Out the Basil and Tomato Flavors

• Flavor Boosting Techniques: Experiment with different herbs like fresh thyme or rosemary to add extra depth and aromatic complexity to the chicken seasoning.
• Protein Swap Options: Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey breast, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for a versatile meal that suits various dietary preferences.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to create a lighter, lactose-free version of this creamy orzo dish that doesn't compromise on richness.
• Leftover Magic Makeover: Transform any remaining orzo into a cold pasta salad by chilling it and adding extra fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and crumbled feta cheese for a delightful next-day lunch option.

Serving Creamy Chicken Orzo Creatively

• Gourmet Family Feast: Invite the whole family to enjoy this hearty dish together, plating it in large, warm bowls that showcase the vibrant colors of spinach and cherry tomatoes.
• Elegant Dinner Party Presentation: Serve the orzo in pristine white plates, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and a light sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese to elevate the visual appeal and add an extra layer of flavor.
• Healthy Lunch Companion: Pack this creamy chicken orzo in meal prep containers with a side of crisp mixed green salad, making it a perfect portable lunch option for work or school that stays delicious when reheated.
• Quick Mediterranean-Style Side: Complement the dish with a small portion of Greek tzatziki, warm pita bread, or a light cucumber salad to enhance the Mediterranean-inspired flavors and provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy main course.

Storing Creamy Chicken Orzo for Next Time

• Fridge-Fresh Storage Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken and orzo components separately during weekend cooking sessions. This technique allows quick assembly of meals throughout the week, saving precious time during busy weeknight dinners.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Gently warm refrigerated portions in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken stock or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying, ensuring the dish tastes freshly made.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Remove from freezer, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat slowly while stirring to maintain the creamy consistency of the sauce.

Silky Chicken Orzo

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken orzo delight combines tender chicken, hearty orzo, and fresh Mediterranean ingredients in one comforting skillet. Rich pesto and colorful vegetables make this dish a perfect weeknight meal you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lb (680 g) chicken fillets, skinless and boneless
• 1 cup (185 g) orzo, uncooked
• 2 cups (473 ml) chicken stock
• 10 oz (283 g) cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
• 5 oz (142 g) fresh spinach
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (60 ml) basil pesto
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) olive oil, divided
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp salt
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Slice chicken fillets into uniform strips and coat comprehensively with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground pepper, ensuring complete flavor absorption.
2. Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Cook chicken strips for 3 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown caramelization, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. Orzo Foundation: In the same skillet, toast uncooked orzo and minced garlic with olive oil, stirring continuously until developing a light, nutty golden color.
4. Liquid Integration: Add chicken stock, half the cherry tomatoes, and a salt sprinkle. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Stir intermittently until orzo becomes tender and absorbs most liquid.
5. Vegetable Incorporation: Add fresh spinach and remaining cherry tomatoes, folding gently until spinach wilts and ingredients blend seamlessly.
6. Sauce Creation: Pour heavy cream and basil pesto into the mixture, stirring thoroughly to create a luxurious, verdant sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
7. Final Fusion: Return chicken strips to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy pesto mixture. Simmer gently to ensure complete heating and flavor melding, then serve immediately.

Notes

• Precision Cutting Technique: Slice chicken uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent uneven texture.
• Spice Massage Method: Thoroughly coat chicken with spices by gently massaging the seasoning blend, ensuring deep flavor penetration.
• Orzo Toasting Trick: Gently toast orzo before liquid addition to unlock a rich, nutty flavor profile and enhance overall dish complexity.
• Cream Integration Secret: Add cream and pesto gradually while stirring to prevent sauce separation and maintain smooth, luxurious consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg