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Creamy Pesto Chicken & Orzo Skillet: Easy One-Pan Dinner!

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This Creamy Pesto Chicken & Orzo Skillet is a delightful one-pan meal that combines succulent chicken, tender orzo, and a luscious creamy pesto sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, it brings gourmet flavors to your table in just thirty minutes!

Ingredients

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Orzo
  • Pesto
  • Heavy cream
  • Low-sodium chicken broth
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Spinach
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Olive oil
  • Minced garlic
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, add in the spinach and cherry tomatoes; sauté until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften, around 3-4 minutes.
  4. Pour in the orzo and stir to combine with the vegetables. Cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the pasta.
  5. Add the chicken back into the skillet, along with the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and pesto. Mix thoroughly until everything is well coated and creamy. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
  7. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Serve your creamy creation warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: This dish is a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze! Feel free to customize your veggies and add red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Find it online: https://softtasty.com/creamy-pesto-chicken-orzo-skillet-easy-one-pan-dinner/