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- 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 chicken breast, boneless and skinless, diced - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup basil pesto The main ingredients create a rich base for this dish. Orzo pasta adds a nice texture. Diced chicken breast brings protein and heartiness. Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy and smooth. Basil pesto delivers vibrant flavor. - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Optional ingredients brighten the dish. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Grated Parmesan gives a salty kick. Fresh basil leaves enhance the aroma and presentation. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups chicken broth Seasoning is key for flavor. Olive oil helps cook the chicken and adds richness. Salt and pepper enhance all the tastes. Chicken broth cooks the orzo and boosts the overall flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, grab a medium pot and pour in the chicken broth. 2. Bring the broth to a rolling boil. 3. Once boiling, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. 4. Cook the orzo according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes. 5. After cooking, drain the orzo and set it aside for later. 1. Take 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast and dice it into small pieces. 2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 3. Add the diced chicken to the skillet. 4. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. 5. Cook the chicken until it is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. 1. Lower the heat to low. 2. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of basil pesto. 3. Mix well until the cream and pesto are fully combined and heated through. 4. Add the cooked orzo to the skillet. 5. Stir until the orzo is fully coated in the creamy pesto mixture. 6. Fold in 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. 7. Let this cook for another 2-3 minutes to warm through. 8. Finally, sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top and mix until it melts into the dish. 9. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning as needed with more salt and pepper. To make sure your orzo is perfectly cooked, follow these steps: - Use a large pot of boiling chicken broth. The broth adds flavor. - Stir the orzo every few minutes. This keeps it from sticking together. - Cook until al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes. It should be tender but still firm. When cooking the chicken, here’s how to add more flavor: - Dice the chicken breast into even pieces. This helps it cook evenly. - Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. - Season the chicken with salt and pepper before adding it to the pan. This enhances the taste. - Cook until the chicken is browned, about 5-7 minutes. This gives a nice depth of flavor. To serve your creamy pesto orzo in style, try these methods: - Use a shallow bowl to showcase the dish. This lets the colors pop. - Add fresh basil leaves on top for a vibrant touch. They add freshness too. - Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. This adds richness and looks great. To boost the flavor, consider these tips: - Add spices like garlic powder or red pepper flakes. They give a nice kick. - Mix in fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme. They add brightness and depth. - Incorporate vegetables like spinach or peas for added nutrition and color. They blend well with the creamy sauce. Pro Tips Use Homemade Pesto: For an extra burst of flavor, make your own basil pesto using fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil. Cook Orzo in Broth: Cooking the orzo in chicken broth instead of water enhances the overall taste of the dish. Add Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. Leftovers Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture. {{image_2}} You can easily change the protein in creamy pesto orzo. If you like seafood, try shrimp. Just cook the shrimp in olive oil until they turn pink. For a plant-based option, use tofu. Press and cube the tofu, then sauté it until golden. You can also swap the chicken for turkey or pork. Each choice brings a new flavor and twist to the dish. Want a vegetarian creamy pesto orzo? Simply skip the chicken. The dish will still taste great! Use extra veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can also add chickpeas for protein. They add a nice texture and help make the meal filling. This way, you keep the creamy goodness without meat. If you want to switch up the pasta, you have options! You can use any small pasta like penne or fusilli. For gluten-free diets, try brown rice pasta or quinoa pasta. Both work well and taste great. Just remember to follow the cooking directions on the package for the best results. To store leftovers, let the creamy pesto orzo cool to room temperature first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents spills. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you know when to eat it. For freezing, you should use a freezer-safe container. Divide the orzo into portions for easy thawing. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, transfer the container to the fridge overnight to thaw. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream to keep it creamy and delicious. Watch for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or an off smell, it is best to discard it. To keep the dish fresh longer, store it in the coldest part of the fridge. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for more than two hours. Keeping it sealed tight helps maintain its taste and texture. Making creamy pesto orzo with chicken takes about 30 minutes. The prep time is just 10 minutes. Cooking the dish takes around 20 minutes. This quick meal is perfect for busy days. You can enjoy a hearty dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Yes, you can use homemade pesto! Using homemade pesto adds fresh flavor. You can control the ingredients and adjust the taste to your liking. Plus, making your own pesto can be fun. It helps you use fresh herbs from your garden or local market. You can serve creamy pesto orzo with many tasty sides. A simple green salad pairs nicely. Garlic bread or crusty rolls complement the dish well. You can also add steamed veggies for color and nutrition. These sides enhance the meal and make it more satisfying. This blog post has covered how to make creamy pesto orzo with chicken. We discussed key ingredients like orzo, chicken, heavy cream, and basil pesto. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking the orzo and chicken. We shared tips for cooking, presenting, and enhancing flavors. You also explored variations, storage info, and answered common FAQs. Incorporating these ideas will help you create a tasty dish. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with different ingredients!

Creamy Pesto Orzo with Chicken

Enjoy a deliciously simple meal with this Creamy Pesto Orzo with Chicken recipe! This Easy Pesto Recipe combines tender orzo pasta with succulent chicken in a rich basil pesto sauce. Perfect for a One-Pot Chicken Dinner, it's quick to make in just 20 minutes. Serve this Basil Pesto Pasta Recipe with fresh cherry tomatoes and Parmesan for a delightful dish everyone will love! Save this recipe for a hassle-free weeknight meal! #CreamyPestoOrzo #OrzoPastaWithChicken #EasyPestoRecipes #OnePotDinner
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

2 cups chicken broth

1 chicken breast, boneless and skinless, diced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

In a medium pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

      Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto. Mix well until combined and heated through.

        Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and stir until the orzo is fully coated in the creamy pesto mixture.

          Fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and let cook for another 2-3 minutes to warm through.

            Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and mix until it melts into the dish.

              Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt and pepper.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | Serves 2-3

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the orzo in a shallow bowl and garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for added flair.