Easy Chicken Orzo with Spinach and Pesto

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken tenders are great for quick cooking. If you’re short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken is a speedy substitute.

Orzo: This small pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. If you can’t find orzo, other small pasta types like couscous or ditalini can work fine.

Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a lovely green color and nutrients. You can also use kale or frozen spinach; just ensure to thaw and drain any excess water.

Pesto: Fresh pesto is ideal but jarred works fine too. For a dairy-free option, consider nutritional yeast instead of traditional pesto ingredients.

Heavy Cream: For a lighter dish, use half-and-half or milk. If dairy-free, coconut cream can be a nice alternative!

How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked Orzo?

Cooking orzo to the right texture can be tricky. The key is to keep an eye on it, as it cooks quickly! Here are steps for the best results:

• Once you add the broth, keep the heat medium to prevent sticking.
• Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent clumping.
• Test a few pieces a minute or so before the time is up. Perfect orzo should be tender but have a slight bite (al dente).

Remember, after cooking, it will continue to absorb some liquid, so don’t overcook it!

Easy Chicken Orzo with Spinach and Pesto

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Main Dish:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into tenders
• 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

For Flavor:

• 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 3 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnishing:

• Fresh basil or oregano leaves (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare, including about 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes to cook. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Start by seasoning the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and a drizzle of olive oil. This will add flavor right from the start!

2. Sear the Chicken:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sear the chicken tenders until they turn a lovely golden brown and are cooked through. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for now.

3. Cook the Garlic:

Using the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant—be careful not to burn it!

4. Toast the Orzo:

Next, add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes. This helps to lightly toast the pasta, enhancing its flavor.

5. Add the Chicken Broth:

Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. This should take around 9-11 minutes.

6. Incorporate the Cream and Pesto:

Once the orzo is cooked, turn down the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto. Mix well until everything is beautifully combined.

7. Add Spinach and Tomatoes:

Fold in the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes. Allow the spinach to wilt and the tomatoes to soften for another 1-2 minutes.

8. Return the Chicken:

Put the cooked chicken tenders back into the skillet, nestling them among the orzo and veggies to warm through.

9. Season and Garnish:

Finally, season the dish with any additional salt, pepper, and red chili flakes if you like a bit of heat. Garnish with fresh basil or oregano leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

10. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful, creamy chicken orzo with spinach and pesto. It’s a dish full of vibrant flavors and perfect for any occasion!

This one-skillet meal is not just easy to make; it’s also delicious, making it a winner for dinner!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Whole Wheat Orzo Instead?

Absolutely! Whole wheat orzo can be a healthier choice, providing more fiber. Just remember that it may require a minute or two longer to cook, so keep an eye on it for doneness.

What Can I Substitute for Pesto?

If you’re out of pesto or prefer something different, you can blend fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, nuts (like pine nuts or walnuts), and Parmesan queso for a homemade version. Alternatively, a simple garlic and herb mix or even sundried tomato spread can work well!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to rehydrate the dish and prevent it from drying out.

Can I Add More Vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Just chop them into small pieces and sauté them along with the garlic before adding the orzo.