This easy chicken orzo dish is bright and tasty, featuring tender chicken, soft orzo pasta, and fresh spinach with a yummy pesto sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
I love how all the flavors come together in one pot. It’s so simple that even I don’t mind doing the dishes afterward! Plus, it’s colorful and looks great on the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Chicken tenders are quick and cook evenly, but you can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs if that’s what you have. For a lighter option, consider turkey or even cooked chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is small and cooks quickly, but you can swap it out for other small pasta like ditalini or couscous. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds great nutrients and color. If you can’t find it, kale or even arugula can work. Just know that these may need a bit longer to cook down and soften.
Pesto: While store-bought pesto is convenient, homemade pesto is often fresher and tastier. You can substitute it with salsa verde or even a creamy sauce if you’re looking for something different.
How Do I Cook Orzo Perfectly?
Cooking orzo is easy, but there are a couple of steps to ensure it’s just right. Start by toasting the orzo in a dry skillet; this adds a nice nutty flavor. Then, be sure to use enough broth so that the orzo absorbs all the flavors.
- Heat a skillet with olive oil, add minced garlic, and then toast the orzo for 2 minutes.
- Pour in the warm chicken broth; stirring occasionally, let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes until tender.
Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t stick to the pan! If needed, add a splash of extra broth or water if it looks too dry.
Easy Chicken Orzo with Spinach and Pesto
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- Fresh basil or oregano leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Easy Chicken Orzo takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes getting everything ready and cooking the chicken. Then, the orzo and veggies only take about 15 minutes to finish. Perfect for a busy weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
3. Toast the Orzo:
Add the orzo pasta to the garlic in the skillet. Toast the orzo for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, to enhance its flavor.
4. Cook the Orzo:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook the orzo, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes tender and absorbs most of the liquid.
5. Mix in Pesto and Cheese:
After the orzo is cooked, stir in the pesto sauce and grated Parmesan cheese until everything is well combined and creamy. Yum!
6. Add Spinach and Tomatoes:
Next, toss in the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts slightly and the tomatoes start to soften.
7. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo mixture. Let everything warm through together for a couple of minutes, soaking up all the flavors.
8. Final Touches:
Before serving, taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like a little spice.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish your delicious Easy Chicken Orzo with fresh basil or oregano leaves for a bright finish. Serve warm and enjoy!
Your flavorful and comforting Easy Chicken Orzo with Spinach and Pesto is ready to delight your taste buds!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Orzo with Spinach and Pesto
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! If you don’t have orzo, you can substitute it with other small pastas like ditalini or even couscous. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Pesto?
If you don’t have pesto on hand, you can use a homemade sauce with blended basil, garlic, olive oil, and nuts. Alternatively, consider using store-bought Alfredo sauce for a creamy variant, or even a splash of balsamic vinaigrette for a tangy kick.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the orzo and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to add the spinach and cooked chicken just before serving to keep them fresh. Store the ingredients separately to maintain the best texture.
