Chicken Orzo with Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes, and Basil Pesto: A One-Pan Wonder

Looking for a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than this fantastic Chicken Orzo with Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes, and Basil Pesto! This trending recipe is taking the internet by storm for good reason: it's packed with flavor, comes together in a single pan (hello, easy cleanup!), and is a vibrant celebration of fresh ingredients.

Skip the endless dishwashing and dive into a meal that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to eat. Imagine tender chicken, al dente orzo, burst cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach all coated in a bright, aromatic basil pesto. It's a culinary dream come true!

Why You'll Love This Chicken Orzo Recipe

One-Pan Convenience: Seriously, only one pan! This means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your delicious meal.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory chicken, sweet cherry tomatoes, earthy spinach, and pungent basil pesto creates a symphony of flavors.
Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with protein, vegetables, and whole grains, this dish is a balanced and nutritious choice.
Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Versatile: Easily adaptable to your taste preferences and what you have on hand.

Ready to make this culinary masterpiece? Let's get cooking!

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups orzo pasta
4 cups chicken broth
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
5 oz fresh spinach
½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Orzo: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the orzo pasta, toasting it for about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth, bringing it to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Combine & Finish: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the spinach and cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and the tomatoes have slightly softened.
Add Chicken and Pesto: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the basil pesto and Parmesan cheese until everything is well combined and heated through.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious one-pan wonder!

Tips & Variations:

Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other quick-cooking vegetables like diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic will give this dish a subtle kick.
Cheese Please: Experiment with other cheeses like fresh mozzarella or feta for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas for a fantastic vegetarian meal.
Homemade Pesto: If you have extra time, making your own basil pesto will elevate this dish even further!

This Chicken Orzo with Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes, and Basil Pesto is truly a game-changer for weeknight dinners. It's a dish that proves healthy and flavorful meals don't have to be complicated. Give it a try tonight and discover your new favorite!