Description
This easy high-protein pesto chicken orzo bake is a one-pan meal perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. It features tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a flavorful pesto sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in orzo pasta, chicken broth, and pesto. Bring to a simmer.
- Remove from heat, then stir in Parmesan cheese and cherry tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from oven, let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra vegetables, add spinach or bell peppers.
- Adjust pesto quantity to your preference.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg