One-Pot Italian Chicken and Orzo

This One-Pot Italian Chicken and Orzo is a delightful combination of tender chicken, creamy orzo pasta, and vibrant vegetables, all simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, offering robust Italian flavors in a single pot for easy preparation and cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Convenient: With a total cooking time of just over 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for those seeking a hearty meal without extensive preparation.​Carlsbad Cravings
• Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, reducing the number of dishes to wash.​
• Versatile Ingredients: Easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables or protein substitutes.​
• Flavorful and Satisfying: Combines savory chicken, creamy orzo, and a rich tomato sauce for a comforting meal.​

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts​
• Olive oil​
• Pesto​Carlsbad Cravings+1mandyinthemaking.com+1
• Onion​Laughing Spatula
• Carrots​Simply Recipes+3Carlsbad Cravings+3How Sweet Eats+3
• Zucchini​RecipeTin Eats+13Carlsbad Cravings+13mandyinthemaking.com+13
• Red bell pepper​
• Uncooked orzo pasta​Taming Twins+3Coco and Ash+3Carlsbad Cravings+3
• Garlic cloves​
• Crushed tomatoes​
• Low-sodium chicken broth​
• Chicken bouillon (optional)​Carlsbad Cravings+1mandyinthemaking.com+1
• Dried oregano​Simply Recipes+6Taming Twins+6Allrecipes+6
• Salt​
• Black pepper​Coco and Ash+2Kalejunkie+2Carlsbad Cravings+2
• Red pepper flakes​
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese​Carlsbad Cravings+1EatingWell+1

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Toss the chopped chicken with pesto and add to the pan along with chopped onions, sliced carrots, and quartered zucchini. Sauté for about 3 minutes.​Carlsbad Cravings
2. Add chopped red bell pepper, uncooked orzo, and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently.​Carlsbad Cravings
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, chicken bouillon (if using), dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil.​
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for approximately 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.​
5. Remove from heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.​
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.​

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 to 6 servings​
• Total Time: Approximately 32 minutes​Taming Twins+2Carlsbad Cravings+2mandyinthemaking.com+2
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes​Epicurious+2Simply Recipes+2EatingWell+2
  • Cook Time: 17 minutes​mandyinthemaking.com+2Carlsbad Cravings+2Simply Recipes+2

Variations

• Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with ground Italian sausage or shrimp for a different flavor profile.​Carlsbad Cravings
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and add tofu, chickpeas, or white beans as protein alternatives.​Carlsbad Cravings+1Epicurious+1
• Additional Vegetables: Incorporate mushrooms, asparagus, artichokes, or other favorite vegetables to enhance the dish.​Carlsbad Cravings

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.​
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for one minute, stir, then continue heating at 30-second intervals until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of milk to restore creaminess. For larger portions, reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of milk if necessary.​Carlsbad Cravings

FAQs

What is orzo?

Orzo is a type of short-cut pasta shaped like large grains of rice. It’s commonly used in Italian and Mediterranean dishes.​Kalejunkie

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and may add more flavor due to their higher fat content.​

Is it necessary to use pesto?

Pesto adds depth to the flavor, but if unavailable, you can omit it or substitute with a mix of fresh basil and olive oil.​Carlsbad Cravings

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the orzo with a gluten-free pasta or rice, you can make this dish gluten-free.​

How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to enhance the heat.​

Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not recommended as the vegetables may become grainy or watery upon reheating.​Carlsbad Cravings

What can I serve alongside this dish?

A fresh green salad or garlic bread complements this meal well.​

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

It’s best to use freshly grated Parmesan as pre-grated varieties may not melt as smoothly.​Carlsbad Cravings

How do I know when the orzo is cooked?

Orzo is done when it’s tender yet firm to the bite, similar to al dente pasta.​

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead and reheat before serving, though you may need to add a bit of liquid to adjust the consistency.​

Conclusion

This One-Pot Italian Chicken and Orzo recipe offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying and easy-to-prepare meal. Its versatility allows for various adaptations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Enjoy the simplicity and richness of this delightful dish with your family and friends.

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