Creamy Pesto Chicken Orzo

Creamy Pesto Chicken Orzo

Featuring fresh spinach and sweet peas.

Infused with herbaceous creaminess and tender protein, this dish offers a harmonious balance of savory and vibrant flavors.

Prep: 35 minutes
820 kcal
Spicy

Ingredients

Chicken Breasts

Chicken Breasts

2 unit

Lemon-Pepper Seasoning

Lemon-Pepper Seasoning

1 tbsp

Orzo

Orzo

170 g

Baby Spinach

Baby Spinach

56 g

Basil Pesto

Basil Pesto

¼ cup

Parmesan Cheese, shredded

Parmesan Cheese, shredded

¼ cup

Garlic, cloves

Garlic, cloves

1 unit

Green Peas

Green Peas

56 g

Cooking Steps

1

Before starting, preheat the oven to 450˚F. Wash and dry all produce. Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. While the pan heats, pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season with salt and half the Lemon-Pepper Seasoning. When hot, add 1/2 tbsp oil (dbl for 4 ppl), then chicken. Sear until golden-brown, 1-2 min per side. Remove the pan from heat, then transfer chicken to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast in the middle of the oven until chicken is cooked through, 12-14 min. Carefully wipe the pan clean.

Step 1
2

Meanwhile, peel, then mince or grate garlic.

Step 2
3

Heat the same pan (from step 1) over medium. When hot, add 1 tbsp butter (dbl for 4 ppl), then swirl the pan until melted. Add garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 30 sec. Stir in orzo, remaining Lemon-Pepper Seasoning, 1/4 tsp salt and 2 1/2 cups water (dbl both for 4 ppl). Cover and bring to a boil over high.

Step 3
4

Once boiling, uncover and reduce heat to medium. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender, 14-16 min. Add peas to the pan halfway through cooking.

Step 4
5

When orzo is tender, add spinach to the pan. Cook, stirring often, until wilted, 1-2 min. Add three-quarters of the Parmesan. Cook, stirring often, until Parmesan melts, 1 min. Remove the pan from heat. Stir in pesto, then season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Step 5
6

Thinly slice chicken. Divide orzo between plates. Top with chicken, then sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.

Step 6