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Pesto Orzo

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Pesto Orzo is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender orzo pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and shredded chicken. Perfect for weeknight meals or special gatherings, it’s easy to make and delightful to share.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/4 cups uncooked orzo pasta
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons pesto
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (more if needed)
  • 2 cups cooked shredded boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

Instructions

  • Heat a deep pan over medium-high heat and combine orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Toast for about a minute.
  • Add chicken broth, seasoning with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to medium-low heat.
  • Cook for about 12 minutes, stirring often and adding more broth if necessary until the orzo is tender.
  • Stir in heavy cream, shredded chicken, and Parmesan cheese. Heat until warmed through.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings before garnishing with Parmesan and fresh basil.

Last Step:

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Notes

For a vegan version, replace chicken with vegetables or beans and use coconut milk instead of cream.
Adjust pesto quantity to your taste for a stronger or milder flavor.
Monitor the orzo as it cooks to prevent it from becoming mushy.

  • Author: Thomas
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3
  • Sodium: 600
  • Fat: 16
  • Saturated Fat: 7
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 28
  • Cholesterol: 65