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One Pot Italian Chicken Orzo

One Pot Italian Chicken Orzo

  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free Friendly

Description

A hearty, one‑pot Italian chicken orzo packed with veggies, pesto, and Parmesan. Ready in under an hour, this comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights and gluten‑free friendly when using gluten‑free orzo.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 chicken breast filets, chopped into bite-size pieces (about 1 lb)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons pesto, divided
  • ½ onion, chopped
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 cup zucchini, quartered
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional garnish: freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add chicken pieces and sauté until lightly browned, about 4 minutes.
  3. Stir in half of the pesto, onion, garlic, carrots, zucchini, and red bell pepper; cook 2 minutes.
  4. Add orzo, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes; stir to combine.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 12‑15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. If using bouillon, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  7. Remove from heat and fold in the remaining pesto and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.
  8. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra depth, add a splash of white wine after sautéing the vegetables. Use gluten‑free orzo to keep the dish gluten‑free. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: One-Pot
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: one pot,Italian,chicken orzo,comfort food,quick dinner

Find it online: https://crystalrecipes.com/one-pot-italian-chicken-orzo/