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Easy Italian Chicken Orzo (One pot!) photo

Italian Chicken Orzo (One pot!)

A one‑pot Italian chicken and orzo skillet with vegetables, pesto, and Parmesan for a quick weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breasts chopped into bite-size pieces (about 1 pound)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp pesto divided (use 1 tbsp to toss chicken, 2 tbsp later)
  • 1/2 onion chopped
  • 1 cup carrots sliced
  • 1 cup zucchini quartered
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 cup orzo uncooked
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 14.5 oz crushed tomatoes 1 can
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tsp chicken bouillon optional
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp salt plus more if omitting bouillon
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated, plus more for garnish
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • large nonstick skillet with lid
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
  2. Toss the chopped chicken with 1 tablespoon pesto, then add the chicken to the skillet along with the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and quartered zucchini.
  3. Sauté the chicken and vegetables for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add the chopped red bell pepper, uncooked orzo, and minced garlic to the pan and cook 2 more minutes, stirring.
  5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, the remaining 2 tablespoons pesto, chicken broth, optional chicken bouillon, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 8–12 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to keep the orzo from sticking, until the orzo and vegetables are tender.
  7. Stir in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Serve garnished with extra freshly grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

  • If you omit the bouillon, increase salt to 1/2 teaspoon.