One Pan Pesto Chicken and Orzo in under 30 Minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
3. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.
7. Stir in halved cherry tomatoes, spreading them evenly around the orzo.
8. Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the orzo and tomatoes.
9. Spoon pesto sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated.
10. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is tender.
11. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
12. Serve the One Pan Pesto Chicken and Orzo directly from the skillet, creating a delightful and flavorful meal with minimal cleanup.

This quick and easy one-pan recipe is perfect for busy evenings, providing a satisfying combination of protein, grains, and vegetables.