One Pan Chicken and Pesto Orzo Recipe

In today’s fast-paced world, few things are as rewarding as preparing a home-cooked meal that checks all the boxes: comforting, flavorful, and efficient. Enter the One Pan Chicken and Pesto Orzo—a dish that gracefully balances ease of preparation with the depth of Mediterranean-inspired flavors. It’s a meal that brings together the rustic charm of home cooking with the sophistication of a well-crafted pasta dish, all in a single pan.

This recipe is more than just a convenient solution to a busy weeknight dinner. It’s a culinary hug, wrapped in creamy pesto-coated orzo, juicy seared chicken, and a medley of vibrant vegetables. Each forkful tells a story—of simple ingredients elevated by thoughtful cooking, of humble pasta transformed into a centerpiece, and of how a single pan can deliver so much satisfaction.

One pan meals have grown in popularity for good reason. Not only do they significantly cut down on cleanup, but they also encourage flavors to meld more seamlessly. Ingredients cook together, share their essence, and result in something that feels like it’s been simmering on the stove all day, even if you whipped it up in under an hour. With this recipe, you won’t be juggling multiple pots or worrying about timing several components to finish simultaneously. It’s all happening right there, in one skillet.

The highlight of this dish—besides the simplicity—is the harmony between its components. Orzo, often mistaken for rice, is a tiny, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up flavors beautifully. Chicken brings protein and substance, providing that hearty, familiar anchor to the dish. And then there’s pesto, the crown jewel. Fresh, herby, and slightly nutty, pesto infuses the orzo with bold flavor while maintaining a lightness that keeps the dish from feeling too heavy.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or inviting friends over for a casual dinner, this one pan recipe delivers every time. It’s adaptable to dietary needs, customizable with seasonal vegetables, and perfect for novice and experienced cooks alike. There’s no need for complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. All you need is one pan, a few pantry staples, and about 40 minutes to create something truly memorable.

In the following sections, we’ll dive deep into each step of the process—from choosing the right pan to making your own pesto if you’re feeling adventurous. You’ll learn not just how to make the dish, but how to elevate it, customize it, and make it a go-to staple in your kitchen repertoire. By the end, you’ll understand why this particular combination of chicken, pesto, and orzo is more than just a recipe—it’s a small celebration of everyday cooking at its finest.

Ingredients Overview: The Building Blocks of Flavor

A good recipe is more than just a list of ingredients—it’s a symphony of components working in harmony. The One Pan Chicken and Pesto Orzo relies on a thoughtful selection of simple, accessible ingredients that come together to deliver big flavor without the need for complicated techniques. Understanding what each element contributes to the dish helps you make smart substitutions, adjust flavors to your preference, and gain confidence as a cook.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need and what role each plays:

1. Chicken Thighs or Breasts

The protein centerpiece of this dish, chicken adds heartiness and balance. You can use either boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their rich flavor and tenderness, or chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Thighs tend to stay juicier during cooking and are more forgiving, especially in one-pan meals.

• Why it works: Chicken sears beautifully, creating a caramelized exterior while staying juicy on the inside. As it cooks, it also releases flavor into the pan, seasoning the orzo and vegetables naturally.

• Optional substitute: Turkey breast, plant-based chicken alternatives, or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.

2. Orzo Pasta

Often mistaken for rice, orzo is actually a type of small pasta that resembles grains. Its size and shape make it ideal for absorbing the flavors of broths and sauces.

• Why it works: Orzo cooks quickly and absorbs surrounding liquids, making it a perfect candidate for one-pan cooking. It becomes tender yet slightly chewy, with a texture that complements the tender chicken and creamy pesto.

• Optional substitute: Arborio rice for a risotto-style feel, couscous, or small pasta like ditalini.

3. Pesto (Homemade or Store-Bought)

Pesto is a vibrant green sauce made traditionally from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It brings brightness, richness, and a fresh herbal note that defines the dish.

• Why it works: Pesto adds depth and complexity without the need for long simmering. The fats from olive oil and cheese coat the orzo, making each bite creamy and flavorful.

• Optional variations: Sun-dried tomato pesto, arugula-walnut pesto, or dairy-free pesto for dietary preferences.

4. Chicken Broth or Stock

Liquid is essential for cooking the orzo directly in the pan. Using broth instead of water introduces layers of savory, umami flavor.

• Why it works: As the orzo simmers, it absorbs the broth, giving it more flavor and helping tie all the ingredients together.

• Optional substitute: Vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, or even a splash of white wine for a touch of acidity and complexity.

5. Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish and helps create a creamy texture when stirred into the warm orzo and pesto.

• Why it works: It enhances the pesto’s richness and deepens the overall umami of the dish.

• Optional substitute: Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, or a vegan cheese alternative.

6. Garlic

A cornerstone of Mediterranean and Italian cooking, garlic provides pungent, aromatic depth.

• Why it works: Lightly sautéed garlic infuses the oil and forms the flavor base of the dish, harmonizing beautifully with the pesto.

• Pro tip: Use fresh garlic rather than powdered for a fuller, more authentic flavor.

7. Olive Oil

Used for searing the chicken and cooking aromatics, olive oil adds richness and ties the flavors of the dish together.

• Why it works: Extra virgin olive oil enhances the herbal notes of the pesto and helps carry the fat-soluble flavors throughout the orzo.

• Optional substitute: Avocado oil or another mild cooking oil if needed.

8. Vegetables (Optional but Recommended)

Adding vegetables like cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers introduces color, nutrition, and contrast in texture.

• Why it works: Vegetables lighten the dish and complement the richness of the pesto and chicken. They can be added at different stages depending on their cooking time.

• Suggestions:

  • Spinach: Stir in at the end to wilt gently.

  • Cherry tomatoes: Add midway through cooking for a burst of acidity.

  • Zucchini: Sauté with garlic for a mild, tender bite.

9. Salt and Pepper

Seasoning is key to balancing the flavors in any dish. A pinch of salt enhances sweetness, bitterness, and umami, while pepper adds a gentle heat.

• Pro tip: Taste as you go. Pesto and Parmesan can be salty, so hold off on adding too much salt early on.