One Pan Caprese Pesto Chicken Orzo
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This one-pan Caprese Pesto Chicken Orzo is delicious and simple to make any time you’re craving Mediterranean flavors. It’s oh-so-simple, easy to clean up with one pan, and ready in about 40 minutes. It’s weeknight dinner heaven!

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Why I Love This Pesto Chicken Orzo
Okay. Like many of you, I suspect, I adore Caprese anything! From my latest Caprese pasta salad to appetizers and more. If it’s Caprese, I’m there!
I also love one-pan dinners! Especially when the pasta, the chicken, the veggies, herbs, seasoning… literally everything is cooked in one dish. Not only is it easy to clean up one pan, because it is, but it’s also the idea of communally sharing food in one pan—dinners with family and friends become a bit more delicious and fun.
This chicken recipe is easy, it’s delicious, and it’s a simple go-to for busy weeknights or even when inviting friends over for dinner.
Here’s what you need:
Pesto Chicken Pasta Ingredients
Here is a list of the simple ingredients you will need for this easy chicken recipe:
- Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs if you prefer. I’m using thin-cut chicken breasts.
- Dry Orzo Pasta
- Olive oil
- Aromatics: garlic, finely chopped or minced, a shallot, also finely minced, fresh basil, red pepper flakes (optional for flavor), salt, and pepper.
- Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced zucchini
- Basil Pesto: Use your favorite ready-made brand unless you happen to have homemade on hand– lucky you!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make Caprese Pesto Chicken
You will also find detailed step-by-step instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Recipe Overview
Cooking time: 35 minutes; 5 minutes prep, 30 minutes cooking
Kitchen tools: 9×13-inch baking pan
Begin by preheating the oven to 400° F.
Step 1: Toss ingredients in a baking pan and roast
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the tomatoes, zucchini, olive oil, garlic, shallots, basil, chili flakes, salt, pepper and chicken breasts and toss to combine. Roast for 10 minutes and then remove from the oven.


Step 2: Add dry orzo and pesto
In the pan, add the dry orzo and pesto. Pour water over the top and stir with a fork to combine. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until most of the water has evaporated, but not all.

Step 3: Melt the cheese
Remove the dish from the oven, stir the pasta gently with a fork, and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Bake for another 5 minutes, until the cheese has melted, the sauce is bubbling, and the chicken has cooked through. Top with fresh basil.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the orzo has absorbed too much liquid, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water.


One Pan Caprese Pesto Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
- 2-3 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1-2 zucchini thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 shallot chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 thin-cut boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1 lb.
- 1/3 cup fresh basil chopped
- chili flakes tp taste
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups dry orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 2 ½ cups water
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400° F.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the tomatoes, zucchini, olive oil, garlic, shallots, basil, chili flakes, salt, pepper and chicken breasts and toss to combine. Roast for 10 minutes and then remove from the oven.
- In the pan, add the dry orzo and pesto. Pour water over the top and stir with a fork to combine. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until most of the water has evaporated, but not all.
- Remove from the oven, stir the pasta gently with a fork and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese has melted, the sauce is bubbling, and the chicken has cooked through. Top with fresh basil.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions for Caprese Pesto Chicken
Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes, such as couscous, ditalini, or even quinoa. However, cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly.
Traditional basil pesto works perfectly, but you can also experiment with sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for a different flavor profile.
Definitely! Homemade pesto will add a fresh and vibrant flavor to the dish. Just make sure it’s well blended and seasoned to your taste.
Traditional pesto is a sauce that originated in Genoa, Italy, and is usually made with basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, salt, and Parmesan.
More One Pan or One Pot Recipes to Try
- One Pan Chicken and Rice with Zucchini
- Easy One Pan Asparagus and Ham Casserole
- One Pot Pasta with Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Bruschetta Chicken Breast Bake
- One Skillet Mediterranean Lemon Chicken and Orzo
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This recipe is definitely a keeper! The serving for four was enough for at least six. We are having lunch at our church tomorrow and this is what I’m making for the meal.
Hi Linda- it does make generous servings 😍. I’m so glad you enjoyed it and thank you for trying the recipe. Have a wonderful day at church!
This recipe is definitely a keeper! The serving for four was enough for at least six. We are having lunch at our church tomorrow and this is what I’m making for the meal.
We made this for our weekend dinner and it was a hit with everyone!
I’m so glad! Thank you for trying the recipe!