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Corner view of baked Caprese Pesto Chicken on a spatula for serving with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.
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One Pan Caprese Pesto Chicken Orzo

Make weeknight dinner heaven with this delicious one-pan Caprese Pesto Chicken Orzo. Ready in just over 30 minutes, it's perfect for Mediterranean flavor cravings.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 404kcal
Author: Stephanie Wilson

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.

Notes

  1. Pesto: Use your favorite basil pesto — homemade or store-bought both work well in this recipe.
  2. Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs may be used; thighs will produce a slightly richer result.
  3. Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella pearls or shredded mozzarella can be used depending on preference.
  4. Add-ins: Baby spinach or arugula can be stirred in just before serving for added color and freshness.
  5. Storage: Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutrition

Calories: 404kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 471mg | Potassium: 573mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1007IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 203mg | Iron: 1mg