Skillet White Pesto Chicken and Orzo Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Skillet White Pesto Chicken and Orzo Recipe because it feels like comfort food with a gourmet twist—and the best part is how easy it comes together in one pan! Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that feels special or a weekend meal that impresses without the fuss, this recipe hits all the right notes with creamy, savory flavors and a bit of fresh herb brightness.

When I first tried making this, I was blown away by how the sun-dried tomatoes and basil pesto created such a flavorful sauce without needing hours of simmering. You’ll find that the orzo soaks up those delicious juices, making it a perfect pairing with tender chicken that’s crispy on the outside and juicy inside. This Skillet White Pesto Chicken and Orzo Recipe quickly became a family favorite in my house—something I turn to when I want a meal that’s impressive but still cozy.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Skillet White Pesto Chicken and Orzo Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients—each one adding a unique texture and flavor layer. When shopping, I suggest grabbing good-quality basil pesto and sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for maximum taste.

• Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes: Draining the oil but reserving a bit adds a subtle richness to the skillet.
• Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs are more forgiving and juicier, but breasts work well too.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to keep the flavors balanced.
• All-purpose flour: Helps create a light crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce slightly.
• Italian seasoning: A quick flavor boost—blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Salted butter: Adds depth to the sauce and helps sauté the garlic and orzo.
• Garlic (chopped): Brings aromatic warmth to the dish.
• Dry orzo pasta: Small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks perfectly in the skillet.
• Chili flakes: Just enough heat to brighten the dish without overwhelming it.
• Chicken broth: Forms the base for cooking the orzo and infuses flavor.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce silky and indulgent.
• Basil pesto: No need for extra herbs—pesto is your concentrated herb and garlic punch.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: For that cheesy, savory finish on top of everything.
• Fresh thyme: Added at the end for garnish and a fresh herbal note.

Variations

I love how versatile this Skillet White Pesto Chicken and Orzo Recipe is—I’ve tried a few twists based on what I have in the fridge or my mood at the moment. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little and make this dish your own.

• Using chicken thighs: I’ve found they stay juicier and add a richer flavor if you want a more rustic feel.
• Adding veggies: Toss in fresh spinach or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for an extra veggie boost that blends perfectly with the sauce.
• Dairy-free adjustment: Swap heavy cream and butter for coconut cream and olive oil—with a bit of nutritional yeast for cheesy notes.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, I add an extra pinch of chili flakes or even a splash of hot sauce.

How to Make Skillet White Pesto Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F—this will get ready to help finish cooking the chicken and orzo together. Meanwhile, drain about 3 tablespoons of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar into a large skillet with sides (a good quality skillet makes a big difference here). Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and set them aside since they’ll add concentrated flavor later on.

Season your boneless chicken breasts or thighs generously with kosher salt and black pepper, then dredge them in all-purpose flour—this helps give your chicken a beautiful golden crust and adds slight thickness to the sauce. Taking these little prep steps upfront sets you up for success in the cooking process.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Place your large skillet with the reserved tomato oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, letting them sizzle and sear undisturbed for 3-5 minutes on each side until you get that gorgeous golden brown crust. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning over the chicken to infuse early flavor while it cooks. When they’re nicely seared, remove the chicken to a plate to rest—you don’t want to overcook it here since it’ll finish cooking in the oven.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Orzo Base

In the same skillet (no need to clean!), add the butter along with another teaspoon of Italian seasoning and the chopped garlic. Sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then toss in the orzo and a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle kick. Stir everything together and cook for about 2 minutes, letting the orzo get lightly golden—it adds a nutty flavor that I really adore.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the broth reduces slightly and the orzo starts getting tender. This part is key to creating a rich, flavorful base for the sauce.

Step 4: Add Cream, Pesto, and Tomatoes, then Bake

Once the orzo is partially cooked, stir in the heavy cream, basil pesto, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Slide your seared chicken pieces back into the skillet—don’t forget to pour any juices from the resting plate in for extra flavor. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the top before transferring the skillet to your preheated oven.

Bake uncovered for about 10 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the chicken finishes cooking through. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken registers an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Warm

Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh thyme over the dish to brighten and add a touch of earthiness. Serve right from the skillet for a rustic feel or transfer to plates for a polished presentation. This dish is best enjoyed hot, with the creamy orzo soaking up all those lovely flavors.

How to Serve Skillet White Pesto Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with fresh thyme sprigs, which add that lovely herby aroma and a pop of green. Sometimes I’ll also sprinkle a little extra freshly grated Parmesan for that cheesy goodness. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil right before serving is another trick I’ve learned that takes the flavor up a notch.

Side Dishes

This skillet meal is pretty filling on its own, but my go-tos for sides include a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread also pairs well if you want to soak up every last bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I serve this right from a rustic cast-iron skillet with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and some lemon wedges on the side for a bright contrast. It makes such a beautiful centerpiece and invites everyone to serve themselves. Another fun way is spooning the chicken and orzo over a bed of arugula for a peppery bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to cool leftovers to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They usually keep well for up to 3 days. The orzo tends to soak up sauce as it sits, so you might want to add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen things up.

Freezing

Freezing this recipe is possible, but I’ve found the texture is best if you freeze the chicken and orzo separately. The sauce can separate slightly when thawed, so stirring well while reheating or adding a little extra cream helps bring it back together.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Adding a splash of broth or water prevents the orzo from drying out, and stirring frequently avoids scorching. You can also reheat it in the oven covered with foil at 325°F until warmed through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Skillet White Pesto Chicken and Orzo Recipe has become one of those “go-to” dishes I trust will delight every single time. It brings together simple ingredients in such a rich, flavorful way that I keep coming back to it—especially when I want to treat my family without spending hours in the kitchen. I hope you’ll enjoy making it just as much as I do; it’s like sharing a little piece of my kitchen with you. Give it a try on your next cozy night at home, and I promise it’ll become one of your favorites too!

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