Try out our Chicken Orzo with Tomatoes & Pesto recipe today! This dish features seared chicken breasts paired with garlicky pesto orzo, sweet cherry tomatoes, and melted mozzarella.

Prep Time 10 Min | Cook Time 40 Min | Serves 4

Ingredients

  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cups orzo pasta
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto sauce
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 20 oz whole cherry tomatoes
  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, chunks
  • 3 tbsp Italian balsamic glaze
  • 4 oz fresh basil leaves
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper

Directions

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through (about 150°F internally). Remove and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the garlic and onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Pour in the chicken stock and stir in the pesto, bringing to a gentle simmer.
  • Stir in the orzo and lemon juice and cook over medium heat for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  • Nestle the seared chicken into the skillet, scatter the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella chunks around them, and transfer to the preheated oven.
  • Bake uncovered for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tomatoes are blistered. Ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
  • Remove from the oven and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
  • Enjoy!

Don’t feel like cooking? Mario’s is not just a meat market. We have an extensive deli and hot bar menu, and breakfast food items, as well! Choose from delicious, hand-made Italian deli specialties that are sure to delight your taste buds, making you come back again and again. Browse Mario’s Italian deli menu here!