Introducing a delicious one-pan meal that will impress your taste buds: Lemon Pesto Chicken and Orzo Pasta! This dish is perfect for busy individuals who want a hearty, flavorful home-cooked meal that feels indulgent without the hassle. We are always looking for simple ways to add vibrant flavors for meal prep, and this recipe is a great way to do it!
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Calories: 730kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 113mg | Sodium: 934mg | Potassium: 820mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 6428IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 127mg | Iron: 4mg
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try:
- Decadent Flavors: The lemon pesto marinade adds a bright, zesty punch to tender chicken thighs, perfectly balanced with the sweetness of honey and a hint of red vinegar. Combined with the savory orzo pasta, it’s a symphony of flavors in every bite.
- One-Pan Wonder: With minimal cleanup, this dish lets you spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen.
- Nutritious and Satisfying: The baby spinach brings a boost of vitamins, while the orzo pasta adds a satisfying heartiness to the meal.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: With just a handful of simple ingredients, this dish brings a gourmet feel to your dinner table, ideal for those craving something spe
Balanced and Flavorful Ingredients:
- Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are juicy, tender, and rich in flavor, making them the ideal protein for this dish. Their higher fat content compared to chicken breasts ensures they stay moist even after pan-frying. The chicken also soaks up the vibrant lemon pesto marinade beautifully, creating a flavorful, succulent bite.
- Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Sauce: The star of the marinade, Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Sauce, brings bright citrus notes and herby goodness. The lemon adds a refreshing zing and aromatic base. It gives the chicken a bold, zesty flavor that complements the orzo pasta and ties the dish together.
- Red Vinegar: Red vinegar adds a slight tanginess that balances the richness of the chicken thighs and the pesto sauce. The acidity cuts through the fat, brightening the overall flavor profile and ensuring the dish doesn’t feel too heavy.
- Honey: A tablespoon of honey adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tangy and savory elements of the dish. It helps mellow out the sharpness of the vinegar and adds a touch of caramelization when pan-frying the chicken, enhancing the depth of flavor.
- Orzo Pasta: Orzo pasta is a great base for this meal. Its small, rice-like shape allows it to absorb the flavors of the lemon pesto sauce, while its slightly chewy texture provides a satisfying contrast to the tender chicken. Orzo also adds heartiness to the dish, making it a complete meal.
- Shallot: Shallots have a delicate, sweet onion flavor that brings depth to the dish without overpowering it. When sautéed, they caramelize slightly, adding a subtle sweetness that complements the tangy pesto and acidity from the tomatoes.
- Roma Tomato: The diced Roma tomato adds freshness and juiciness to the dish. Its slightly acidic and sweet flavor enhances the brightness of the lemon pesto while providing a burst of color and moisture. Roma tomatoes also have a firm texture that holds up well during sautéing, ensuring they add substance without becoming mushy.
- Baby Spinach: Baby spinach is a nutrient-packed addition that adds a beautiful pop of green to the dish. Its mild flavor and tender texture blend seamlessly with the orzo and pesto sauce. When wilted, spinach adds a light earthiness, balancing the richness of the chicken and orzo while boosting the dish’s overall nutrition.
- Microgreens or Herbs (Optional Garnish): Microgreens or fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme are the perfect garnish for this dish. They add a fresh, vibrant finish, enhancing the overall presentation and providing a final burst of herbaceous flavor that complements the lemon pesto and other ingredients.
Quick and Easy Recipe Steps:
- Marinate the Chicken: Mix together Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto sauce, red vinegar, honey, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Coat the chicken thighs with the marinade and let them soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
- Prepare the Orzo Pasta: While the chicken marinates, boil the dried orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Shallots and Tomatoes: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add thinly sliced shallots and diced Roma tomato, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until softened.
- Mix in the Pasta and Spinach: Add the cooked orzo pasta and 1 tablespoon of lemon pesto sauce, stirring until well combined. Toss in the baby spinach and cook until just wilted. Remove the pasta mixture from the pan.
- Cook the Chicken: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Pan-fry the marinated chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes on each side until fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the chicken alongside the vibrant orzo pasta. Top with microgreens or your favorite fresh herbs for a finishing touch.
Reference the recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Meal Prep Recipe Tips
- Double the Recipe: Batch-cook this recipe by doubling the ingredients. You can easily portion it out into containers for ready-made lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Marinate Ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before or on the weekend, so it’s ready to go when you’re cooking. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be.
- Pre-Cook the Orzo: Boil the orzo pasta ahead of time and store it separately from the chicken. Toss it in a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and then mix it with the sautéed veggies when you’re ready to eat.
- Side Salad: Pair this meal with a light side salad. A simple mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette would add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken and orzo.
- Greek Yogurt Sauce: A cool, creamy Greek yogurt sauce or tzatziki can be a nice addition to add a tangy contrast. Simply mix Greek yogurt with lemon juice, garlic, and chopped cucumber for a quick and easy dip.
- Protein Swaps: If you prefer a leaner cut, boneless chicken breasts can be swapped in place of thighs. Just be mindful of cooking times to prevent drying out. For a lighter option, pan-seared shrimp pairs beautifully with lemon pesto. Marinate and cook the shrimp for just 2-3 minutes per side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use if I can’t find Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Sauce?
If Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Sauce isn’t available, you can make a quick lemon pesto at home using traditional pesto (basil, garlic, Parmesan, and pine nuts) and adding fresh lemon juice and zest to it. Alternatively, use any good-quality store-bought pesto and add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs. Chicken breasts are leaner, so be careful not to overcook them. Cook the breasts for about 4-5 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F
How do I prevent the orzo pasta from sticking together?
After cooking and draining the orzo, toss it in a little olive oil to prevent sticking. You can also rinse it briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process and further reduce sticking if you’re preparing it in advance.
Quick Lemon Pesto Chicken and Orzo Pasta
Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
Orzo Pasta
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition