This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.

This simple Skillet White Pesto Chicken and Orzo is the perfect winter dinner. Quick, easy, and so delicious! Pan-seared Italian seasoned chicken in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Cooked together with orzo pasta for a quick dinner made in one skillet. Everyone at the dinner table loves this dish. It’s great for a weeknight but fancy enough to serve up at your next holiday dinner. It’s a hit all around!

Skillet White Pesto Marry Me Chicken and Orzo | halfbakedharvest.com

December is always the craziest month. It’s my favorite month of the year but also the busiest. And this December has been a lot. But I’m so thankful for it and loving every second of the chaos!

On top of multiple work trips and my day-to-day schedule, there’s been holiday fun, and most of my brothers are now in town. My parent’s house is once again full! Per usual, this means they’re all looking for dinner. I always try to have simple recipes like this skillet chicken on rotation this time of year! Easy dinners are key to keeping everyone happy and well-fed!

Skillet White Pesto Marry Me Chicken and Orzo | halfbakedharvest.com

Lately, everyone has requested the recipe I shared for Smothered Chicken a few months ago. They love that dish, especially the creamy sauce.

When I set out to make this, I used that recipe as my base. But then I turned it into a quick-cooking spicy Italian dinner with lots of delicious basil pesto in the mix!

Skillet White Pesto Marry Me Chicken and Orzo | halfbakedharvest.com

Here are the details

Step 1: the sun-dried tomatoes

Start with the sun-dried tomatoes. I love using a jar of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes. Not only are the tomatoes delicious, but I also use the oil from the jar to cook the chicken. The oil is always seasoned, so it adds even more flavor. Just make sure it’s extra virgin olive oil.

Most people will discard the oil, but you must use it! It adds a lot of flavor to recipes.

Skillet White Pesto Marry Me Chicken and Orzo | halfbakedharvest.com

Step 2: season and sear the chicken.

Sear the chicken with salt and pepper. Then, take each piece and dip it through some flour. The flour gives the chicken a coating for the yummy sauce to stick to. Additionally, the flour on the chicken will help to thicken the sauce.

Pan-sear the chicken in the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar. Then, just before pulling the chicken out of the skillet, sprinkle each piece with Italian seasoning.

It’s a delicious mix and makes the chicken very flavorful.

Skillet White Pesto Marry Me Chicken and Orzo | halfbakedharvest.com

Step 3: the orzo

When you pull the chicken out, add the orzo and some garlic. Then toss in some butter too. Let the butter toast around the dry 0rzo and add the chicken broth and cream.

Then mix in the pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and the chicken.

Skillet White Pesto Marry Me Chicken and Orzo | halfbakedharvest.com

Step 4: bake

Next, add the parmesan cheese and take the whole skillet and put it in the oven to finish baking.

It’s going to smell wonderful as you pull the skillet out of the oven. Like your favorite Italian restaurant!

This dish is everything you’d expect out of a multi-step recipe, but made in way less than an hour. Plus, everything is made in one pot. Simple, simple – and we love that.

You can serve this up on busy weeknights, but I think it’s equally great for holiday dinners with friends and family. I’m sure I’ll be remaking this over the holidays; we’re having a very special Christmas this year.

Skillet White Pesto Marry Me Chicken and Orzo | halfbakedharvest.com

Looking for winter pasta recipes? Here are a few ideas: 

Pesto Tortellini Zuppa Toscana

Creamy Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Pasta

One Pot French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto

Basil Parmesan Pasta with Crispy Chicken, Prosciutto, and Arugula

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Lastly, if you make this Skillet White Pesto Chicken and Orzo, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And, of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

@halfbakedharvest

A better chicken dinner #skillet #pesto #marryme #chicken #oneskilletmeals #halfbakedharvest #foodtok #chickenrecipes #easydinners

♬ At Last – Etta James

Skillet White Pesto Chicken and Orzo

Author: Tieghan Gerard
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 437 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

SavePrintEmail

Ingredients

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 400° F. Drain 3 tablespoons of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar into a large skillet with sides. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and set aside.
    2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add the flour to a shallow bowl. Dredge the chicken through the flour and toss to coat.
    3. Set the skillet with oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear on both sides until golden, 3-5 minutes per side. Sprinkle the chicken with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Remove the chicken from the skillet to a plate.
    4. To the same skillet, add the butter, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, garlic, orzo, and season with chili flakes. Cook until lightly golden, 2 minutes. Add the broth. Bring to a boil, cook for 3-5 minutes, then add the cream, pesto, and sun-dried tomatoes. Slide the chicken and any juices left on the plate back into the skillet. Sprinkle over the parmesan. Transfer to the oven and cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling around the chicken.
    5. Serve the chicken, orzo, and sauce topped with thyme. YUM.

Notes

Italian Seasoning: Mix 2 tablespoons dried basil, 2 tablespoons dried oregano, 2 teaspoons dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, and 1 teaspoon dried sage. Store in a sealed container.
View Recipe Comments
Skillet White Pesto Marry Me Chicken and Orzo | halfbakedharvest.com
4.89 from 176 votes (82 ratings without comment)

Add a Comment

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

    1. Hey Jennifer,
      Happy Wednesday! I appreciate you giving this recipe a try and your comment, so glad it turned out nicely for you! x

      Reply

  2. 5 stars
    I made this for my family, and it was a huge hit. Everyone asked for this recipe to be added to the rotation. Thank you!!!

    Reply

  3. 5 stars
    This was the second time I made this – it’s a great recipe! This time I added sliced / sauteed zucchini (slightly under cooked so it would finish in the oven). Spinach would be great too!

    Reply

    1. Hey D,
      Awesome! So glad to hear you have been enjoying this recipe, thanks a lot for making it! xT

      Reply

  4. 5 stars
    Made this tonight and it was hit all around. They all cleaned their plates, went back for seconds and polished off the whole pan. I even saw my son licking his plate at one point.

    Reply

    1. Hi Ashley,
      I appreciate you making this recipe and your comment, so glad it was enjoyed! Have a great weekend! Xx

      Reply

  5. 5 stars
    Delicious! I made my own pesto following the recipe in one of the HBH cookbooks and also added spinach before baking. I will definitely be making this again!!!

    Reply

    1. Hey Paige,
      Happy Friday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it and your comment! Xx

      Reply

  6. 5 stars
    I think I have already commented on this one but I just have to say that it’s my all time favourite. Can’t make this recipe enough. I probably make it about two times a week it’s that good and so simple and easy to make. I usually add mushrooms if I have them on hand.

    Reply

    1. Hey Erna,
      Wonderful! I am so glad to hear that this recipe is always enjoyed and appreciate you making it so often and your feedback! xT

      Reply

  7. We love this recipe! I would like to take it as a freezer meal to a friend. Does it freeze well and would you fully cook it first and then put it in the freezer? Thanks!

    Reply

    1. Hey Lauren,
      So glad you have been enjoying this recipe! Yes, I would fully cook it and then freeze. Your friend can reheat in the oven while it is covered. I hope this helps! xx

      Reply

    1. Hi Shane,
      Sure, I don’t see why not. I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xx

      Reply

    1. Hey Elizabeth,
      Wonderful!! Love to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks for trying it! Have a great Sunday! xx

      Reply

    1. Hi Grace,
      Arborio rice is going to work best for you here:) Let me if you have any other questions, I hope you love this recipe! xT

      Reply

  14. I’m making this for my boyfriend’s friends next week and I am trying to figure out a way to work in a vegetable or one that would be a good side. Any idea?

    Reply