Creamy Pesto Orzo and Chicken
with Spinach and Peas- Wheat
- Milk
This drool-worthy orzo dish is creamy and luscious without being too heavy handed! It's made even more enticing with a hit of fragrant basil pesto bringing that herbaceous goodness we're looking for and green veggies bringing some balance. A lemon-pepper seasoned chicken breast is perfect to top it all off.
Ingredients
2 unit
Chicken Breasts
1 tbsp
Lemon-Pepper Seasoning
170 g
Orzo
(Contains: Wheat)
56 g
Baby Spinach
¼ cup
Basil Pesto
(Contains: Milk)
¼ cup
Parmesan Cheese, shredded
(Contains: Milk)
1 unit
Garlic, cloves
56 g
Green Peas
Not included in your delivery
0.38 tsp
Salt*
0.06 tsp
Pepper*
½ tbsp
Oil*
1 tbsp
Unsalted Butter*
(Contains: Milk)
Nutrition Values
Utensils
Cooking Steps
Before starting, preheat the oven to 450˚F. Wash and dry all produce. Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. While the pan heats, pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season with salt and half the Lemon-Pepper Seasoning. When hot, add 1/2 tbsp oil (dbl for 4 ppl), then chicken. Sear until golden-brown, 1-2 min per side. Remove the pan from heat, then transfer chicken to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast in the middle of the oven until chicken is cooked through, 12-14 min.** Carefully wipe the pan clean.
Meanwhile, peel, then mince or grate garlic.
Heat the same pan (from step 1) over medium. When hot, add 1 tbsp butter (dbl for 4 ppl), then swirl the pan until melted. Add garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 30 sec. Stir in orzo, remaining Lemon-Pepper Seasoning, 1/4 tsp salt and 2 1/2 cups water (dbl both for 4 ppl). Cover and bring to a boil over high.
Once boiling, uncover and reduce heat to medium. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender, 14-16 min. Add peas to the pan halfway through cooking.
When orzo is tender, add spinach to the pan. Cook, stirring often, until wilted, 1-2 min. Add three-quarters of the Parmesan. Cook, stirring often, until Parmesan melts, 1 min. Remove the pan from heat. Stir in pesto, then season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Thinly slice chicken. Divide orzo between plates. Top with chicken, then sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.
Customer reviews
Review summary
Updated on Feb 2026- Flavor: Many enjoyed the creamy, flavorful orzo, though some found it needed more seasoning or acidity to balance the richness.
- Ease of prep: Customers appreciated the simple instructions and quick cooking time, making it a convenient weeknight meal.
- Suggestions: Consider adding lemon juice or zest to brighten the dish; some preferred less pesto or more Parmesan cheese.
- Portions: Several reviewers mentioned small portion sizes, particularly for the chicken and peas.
- Texture: Cook the orzo with slightly less water for a firmer consistency; some found it too mushy.
