Pesto Chicken and Rice One Pot is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, aromatic pesto, and wholesome rice, all cooked in a single pot for ultimate convenience. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe not only saves time on cleanup but also infuses your meal with vibrant flavors and colorful ingredients. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a cozy gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its mouthwatering taste and appealing presentation.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 480
- Protein: 33 grams
- Carbohydrates: 43 grams
- Fat: 20 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 650 mg
Why Make This Pesto Chicken and Rice One Pot
There are countless reasons to make this Pesto Chicken and Rice One Pot. Not only is it ridiculously easy to prepare, but it also packs in a ton of flavor from the pesto sauce. The juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh veggies meld together in one pan, making the cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s a perfect dish to customize—add your favorite vegetables, or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. With such convenience and deliciousness, it’s hard to resist!
How to Make Pesto Chicken and Rice One Pot
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Mixing
Stir in the rice and allow it to cook for another 2 minutes. This helps the rice toast slightly, enhancing its flavor.
Step 3: Cooking
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
Step 4: Finishing
Stir in the pesto, cherry tomatoes, and spinach until everything is well combined and the spinach is wilted. Serve warm, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How to Serve Pesto Chicken and Rice One Pot
This dish can be served immediately after cooking, making it a quick and delicious option for any meal. For a festive touch, serve it alongside a simple side salad or garlic bread. A sprinkle of pine nuts or additional Parmesan cheese makes a lovely garnish and adds texture.
How to Store Pesto Chicken and Rice One Pot
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent the rice from drying out.
Expert Tips for Perfect Pesto Chicken and Rice One Pot
- Chicken: For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in some pesto before cooking.
- Pesto: Use homemade pesto for a fresh taste, or store-bought for convenience.
- Rice: If you prefer brown rice, adjust the cooking time accordingly, as it requires a bit longer to cook.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to toss in other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Serving: This dish is perfectly suitable for meal prep. Portion it into containers for quick lunches throughout the week.
Delicious Variations
- Mediterranean Style: Add olives and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
- Creamy Version: Stir in some cream cheese or heavy cream for a richer texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even cooking. -
What kind of rice should I use?
Long-grain white rice works best, but you can use brown rice or jasmine rice as alternatives with slight adjustments to cooking time. -
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. -
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming. -
What can I serve with this dish?
A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or a light vinaigrette complement this dish nicely.
Conclusion
Pesto Chicken and Rice One Pot is a cheerful explosion of flavors that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. This easy-to-make recipe combines the richness of pesto with fresh ingredients, resulting in a meal that’s satisfying and delicious. Give it a try, and enjoy a hearty, homemade dish that’s ready in just 35 minutes. Your family will love it!
Print
Pesto Chicken and Rice One Pot
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Healthy
Description
A delightful one-pot dish featuring tender chicken, aromatic pesto, and wholesome rice, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the rice and allow it to cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes.
- Stir in the pesto, cherry tomatoes, and spinach until combined. Serve warm, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
