Deliciously Easy One Pan Baked Pesto Orzo with Chicken Meatballs

Pesto pasta dishes are beloved for their vibrant flavors and easy preparation.

Home cooks increasingly seek streamlined recipes that minimize kitchen cleanup and maximize taste.

One-pan meals have become a popular solution for busy families seeking delicious and efficient dinner options.

The combination of tender orzo, aromatic pesto, and juicy chicken meatballs creates a comforting and satisfying meal that appeals to multiple palates.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly in this simple yet elegant culinary creation.

Weeknight dinners can transform from mundane to memorable with this clever and delectable recipe approach.

Why You’ll Love One Pan Baked Pesto Orzo With Chicken Meatballs

• Quick and Easy One-Pot Meal: Streamline your cooking with this hassle-free recipe that requires minimal cleanup, using just one skillet from stovetop to oven for a delicious dinner.
• Packed with Flavor Bursts: Combine zesty pesto, tangy lemon, aromatic herbs, and creamy mozzarella to create a mouthwatering dish that delivers complex taste in every single bite.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Perfect for picky eaters and busy families, these chicken meatballs nestled in creamy orzo provide a balanced meal that kids and adults will both love without complicated preparation steps.
• Nutritious and Satisfying Dinner: Loaded with protein from chicken, vegetables from zucchini and mushrooms, and balanced carbohydrates, this recipe offers a wholesome meal that keeps everyone full and energized.

One Pan Baked Pesto Orzo With Chicken Meatballs Ingredient List

• Ground Chicken: A lean protein base for tender, juicy meatballs with subtle flavor complexity.
• Egg: Helps bind meatball ingredients together and adds richness.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides creamy melting texture and mild dairy notes.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty finishing flavor to the dish.

• Breadcrumbs: Creates structure and helps hold meatballs together.
• Pesto: Offers herbaceous flavor and moisture to both meatballs and orzo.
• Lemon Zest: Adds bright, citrusy undertone to enhance overall taste.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers consistent background garlic flavor.

• Zucchini: Provides moisture and subtle vegetable nutrition to meatballs.
• Mushrooms: Adds earthy depth and umami character to the dish.
• Fresh Garlic: Brings intense, aromatic flavor profile.
• Fresh Basil: Offers fresh, herbal garnish and brightness.

• Chicken Broth: Creates rich, savory cooking liquid for orzo.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and helps cook orzo.
• Olive Oil: Facilitates browning and adds subtle fruity undertone.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides traditional herb blend complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and spice.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavors.

Easy Instructions For One Pan Baked Pesto Orzo With Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Prep the Zucchini

Preheat oven to 400°F. Grab a zucchini and shred it completely. Use a paper towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out all the moisture until the zucchini is super dry.

Step 2: Create Juicy Meatballs

• Shredded zucchini
• Ground chicken
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Pesto
• Lemon zest
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Pepper

Gently mix everything and shape into 16 perfectly round meatballs.

Step 3: Sear Golden Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully brown meatballs on all sides until they develop a beautiful golden crust, about 6 minutes total. Transfer meatballs to a separate plate.

Step 4: Sauté Mushroom Magic

Add another splash of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Cook until they turn a deep, rich brown, around 5-8 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aromatic flavors.

Step 5: Build Creamy Orzo Base

• Milk
• Pesto
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Italian seasoning

Add orzo and mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Nestle the browned meatballs into the orzo mixture. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

Step 7: Finish and Garnish

Pull the skillet out of the oven. Scatter fresh basil leaves, dust with Parmesan cheese, and sprinkle red pepper flakes. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the incredible flavors!

Tips To Nail One Pan Baked Pesto Orzo With Chicken Meatballs

• Squeeze Zucchini Thoroughly: Remove excess moisture completely to prevent soggy meatballs and ensure a perfect texture that holds together beautifully during cooking.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize red pepper flakes and seasonings to match your heat preference, creating a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste buds.
• Choose Quality Pesto: Select a fresh, high-quality pesto for maximum flavor impact, which will elevate the entire dish's taste and aromatic quality.
• Prevent Orzo Sticking: Stir orzo occasionally during baking to distribute liquid evenly and prevent clumping or burning at the bottom of the skillet.
• Select Lean Chicken: Use ground chicken with moderate fat content to keep meatballs moist without becoming greasy or dry during the baking process.

How To Store One Pan Baked Pesto Orzo With Chicken Meatballs

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Microwave Reheating: Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of chicken broth or water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread leftovers in a baking dish, add a splash of broth, cover with foil. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated thoroughly. Uncover last 2-3 minutes to crisp the top.
• Freezing Option: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating using microwave or oven method.

Best Sides For One Pan Baked Pesto Orzo With Chicken Meatballs

• Pair with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Select a bright, zesty white wine that cuts through the richness of the pesto and cheese, complementing the chicken meatballs' herbal notes.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Crostini: Create crunchy garlic-rubbed toasted bread slices to add textural contrast and soak up the delicious sauce from the one-pan dish.
• Create Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss a light, peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy orzo and provide a refreshing side that enhances the meal's overall flavor profile.
• Offer Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: Quickly roast cherry tomatoes with olive oil and herbs to add a burst of sweetness and acidity that brightens the dish's Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.

One Pan Baked Pesto Orzo With Chicken Meatballs Flavor Swaps

• Vegetarian Protein Option: Replace chicken meatballs with plant-based meatballs made from lentils, mushrooms, or tofu, maintaining similar seasonings and texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour, and use gluten-free orzo or quinoa as a pasta substitute.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute orzo with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the dish's flavor profile intact.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese, and replace milk with unsweetened almond or coconut milk for a lighter, lactose-free meal.

FAQs On One Pan Baked Pesto Orzo With Chicken Meatballs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken for the meatballs?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute. The flavor and texture will be very similar, making it an easy swap for those who prefer turkey or have it on hand.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, which you can adjust to your preference. You can reduce or completely omit the red pepper flakes if you want a non-spicy version.

• Do I need a special skillet for this recipe?

An oven-safe skillet is crucial for this one-pan method. Cast iron or stainless steel skillets work best, as they can go directly from stovetop to oven without transferring ingredients.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the meatballs and orzo mixture earlier in the day. Just keep them separate and combine just before baking to maintain the best texture and prevent the orzo from becoming soggy.

Effortless One Pan Baked Pesto Orzo with Chicken Meatballs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mediterranean-inspired One Pan Baked Pesto Orzo with Chicken Meatballs delivers a symphony of fresh herbs and tender protein. Comforting Italian flavors blend seamlessly, creating a quick weeknight meal that delights your palate with minimal cleanup.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 1 lb ground chicken (or turkey)
• 1 large egg

Meatball Seasonings and Additives

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
• 2 tablespoons basil pesto
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Black pepper, to taste
• Zest of 1 lemon

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 small to medium zucchini, shredded & squeezed dry
• 1 lb baby bella mushrooms, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Cooking Ingredients

• 13 tablespoons (12 + 1) extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• ⅓ cup basil pesto
• 1 lb uncooked orzo
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cheese and Garnish

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup fresh basil, julienned
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Red pepper flakes, for spice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 400°F (200°C) and ready a large oven-safe skillet for cooking.
2. Process the zucchini by grating and thoroughly removing excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
3. Create the chicken meatballs by combining zucchini with ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, pesto, lemon zest, herbs, spices, and seasonings in a mixing bowl.
4. Gently form the mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs, ensuring they are compact and well-shaped.
5. Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium-high temperature and carefully brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a golden exterior, approximately 6 minutes total.
6. Transfer the browned meatballs to a separate plate and use the same skillet to sauté mushrooms with salt and pepper until they caramelize and turn golden brown.
7. Add minced garlic to the mushrooms and cook briefly to release its aromatic flavors.
8. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
9. Incorporate milk, pesto, lemon zest, lemon juice, additional seasonings, and orzo into the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
10. Carefully nestle the pre-browned meatballs into the orzo mixture, ensuring even distribution.
11. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender and cooked through.
12. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to create a melted, golden crust.
13. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor and visual appeal.
14. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this one-pan meal.

Notes

• Maximize zucchini moisture removal by using clean kitchen towels or pressing firmly to prevent soggy meatballs.
• Experiment with ground turkey or lean beef as alternative protein options for diverse dietary preferences.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko.
• Enhance meal prep by preparing meatballs and measuring ingredients ahead of time for faster cooking process.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg