Pesto Chicken with Orzo Meal Prep Bowl Recipe
This Pesto Chicken with Orzo Meal Prep Bowl is a simple, flavorful, and nutritious dish perfect for meal prepping. Featuring tender bite-sized chicken breast pieces baked with orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, and vibrant pesto sauce, this recipe yields four individual servings that can be enjoyed throughout the week. The addition of cottage cheese adds a creamy texture and extra protein, making it a well-rounded meal that's both comforting and convenient.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Meal Prep, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Protein and Dairy
- 1.25 lbs Chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 4 tbsp Cottage cheese (optional)
Grains and Pasta
- 1 1/3 cups Orzo pasta
Vegetables
- 3/4 cup Cherry tomatoes
Liquids and Sauces
- 1/2 cup Pesto sauce
- 3 cups Chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease four 4-cup glass meal prep containers and arrange them on a large baking sheet to prepare for baking.
- Layer the orzo: Divide 1 1/3 cups of orzo evenly among the four containers by measuring 1/3 cup of orzo in each. Spread the orzo evenly as the base layer.
- Add the chicken: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Equally distribute the chicken into the containers, aiming for roughly 4 to 5 ounces of chicken per bowl.
- Incorporate pesto: Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of pesto sauce into each bowl over the chicken and orzo.
- Add tomatoes and broth, then mix: Add a handful of cherry tomatoes to each container. Pour 3/4 cup of chicken broth into each bowl. Gently stir the mixture in each bowl so that the chicken, orzo, tomatoes, and pesto are thoroughly combined and coated.
- Bake the meal prep bowls: Place the baking sheet with the containers into the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the orzo is tender yet al dente.
- Rest and add cottage cheese: Remove the containers from the oven and allow them to rest for 5 to 7 minutes. After resting, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese into each bowl if using; this adds creaminess and extra protein.
- Store for later: Cover the bowls with lids and refrigerate them. These meal prep bowls are perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Notes
- Chicken breast should be cut into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Pesto can be homemade or store-bought; adjust quantity to taste but keep within 1/2 cup total.
- Cottage cheese is optional but recommended for added creaminess and protein boost.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- These meal prep bowls keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
