One Pot Italian Chicken And Orzo - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons pesto sauce, divided
1/2 onion, chopped
1 cup sliced carrot
1 cup zucchini, quartered
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 garlic cloves, minced
14 1/2 ounces crushed tomatoes
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Preparation

Heat olive oil in a large NONSTICK pan over medium high heat until very hot. Toss chicken with 1 tablespoon pesto and add to pan along with onions, carrots and zucchini. Saute for three minutes then add red bell pepper, orzo and garlic and cook an additional 2 minutes.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons pesto, chicken broth, chicken bouillon and seasonings. Bring to a simmer, cover and reduce heat to medium low. Simmer for 8-12 minutes, or until vegetables and orzo are tender, stirring every 5 minutes so the orzo doesn't burn, covering pot after each stir.
Stir in Parmesan cheese. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Garnish with fresh Parmesan and parsley (optional).