Creamy Pesto Chicken & Orzo

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients

   Fill a medium pot 3/4 of the way up with salted water; cover and heat to boiling on high. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Peel the carrots; halve lengthwise, then slice crosswise. Halve the tomatoes. Peel and roughly chop 2 cloves of garlic. In a bowl, combine the pesto and mayonnaise. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired.

2. Cook the vegetables

   In a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the sliced carrots in an even layer. Cook, without stirring, 4 to 6 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add the halved tomatoes and chopped garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes, or until softened. Transfer to a bowl and cover with foil to keep warm. Wipe out the pan.

3. Cook the pasta

   Meanwhile, add the pasta to the pot of boiling water. Cook, stirring occasionally, 7 to 9 minutes, or until al dente. Turn off the heat. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot.

4. Cook the chicken

   Pat the chicken dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper. In the same pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned chicken in an even layer. Cook, without stirring 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add the currants, capers, and as much of the red pepper flakes as you'd like, depending on how spicy you'd like the dish to be. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Turn off the heat.

5. Finish the pasta & serve your dish

   To the pot of cooked pasta, add the cooked vegetables and a drizzle of olive oil; stir to combine. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve the cooked chicken over the finished pasta. Drizzle with the creamy pesto. Enjoy!