Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet is a delicious one-pan wonder perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken breasts are cooked to golden perfection and served atop creamy, cheesy orzo packed with spinach, ricotta, and Parmesan. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this easy dish will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the orzo pasta and stir for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the ricotta cheese, spinach, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Mix until creamy and well combined. Season with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the orzo mixture.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Variation
- Swap Spinach for Kale or Arugula
Kale or arugula can be great substitutes if you’re looking for a heartier or peppery flavor. Just chop them finely and stir them in, allowing the residual heat to wilt them gently. - Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes
For an extra burst of flavor, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes when you stir in the ricotta. They’ll bring a tangy, slightly sweet taste that complements the creamy base beautifully. - Use Whole-Wheat Orzo
If you’re aiming for a healthier twist, swap regular orzo for whole-wheat orzo. It adds more fiber and a slightly nuttier flavor to the dish.
Cooking Notes
- For added flavor, sprinkle a little red pepper flakes before serving.
- You can swap out spinach for kale or arugula if preferred.
- For a tangy twist, try adding a splash of lemon juice before garnishing.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a Crisp Green Salad
Serve this creamy skillet dish alongside a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The acidity from the dressing balances out the richness of the orzo perfectly. - Add a Side of Garlic Bread
A warm, crispy slice of garlic bread or baguette is ideal for scooping up the creamy orzo. The added crunch contrasts beautifully with the soft textures in the dish. - Top with Lemon Zest
Just before serving, grate a little fresh lemon zest over the top. The citrusy brightness cuts through the richness and elevates the overall flavor profile.
Tips
- Preheat the Skillet Properly
Make sure the skillet is properly preheated before adding the chicken. This helps in creating a golden-brown crust and locks in the juices, keeping the chicken tender. - Don’t Overcook the Orzo
Be careful not to overcook the orzo, as it can turn mushy. Check it a minute or two before the suggested cooking time and remove it from heat when it’s al dente. It will continue to absorb liquid as it rests. - Garnish Generously
Fresh basil adds both a pop of color and a fragrant touch. You can also sprinkle additional Parmesan on top for extra cheesy goodness.
Prep Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 43g
- Sodium: 580 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, so check for doneness a few minutes earlier. - What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
You can replace ricotta with cream cheese for a richer, tangier flavor or cottage cheese for a lighter option. Just ensure it’s blended well to achieve a creamy texture. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point where the chicken is cooked and the orzo is mixed with the ricotta. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, then reheat gently before serving. - How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This variation is just as hearty and delicious.
Conclusion
Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet is the ultimate comfort food with its creamy texture, savory chicken, and tender orzo pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this one-pan wonder is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Try it with different variations and serving suggestions to keep things exciting, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil for that final touch of freshness!
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Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet is a delicious one-pan wonder perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken breasts are cooked to golden perfection and served atop creamy, cheesy orzo packed with spinach, ricotta, and Parmesan. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this easy dish will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the orzo pasta and stir for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the ricotta cheese, spinach, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Mix until creamy and well combined. Season with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the orzo mixture.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, sprinkle a little red pepper flakes before serving.
- You can swap out spinach for kale or arugula if preferred.
- For a tangy twist, try adding a splash of lemon juice before garnishing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with orzo
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: creamy ricotta chicken, orzo skillet, one-pan dinner, easy weeknight meal, family dinner