Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe

Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet is a delightful, one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, creamy ricotta sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 cups orzo pasta
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup peas

Preparation

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Thinly slice the chicken breasts.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the chicken slices and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Cooking the Orzo:

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Sauté the onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Recipe Steps

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Return the chicken to the skillet with the orzo.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat and simmer until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, about 10 minutes.

Adding the Orzo:

1. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 5 minutes.
2. Ensure the mixture is creamy and the orzo is fully cooked.

Making the Creamy Sauce

Preparing the Ricotta Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese.
2. Stir the cheese mixture into the skillet.

Adjusting Consistency and Flavor:

1. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding more cream or chicken broth if needed.
2. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Combining Everything

Incorporating Chicken and Orzo:

1. Mix the cooked chicken and orzo thoroughly with the creamy sauce.
2. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Adding the Sauce:

1. Ensure the sauce evenly coats the chicken and orzo.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.

Serving Suggestions

What to Serve Alongside:

1. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables make a great accompaniment.
2. Serve with a slice of crusty bread or garlic bread.

Beverage Pairings:

1. Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
2. A light, refreshing lemonade or iced tea complements the dish well.

Tips for Success

Keeping the Chicken Tender:

1. Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
2. Consider marinating the chicken for extra flavor and tenderness.

Perfecting the Creamy Sauce:

1. Whisk the ricotta cheese well to achieve a smooth sauce.
2. Add extra Parmesan cheese to thicken the sauce if needed.

Variations

Vegetarian Option:

1. Substitute chicken with vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower.
2. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Spicy Version:

1. Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add chopped jalapeños.
2. A dash of hot sauce can also add a nice kick.

Storage Tips

How to Store Leftovers:

1. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:

1. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain the creamy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I Use a Different Cheese?
   • Yes, you can use cream cheese or mascarpone as a substitute for ricotta.
2. How Long Does This Dish Stay Fresh?
   • It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. What Can I Substitute for Orzo?
   • Small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous can be used as substitutes.
4. Can This Be Made Ahead?
   • Yes, you can prepare the components ahead and combine them when ready to serve.

Yield: 4

Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe

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Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet is a delightful, one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, creamy ricotta sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it's sure to become a favorite in your household.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• for the chicken:
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• for the orzo:
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 large shallot halved and thinly sliced
• 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms thinly sliced
• 4 cups baby spinach packed
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• Zest of ½ lemon
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¾ cup whole milk ricotta cheese (sub dairy-free ricotta for dairy-free; I like Kite Hill brand)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (omit for dairy-free or use dairy-free cheese)
• ¼ cup thinly sliced basil leaves for serving

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375℉.

brown the chicken:

• Heat the oil in a large, oven safe skillet (I use a 3.5 qt braiser) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes and toss to combine. Spread the chicken into a single layer and cook, tossing occasionally until the chicken is golden brown. It doesn’t have to be fully cooked, as it will continue to cook in the oven, but you want a nice color to it. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

cook the orzo:

• Add the garlic, shallot, and mushrooms and continue to cook, tossing occasionally, until the mushrooms begin to soften and the shallots are tender, about 4 minutes.
• Reduce heat to medium, add the baby spinach and cook, gently tossing, until just wilted, about 2 minutes.
• Add the white wine and cook until reduced by half, about 2 minutes.
• Add the orzo and toss to combine. Add the broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and ricotta cheese and stir until well combined. Bring to a simmer and add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss until well combined then spread the contents of the skillet into a single layer. Sprinkle the top with the mozzarella.
• Transfer to the oven and bake until the orzo is cooked through and tender and the cheese and brown and bubbly, about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the sauce to settle and thicken even further.

to serve:

• Top with basil, serve and enjoy!