The Ultimate Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe

Whipping up a delightful ricotta chicken and orzo skillet promises comfort on a busy weeknight.

Layers of tender chicken blend seamlessly with soft pasta and rich cheese.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your plate with each carefully crafted bite.

Creamy textures invite you to savor every morsel of this simple yet elegant meal.

Home cooking reaches new heights when ingredients collaborate so beautifully.

Weeknight dinners can sparkle with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

This recipe will become your secret weapon for impressing dinner companions without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet Stays in the Rotation

• Whip Up Effortless Comfort: This one-skillet meal eliminates multiple cooking dishes, making cleanup a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Create Nutrient-Packed Goodness: Packed with protein from chicken, calcium from ricotta, and vitamins from spinach, this recipe delivers balanced nutrition in every delicious bite.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like using kale instead of spinach or adding different herbs to match your taste preferences and pantry availability.
• Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: Perfect for fast dinner solutions that feel gourmet but require minimal culinary skills, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in under half an hour.

Ingredients of Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet

• Chicken: Tender protein base for the dish.
• Orzo Pasta: Small rice-shaped pasta that creates the base.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and soft cheese for richness.
• Spinach: Fresh green vegetable for added nutrition.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Smooth and rich ingredients for creamy texture.

• Onion, Garlic: Flavorful base for building depth.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Classic spice blend for enhancing chicken flavor.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Ingredients for sautéing and adding flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Cooking liquid for orzo pasta.

• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Optional herbs for final touch and freshness.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Orzo Skillet Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Chicken Dancing in the Pan

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Drop seasoned chicken into the pan with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken turns golden and reaches perfect doneness, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 2: Aromatic Flavor Explosion

In the same skillet, welcome chopped onion and garlic. Let them dance and sizzle for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and release their magical fragrance.

Step 3: Orzo Transformation

Introduce orzo pasta to the skillet, allowing it to toast briefly. Pour chicken broth over the pasta, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently. Stir occasionally during the 8-10 minute cooking process until orzo becomes tender and irresistible.

Step 4: Creamy Cheese Magic

• Heavy cream
• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and luxuriously creamy.

Step 5: Final Flavor Fusion

Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add chopped spinach and cook for 2 more minutes, allowing spinach to wilt and everything to warm perfectly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top. Serve this delightful skillet creation while steaming hot.

Skillet Tips That Keep Chicken Ricotta Orzo Creamy

• Boost Chicken Flavor: Marinate chicken in Italian seasoning and salt for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth and tenderness.
• Prevent Orzo Sticking: Stir orzo frequently during cooking and add a splash of olive oil to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream and ricotta with coconut cream and cashew ricotta for a plant-based alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust sauce thickness by adding more chicken broth if too thick or simmering longer if too thin, creating perfect creamy texture.
• Spinach Swap Smart: Replace spinach with kale, Swiss chard, or arugula for different nutritional profiles and exciting flavor variations.

Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet Leftover Storage Plan

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for 2-3 months. Separate chicken and orzo if possible to maintain best texture.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of chicken broth or water. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when thoroughly warm.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat, adding chicken broth or water to prevent drying. Stir gently and frequently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

What Matches Ricotta Chicken Orzo Skillet

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the creamy ricotta chicken dish with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the richness and complements the herb-infused flavors.
• Create Bright Side Salad: Prepare a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, which adds fresh acidity and lightness to balance the creamy, savory skillet meal.
• Select Crusty Bread Companion: Serve warm, rustic Italian bread or garlic ciabatta to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and provide a satisfying textural contrast.
• Recommend Herbal Iced Tea: Brew a refreshing mint or basil-infused iced tea that provides a cool, clean palate cleanser alongside the rich, creamy chicken dish.

Ricotta Chicken Orzo Spins

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace ricotta and Parmesan with cashew cream and nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version. Use plant-based chicken alternative or tofu for protein.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap orzo with quinoa or cauliflower rice to make the dish gluten-free. Choose gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all seasonings are gluten-free certified.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Add sun-dried tomatoes and swap spinach for arugula. Include kalamata olives and increase herbs like oregano and thyme for an intense Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Substitute Italian seasoning with chili powder and cumin. Add diced green chilies, swap basil for cilantro, and include pepper jack cheese for extra heat.

FAQs

• What makes orzo different from other pasta?

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and has a unique texture that absorbs flavors well. Unlike traditional pasta shapes, its small size allows it to blend seamlessly into dishes like skillet meals.

• Can I use other types of cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or mascarpone for a similar creamy texture. Each cheese will slightly change the flavor profile of the dish, but they’ll still provide a rich, smooth consistency.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chicken and orzo skillet reheats well and stays creamy when stored in the refrigerator. It maintains its flavor and texture for 3-4 days, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.

• How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

You can increase protein by adding extra chicken, mixing in some cooked white beans, or topping the skillet with toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for additional protein and crunch.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with rich, cheesy goodness. Savory chicken nestled in creamy orzo promises a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Pasta and Liquid Base:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) chicken broth

Dairy:

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Greens and Garnish:

• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Create a flavorful foundation by gently warming olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Nestle seasoned chicken pieces into the pan, coating them with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning until they develop a rich, golden exterior and reach complete doneness.
2. Utilize the same skillet to introduce finely diced onions and minced garlic, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence for approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Introduce orzo pasta to the skillet, gently toasting the grains to enhance their nutty profile. Cascade chicken broth over the pasta, orchestrating a gentle simmer while covering the skillet. Allow the orzo to absorb liquid and transform into tender morsels through occasional stirring.
4. Reduce the heat and seamlessly incorporate heavy cream, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the mixture achieves a luxurious, velvety consistency.
5. Reintroduce the perfectly cooked chicken to the creamy landscape, then gently fold in fresh spinach leaves. Continue cooking briefly until the greens wilt and all components harmonize in temperature.
6. Elevate the dish with a delicate garnish of fresh basil or parsley, presenting a warm, inviting culinary creation ready to be savored.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by toasting orzo briefly before adding liquid, which develops a nutty, rich taste and prevents mushy texture.
• For gluten-free adaptation, substitute orzo with cauliflower rice or quinoa, maintaining similar cooking techniques and creamy consistency.
• Reduce calories by using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, which preserves creaminess while adding tangy brightness to the dish.
• Maximize protein content by experimenting with different proteins like shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg