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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Reduce the heat and seamlessly incorporate heavy cream, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the mixture achieves a luxurious, velvety consistency.
- 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.
- 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