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Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe

Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 24 reviews

This Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender browned chicken with a creamy, cheesy orzo cooked with garlic, shallots, mushrooms, spinach, and fresh herbs. A touch of dry white wine and lemon zest brightens the dish, while mozzarella melts on top for a lasagna-like finish. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this skillet meal is hearty, delicious, and ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 1 lb diced chicken breast
  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Orzo and Vegetables

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Brown the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the diced chicken breast with salt. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat and brown the chicken pieces in batches until they develop a golden crust, about 4-5 minutes. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage as it will finish cooking in the oven.
  2. Saute the Vegetables and Start the Orzo: Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic, chopped shallot, and sliced baby bella mushrooms. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender. Add the fresh spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1 minute. Stir in the orzo pasta, then pour in the dry white wine, allowing it to simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes. Add the chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt. Stir in the ricotta cheese until well combined, creating a creamy mixture.
  3. Combine and Bake: Nestle the browned chicken pieces back into the orzo mixture in a single layer. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown.
  4. Rest, Garnish, and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your creamy, comforting ricotta chicken and orzo skillet!

Notes

  • Use an oven-safe skillet for easy stovetop-to-oven cooking without transferring bowls.
  • Dry white wine adds acidity and brightness; you can substitute with extra chicken broth if preferred.
  • If you want it gluten-free, substitute orzo with a gluten-free small pasta or rice.
  • This dish reheats well and makes excellent leftovers for next-day lunches or dinners.
  • Fresh basil garnish is key to adding a fresh herby finish that balances the creamy richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Ricotta Chicken, Orzo Skillet, Creamy Chicken Pasta, One-Pot Meal, Weeknight Dinner, Italian Comfort Food

Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/creamy-ricotta-chicken-and-orzo-skillet-recipe/