If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious dinner, look no further than Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet. This one-pan dish combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and healthy spinach with orzo pasta, making it a comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet stands out for several reasons. First, it’s quick to make, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. This means you can whip up a tasty meal even on busy evenings. Plus, the rich flavors of ricotta and Parmesan add a creamy texture that everyone will love. It’s also a complete meal in one skillet, which means less cleanup for you.
How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions:
- Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the ricotta and Parmesan until creamy.
- Add the spinach and the cooked chicken, stirring until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
- Finish with lemon zest and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.
How to Serve Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet
Serve this dish warm from the skillet. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some crusty bread. The creamy texture and flavors make it a delightful main dish that everyone will enjoy.
How to Store Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to revive the creaminess.
Tips to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before removing it from the skillet to avoid any raw pieces.
- If you want a little extra flavor, add some Italian herbs.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute the ricotta with Greek yogurt.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe. Consider adding sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor or swapping spinach for kale or other leafy greens.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can replace orzo with any small pasta, like small shells or ditalini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
2. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and makes for easy lunches or quick dinners during the week.
3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. You can add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition.
