Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe

If you’re craving a dinner that’s both comforting and elegant, look no further than the Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet. This delightful dish combines tender, flavorful chicken with perfectly cooked orzo pasta, enriched with luscious ricotta and melty mozzarella. Bursting with layers of garlic, mushrooms, spinach, and just the right touch of lemon, it’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet comes together with such ease you’ll want to make it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients make this dish shine, each bringing its own unique taste, texture, or color to create a harmonious flavor profile that’s satisfyingly creamy and wonderfully fresh.

• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken to a perfect golden color.
• Boneless skinless chicken breast: Cubed for quick cooking and tender bites throughout the skillet.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every other ingredient.
• Italian seasoning: A fragrant medley that infuses the chicken with classic herb flavor.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle heat for a little extra kick.
• Garlic cloves: Minced to release a mellow, aromatic base note.
• Shallot: Thinly sliced for a gentle sweetness that complements the mushrooms.
• Baby bella mushrooms: Sliced to bring a meaty texture and earthiness.
• Baby spinach: Adds vibrant green color and a fresh, leafy contrast.
• Uncooked orzo pasta: The perfect tiny pasta to soak up all the creamy goodness.
• Dry white wine: Adds acidity and depth with a slight fruity note.
• Low sodium chicken broth: Creates the flavorful, savory cooking liquid essential for the orzo.
• Lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brightens the dish with a refreshing citrus punch.
• Whole milk ricotta cheese: The star ingredient that brings luscious creaminess and a mild tang.
• Shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully on top for that irresistible golden crust.
• Thinly sliced basil leaves: Used as a fresh, aromatic garnish to finish the dish.

How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by heating your olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the cubed chicken with kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes before adding to the skillet. Spread the chicken evenly and cook, stirring occasionally, until each piece is golden brown on the outside. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked yet – it will finish cooking later in the oven. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms

In the same skillet, add minced garlic, thinly sliced shallots, and mushrooms. Stir and cook until the mushrooms soften and the shallots become tender, about 4 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base that will make the entire dish sing with earthiness and sweetness.

Step 3: Wilt the Spinach and Add Wine

Reduce the heat to medium and toss in the baby spinach, cooking just until it wilts—this takes about 2 minutes. Then pour in the white wine and let it simmer until it’s reduced by half, concentrating its aromatic flavors and adding a touch of acidity to balance the richness.

Step 4: Incorporate the Orzo and Broth

Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta, making sure it’s nicely coated with the wine and vegetable mixture. Pour in the chicken broth along with the lemon zest, lemon juice, kosher salt, and creamy ricotta cheese. Stir gently until everything combines and the ricotta starts to melt into a silky sauce.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Top with Cheese

Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet, folding them into the creamy orzo mixture. Spread everything out evenly and sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top for that beautiful, melty finish you’ll love.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer your skillet to a preheated oven at 375℉ and bake for about 15 minutes. This allows the orzo to cook fully, the cheese to brown and bubble delightfully, and the flavors to meld together. When it’s done, let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes to thicken the sauce even more before digging in.

How to Serve Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet

Garnishes

Finishing this dish with fresh basil leaves not only brightens the presentation with their vivid green but also adds an herby aroma that perfectly complements the creamy and tangy flavors. You could also sprinkle a little extra cracked black pepper for a subtle spice boost.

Side Dishes

The Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet is wonderfully hearty on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad, some roasted asparagus, or even garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve the skillet directly at the table so everyone can help themselves to the gooey cheese and tender chicken. Or, scoop portions into individual oven-safe ramekins and bake them until bubbly for charming personal servings that impress guests with minimal fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it just as delightful the next day.

Freezing

This skillet freezes well if you want to save some for later. Transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems too thick, a splash of chicken broth or milk can help restore its creamy consistency without diluting the flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely! While orzo is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce and cooking evenly in the skillet, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells work well too. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets?

Yes, you can swap out the ricotta and mozzarella for your favorite dairy-free alternatives. Kite Hill makes a lovely dairy-free ricotta that melts nicely, keeping the dish rich and creamy without dairy.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Definitely. Chicken thighs add a bit more juiciness and flavor. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and follow the same cooking method, keeping an eye on them as they might need a touch more time to brown.

What wine do you recommend for the recipe?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works wonderfully here. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with additional chicken broth plus a splash of white grape juice or lemon juice for acidity.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

While the classic Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet includes dairy and chicken, you could adapt it by using plant-based ricotta and mozzarella and swapping the chicken for tofu or a hearty vegetable, though the flavor will be a bit different.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something incredibly comforting about a one-pan meal that brings together tender chicken, creamy ricotta, vibrant spinach, and perfectly cooked orzo. The Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet checks all the boxes for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish that feels special yet effortless. I can’t wait for you to try it and add it to your family favorites—you’re going to love every creamy, cheesy bite.

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