Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet: Best Lunch ready in 30 minutes

Jump to Recipe

If dinner time at your house feels like a race against the clock (with a chorus of “What’s for dinner?” playing in the background), this Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet might just be your new weeknight hero.

It’s cozy, creamy, and packed with flavor—and the best part? It all comes together in one skillet. That means fewer dishes, less stress, and more time to enjoy your evening (or at least drink your wine while it’s still warm). Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or looking for something a little fancier than the usual chicken and rice, this skillet checks all the boxes.

Let’s dig into why this creamy, dreamy recipe is stealing hearts and saving dinners everywhere.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet

You know those magical meals that look like you put in way more effort than you actually did? That’s this dish. Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet delivers serious flavor with tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, bright lemon, and a lusciously creamy ricotta base.

It’s the kind of recipe that says, “I’ve got my life together,” even if you’re wearing mismatched socks and haven’t folded laundry in three days (no judgment here!).

Plus, it’s :

One-pan and done – Minimal mess, maximum flavor.
Ready in about 30 minutes – Because who has time for anything longer on a Tuesday?
Customizable – Make it dairy-free or sneak in extra veggies, no one will notice under all that creamy goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break it down by section to keep things easy.

For the Chicken:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch cubes)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

For the Orzo Skillet:

2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large shallot, halved and thinly sliced
8 oz baby bella mushrooms, thinly sliced
4 cups baby spinach, packed
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
½ cup dry white wine
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Zest of ½ lemon
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¾ cup whole milk ricotta cheese (or dairy-free ricotta like Kite Hill)
1 cup shredded mozzarella (omit or sub dairy-free if needed)
¼ cup thinly sliced fresh basil (for garnish)

Let’s Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet !

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside (try not to snack on it—no promises, though!).

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add the garlic, shallot, and mushrooms. Cook until softened and golden, about 4-5 minutes. Toss in the baby spinach and stir until wilted.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Add the orzo to the skillet and stir for about 1-2 minutes to lightly toast it. This brings out a nutty flavor that gives the whole dish a little extra oomph.

Step 4: Simmer It All

Pour in the wine, scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it reduce for 2-3 minutes, then add the chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch more salt. Bring to a simmer.

Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Stir in the ricotta and mozzarella until melted and creamy. Add the chicken back to the pan and let everything mingle for a couple more minutes.

Top with fresh basil, and serve warm—ideally with a hunk of crusty bread or a glass of wine (because, yes, you’ve earned it).

Kitchen Tips & Tricks

No wine? No problem. Swap it with extra chicken broth and a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice for that tangy depth.
Make it dairy-free: Kite Hill makes a fantastic dairy-free ricotta, and you can skip the mozzarella or use a dairy-free version like Daiya.
Got picky eaters? Dice the mushrooms small—they’ll melt into the dish and add flavor without being obvious.
Add-ins: Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped artichokes, or even peas would be delicious here.

Close-up of Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet with golden, bubbly cheese and fresh herbs in a cast iron pan

A Little Story From My Kitchen…

This ricotta chicken and orzo skillet became a fast favorite in my house during one very chaotic back-to-school week. I had a fridge full of random ingredients, very little time, and zero energy for cleanup. What started as a “throw it all in the pan and hope for the best” kind of night ended up becoming one of my go-to recipes for when I need something hearty and satisfying—without feeling like I just ran a culinary marathon.

FAQs About Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet

Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more flavor and stay extra juicy—just adjust the cooking time slightly if they’re on the thicker side.

How can I store leftovers?

Pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to loosen things up.

Is orzo gluten-free?

Traditional orzo is made from wheat, but you can find gluten-free versions made from rice or corn at most grocery stores.

Conclusion : Final Bite

This Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet is what happens when comfort food meets weeknight practicality. With minimal cleanup and a rich, satisfying flavor, it’s bound to earn a spot in your regular rotation. Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just a serious case of the Mondays, this dish has your back—one creamy bite at a time.

So grab your skillet and get cooking—your dinner miracle is just 30 minutes away.

More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed the Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet, here are a few more comforting, skillet-friendly, and creamy chicken recipes to explore next :

🍋 Looking for a bright and nutritious twist? Don’t miss the Lemon Chicken and Veggie Orzo Stir-Fry—a lighter, veggie-packed alternative.

🥣 Try the cozy and satisfying Creamy Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup for a lighter, brothy version of your favorite flavors.

🧀 Indulge in the ultra-creamy and cheesy Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight—perfect for a Friday night treat!

🍗 Craving more skillet magic? The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is rich, savory, and a true comfort classic.