Description
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet is a cozy, one-pan dinner packed with flavor! Juicy chicken, creamy ricotta, baby spinach, mushrooms, and lemony orzo come together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
For the Orzo:
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 large shallot, halved and thinly sliced
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8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, thinly sliced
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4 cups baby spinach, packed
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1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
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½ cup dry white wine
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2 cups low sodium chicken broth
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Zest of ½ lemon
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1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
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½ teaspoon kosher salt
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¾ cup whole milk ricotta cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
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1 cup shredded mozzarella (or dairy-free cheese)
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¼ cup thinly sliced basil leaves, for serving
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, sauté garlic, shallot, and mushrooms for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
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Stir in the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes.
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Pour in the wine, scraping the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then add chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt.
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Cover and simmer over medium-low for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
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Stir in ricotta and mozzarella until creamy. Return chicken to the skillet and heat through.
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Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
No wine? Sub with extra broth and a splash of lemon juice or white wine vinegar.
Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella for a fully dairy-free version.
Great with crusty bread or a side salad!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: lunch ,dinner
- Method: Skillet, One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg