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:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 pound 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
For the Orzo:
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large shallot, halved and thinly sliced
8 ounces 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 alternative)
1 cup shredded mozzarella (or dairy-free cheese)
¼ cup thinly sliced basil leaves, for serving
Instructions
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.
In the same skillet, sauté garlic, shallot, and mushrooms for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
Stir in the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes.
Pour in the wine, scraping the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then add chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt.
Cover and simmer over medium-low for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
Stir in ricotta and mozzarella until creamy. Return chicken to the skillet and heat through.
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