Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet
A delightful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, creamy ricotta, and nutritious spinach, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: None
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large shallot, halved and thinly sliced
- 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 4 cups packed baby spinach
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced basil leaves, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Brown the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken cubes with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the orzo: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced shallot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the mushrooms and cook until softened. Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted. Then, add the uncooked orzo pasta, white wine, chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
- Add the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the ricotta cheese and shredded mozzarella, mixing until well combined.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
This dish can be served directly from the skillet and pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread. For extra flavor, consider adding other vegetables or fresh herbs.