Welcome, food lovers! Today, we’re diving into a creamy and flavorful dish: Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet. This meal combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, fresh baby spinach, and a rich ricotta sauce, making it an ultimate comfort food. Best of all, with just a few simple tweaks, it can easily become dairy-free for those with dietary restrictions. Let’s get started!
Introduction
If you love Italian-inspired meals, then this Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet recipe is a must-try. Not only is it deliciously creamy, but it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients like baby spinach and mushrooms. This skillet dish is perfect for weeknight dinners when you’re craving something hearty yet easy to make. Whether you’re a fan of Italian seasonings or cheesy pasta dishes, this recipe hits all the right notes. Plus, with a simple swap, you can make it completely dairy-free!
Ingredients for Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet
To prepare this delicious dish, here’s what you’ll need:
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 (sub dairy-free ricotta for dairy-free, such as Kite Hill brand)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (omit for dairy-free or use dairy-free cheese)
- ¼ cup thinly sliced basil leaves for serving
Optional Substitutions:
- For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella.
- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.
How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet – Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375℉. This ensures that your skillet is hot and ready to cook the dish to perfection.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes, kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook until the chicken is golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a plate—it will finish cooking in the oven.
Step 3: Cook the Orzo
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, sliced shallots, and mushrooms. Cook for about 4 minutes until the mushrooms begin to soften. Lower the heat and add the baby spinach, cooking until it wilts. Pour in the white wine and let it reduce by half.
Step 4: Simmer and Combine
Add the uncooked orzo, chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, and kosher salt to the skillet. Stir in the ricotta cheese until well-combined. Return the chicken to the skillet, mix well, and sprinkle mozzarella on top.
Step 5: Bake
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, until the orzo is tender and the cheese is brown and bubbly. Let the skillet rest for a few minutes to thicken before serving.
Helpful Tips for Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet
Here are some tips to elevate your skillet game:
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for that extra zing.
- Ensure the white wine reduces by half before adding the orzo to concentrate the flavor.
- For a smoother consistency, whisk the ricotta into the broth before adding it to the skillet.
- To get a nice crispy top, you can broil the dish for the last 2 minutes of baking.
Cooking Tips for the Best Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet
- Equipment tip: Use an oven-safe skillet like cast iron or a braiser to cook everything in one pan.
- Substitution tip: If you don’t have white wine, substitute it with chicken broth or water for a less tangy flavor.
- Time-saving tip: Pre-cut your chicken and veggies in advance to reduce prep time.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet
Pair this creamy dish with a light, refreshing side:
- A crisp Caesar salad or a fresh Caprese salad will complement the rich flavors perfectly.
- For drinks, a chilled glass of white wine (like a Pinot Grigio) or a sparkling water with lemon will enhance the meal.
Nutritional Information
This recipe provides a balance of carbs, protein, and healthy fats, making it a wholesome meal. Packed with veggies and lean protein, it’s not only delicious but nutritious.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 36g
- Protein: 30g
- Vitamins: A, C, D, calcium, iron
Storage and Leftovers for Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the dish in the oven at 350℉ for 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave it for a quicker option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet
Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and orzo mixture in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven.
Q2: What can I use instead of white wine?
You can substitute white wine with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water.
Q3: How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella. Kite Hill and Daiya brands are great dairy-free options.
Q4: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with small pasta like couscous or ditalini.
Related Recipes for Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet Lovers:
Check out these other delightful recipes that pair well with the skillet:
- Ultimate Cowboy Casserole
: Another hearty skillet meal!
- Sausage Balls Recipe
: A fun appetizer to start any meal.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy this delicious Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet as much as we do. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or as a quick weeknight meal, it’s sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to share your variations and let us know how it turns out!
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Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet – Easy Recipe
Description
Welcome, food lovers! Today, we’re diving into a creamy and flavorful dish: Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet. This meal combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, fresh baby spinach, and a rich ricotta sauce, making it an ultimate comfort food. Best of all, with just a few simple tweaks, it can easily become dairy-free for those with dietary restrictions. Let’s get started!
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 (sub dairy-free ricotta for dairy-free, such as Kite Hill brand)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (omit for dairy-free or use dairy-free cheese)
- ¼ cup thinly sliced basil leaves for serving
Optional Substitutions:
- For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella.
- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375℉. This ensures that your skillet is hot and ready to cook the dish to perfection.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes, kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook until the chicken is golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a plate—it will finish cooking in the oven.
Step 3: Cook the Orzo
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, sliced shallots, and mushrooms. Cook for about 4 minutes until the mushrooms begin to soften. Lower the heat and add the baby spinach, cooking until it wilts. Pour in the white wine and let it reduce by half.
Step 4: Simmer and Combine
Add the uncooked orzo, chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, and kosher salt to the skillet. Stir in the ricotta cheese until well-combined. Return the chicken to the skillet, mix well, and sprinkle mozzarella on top.
Step 5: Bake
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, until the orzo is tender and the cheese is brown and bubbly. Let the skillet rest for a few minutes to thicken before serving.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for that extra zing.
- Ensure the white wine reduces by half before adding the orzo to concentrate the flavor.
- For a smoother consistency, whisk the ricotta into the broth before adding it to the skillet.
- To get a nice crispy top, you can broil the dish for the last 2 minutes of baking.
