Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet

Looking for a one-pan dish that’s rich in flavor, easy to make, and perfect for any night of the week? Look no further than Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet. This dish combines succulent chicken breasts with a creamy ricotta and herb sauce, served alongside orzo pasta. What makes this dish special is the balance of rich, creamy flavors and the comfort of a hearty pasta dish, all cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup. In this article, you’ll learn how to prepare this dish, along with tips for cooking the chicken to perfection and making the sauce just right.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet is the epitome of comfort food with a luxurious twist. The chicken breasts are seared until golden, then simmered in a creamy sauce made with ricotta cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs. The orzo, a small, rice-shaped pasta, absorbs the rich sauce, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal in every bite. The creamy ricotta sauce adds a velvety texture that complements the tender chicken, while the orzo provides a comforting base.

What truly sets this recipe apart is the simplicity and versatility. You can easily adjust the herbs and seasoning to suit your taste, making it a customizable dish. Plus, the entire meal is made in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a cozy date night, or meal prepping for the week, Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Recipe Details

Ingredients

To make Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds or 680g)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (15g)
• For the Sauce:
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (240g)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120ml)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120ml)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (1g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (1g)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15ml)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (25g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Orzo:
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta (about 270g)
  • 3 cups water (720ml)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
  • Salt, to taste

Time Requirements

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Serving Size

This recipe serves 4 people.

Possible Substitutions:

• Chicken: You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier option. Bone-in chicken can also be used, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time.
• Ricotta Cheese: If you don’t have ricotta, you can substitute with mascarpone cheese or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
• Orzo: If you don’t have orzo, you can use any small pasta like ditalini, farfalle, or fusilli. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works as an excellent substitute.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Orzo

1. Cook the Orzo: In a separate saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add salt to taste and the orzo pasta. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender but al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
2. Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and ricotta cheese. Stir to combine until the ricotta is fully incorporated into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Season the Sauce: Stir in the dried thyme, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the sauce and balance the richness of the cream.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken, Orzo, and Sauce

1. Add the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the creamy sauce over the top. Let the chicken warm through in the sauce for about 5 minutes.
2. Add the Orzo: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet, stirring to combine it with the sauce. Toss everything together so that the orzo is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
3. Finish Cooking: Simmer everything together for an additional 3-5 minutes to ensure the chicken is hot and the orzo has absorbed the flavors of the sauce.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish and Serve: Serve the creamy ricotta chicken and orzo in individual bowls or on a platter. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy!

Pro Tips For Success

1. Ensure the Chicken is Evenly Cooked: Make sure the chicken breasts are of similar thickness so they cook evenly. If needed, gently pound them to an even thickness before cooking.
2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (75°C). Overcooking the chicken can lead to dry meat, so it’s essential to monitor the temperature.
3. Use Fresh Ricotta for Creaminess: Fresh ricotta will give the sauce a smoother, creamier texture. If using store-bought ricotta, make sure to stir it thoroughly to avoid any lumps.
4. Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer to reduce.
5. Add More Vegetables: You can add spinach, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers to the dish for added flavor and nutrition. These vegetables complement the creamy sauce beautifully.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (1/4 of the recipe):

• Calories: 550 kcal
• Protein: 43g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg

This dish is a great source of protein from the chicken and orzo, with healthy fats from the cream and ricotta. It also provides a modest amount of carbohydrates, making it a satisfying meal. If you’re looking to reduce calories, you can use lower-fat dairy or reduce the amount of cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage: Leftover Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, simply place the dish in the microwave or heat it in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a little chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, defrost overnight in the refrigerator and heat on the stovetop until warmed through.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms. These hearty vegetables work well with the creamy ricotta sauce.
• Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of orzo for a lower-carb alternative.
• Spicy Twist: Add a diced jalapeño or some cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished dish for more heat.
• Cheesy Version: Stir in more cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, into the sauce for a richer, cheesier texture.

Storage & Serving Suggestions

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dish reheats well and makes for great leftovers.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with a fresh side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. You can also pair it with a light vegetable soup or sautéed greens like spinach or kale.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, chicken thighs work great in this dish. They are more flavorful and juicy but may require slightly longer cooking time.
2. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Simply store everything in the fridge and combine when ready to serve. You can also reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop.
3. What can I substitute for ricotta cheese? You can use mascarpone, cream cheese, or even cottage cheese as a substitute for ricotta, but the flavor and texture will differ slightly.
4. Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free orzo or substituting the orzo with rice or another gluten-free pasta.
5. How can I make the sauce thicker? If you want a thicker sauce, simply let it simmer longer, or stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it up.

Conclusion

Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet is the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and satisfying flavors. The juicy chicken, rich ricotta sauce, and tender orzo make for a meal that’s both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping, or hosting a family dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a simple, one-pan meal that everyone will love!

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