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Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet

Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet

Description

Try this Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet for a rich, flavorful dinner with juicy chicken, creamy ricotta sauce, and tender orzo.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 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

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!

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Find it online: https://cookingcircuit.com/creamy-ricotta-chicken-and-orzo-skillet/