Description
Succulent ricotta chicken and orzo skillet delivers a Mediterranean-inspired comfort meal with rich, silky flavors. Effortless one-pan magic brings savory chicken, tender orzo, and creamy ricotta together for a quick dinner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ¾ cup whole milk ricotta cheese
Produce and Seasonings:
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 large shallot halved and thinly sliced
- 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms thinly sliced
- 4 cups baby spinach packed
- ¼ cup thinly sliced basil leaves
- Zest of ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Liquid and Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Ignite the oven to a precise 375℉, preparing for a culinary transformation.
- Elevate a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat with oil. Introduce chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until the exterior achieves a golden, caramelized appearance. Remove partially cooked chicken to a separate plate.
- In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic, diced shallots, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for approximately 4 minutes until mushrooms soften and shallots become translucent.
- Gently fold in baby spinach, allowing leaves to wilt gracefully for about 2 minutes.
- Deglaze the skillet with white wine, reducing liquid by half within 2 minutes.
- Incorporate orzo, stirring to coat. Pour in broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, and ricotta. Mix thoroughly, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reintroduce the chicken, ensuring even distribution. Sprinkle mozzarella across the surface.
- Transfer skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes until orzo reaches tender perfection and cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden crust.
- Allow the dish to rest 3-5 minutes, permitting sauce to harmonize and thicken.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately. For dairy-sensitive individuals, substitute ricotta with dairy-free alternatives and use plant-based cheese or omit cheese topping entirely.
Notes
- Ensure the skillet is truly oven-safe to prevent handle melting or potential kitchen accidents during baking.
- Choose high-quality chicken breasts cut uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Swap orzo with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version that maintains the creamy, comforting essence of the original recipe.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the final presentation and add a bright, aromatic finish to the skillet meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 391 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 606 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg