Description
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet is the ultimate one-pan comfort meal — tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, and a velvety ricotta sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and lemon. Simple, cozy, and ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely diced
1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup baby spinach (optional)
Fresh parsley and lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add diced onion and garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant.
4. Add orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
7. Lower heat and stir in ricotta, Parmesan, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
8. Add spinach (if using) and return chicken to the pan. Stir until spinach wilts and everything is creamy and well combined.
9. Let rest for 2 minutes, then garnish with parsley and lemon zest before serving.
Notes
For extra richness, add a spoonful of butter at the end.
Substitute ricotta with cream cheese for a slightly tangier flavor.
Great with roasted vegetables or a crisp side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pan
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken and orzo skillet, creamy ricotta pasta, one pan dinner, easy skillet meal