The first time I made this Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but wow, it ended up being unforgettable! The tender chicken, creamy ricotta, and perfectly cooked orzo all come together in one pan for a comforting and elegant dish.

The hint of lemon adds just the right amount of brightness, balancing out the richness beautifully. I love how it reminds me of white chicken lasagna, but it comes together in half the time. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a meal to impress, this recipe is always a winner in my house.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This

Gather these fresh and simple ingredients to make this rich and flavorful dish.

For the Chicken

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Helps create a golden sear on the chicken.
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes: Tender and perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
1 tsp kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
½ tsp black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: Brings earthy, herby flavors to the chicken.
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes: Offers a mild spicy kick.

For the Orzo

2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with bold flavor.
1 large shallot, halved and thinly sliced: Adds a delicate, sweet oniony taste.
8 oz baby Bella mushrooms, sliced: Earthy mushrooms add heartiness to the skillet.
4 cups baby spinach, packed: A fresh way to sneak in extra nutrients.
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta: The star of this creamy masterpiece.
½ cup dry white wine: Deglazes the pan and brings acidity to balance the dish.
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Provides liquid for perfectly cooked orzo while adding extra flavor.
Zest of ½ lemon: Adds brightness and a subtle citrus aroma.
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice: Enhances the zingy, fresh flavor.
½ tsp kosher salt: Brings balance to the flavors.
¾ cup whole milk ricotta cheese: The key ingredient for that luscious creaminess.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to golden perfection on top.
¼ cup thinly sliced basil leaves: For garnish and a pop of freshness.

Note: This recipe makes around 4 hearty servings.

Creative Variations You’ll Love

Switch things up to suit your preferences with these tasty ideas!

Dairy-Free Version: Replace the ricotta with a creamy plant-based option and use dairy-free shredded cheese.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and double up on mushrooms or mix in zucchini and chickpeas.
Herby Twist: Add sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary for an earthy aromatic layer.
Gluten-Free Swap: Sub the orzo for a short-grain gluten-free pasta or rice while keeping all the lovely creaminess.

Cooking Time You’ll Appreciate

Here’s how much time you’ll need to whip this dish together from start to finish:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

This one-pan meal doesn’t require much equipment.

Large oven-safe skillet: For cooking and baking everything in one pan.
Sharp knife: Perfect for cutting chicken and slicing vegetables.
Wooden spoon: To sauté and stir ingredients without scratching your pan.
Zester: Key for getting those bright citrusy notes from the lemon.

How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet?

This foolproof method will have you enjoying a comforting, creamy skillet dinner in no time!

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Sear the chicken in a single layer until golden brown on all sides. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet! Once done, remove it and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Using the same skillet, sauté garlic, shallots, and mushrooms for about 4 minutes, or until the shallots turn translucent and the mushrooms soften. Stir in the baby spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until it wilts, adding a beautiful color and texture.

Step 3: Mix in the Orzo

Lower the heat to medium. Add the orzo to the skillet along with the white wine. Let the wine reduce by half (about 2 minutes). Stir in chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt. Add the ricotta cheese, stirring to create a creamy, dreamy base.

Step 4: Bring It All Together and Bake

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, mixing it gently with the orzo mixture. Spread shredded mozzarella across the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 15 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly, and the orzo is perfectly tender.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Once out of the oven, resist the urge to dig in immediately! Rest the dish for 5 minutes so the sauce thickens. Garnish with fresh basil before serving for a boost of color and flavor.

Additional Tips for Making It Perfect

Here are a few tricks I use to make this recipe even better every time:

Prevent Sticky Orzo: Stir constantly when adding broth to avoid sticking or clumping, so you get perfectly cooked grains.
Gradual Lemon Additions: Add a little lemon at a time, adjusting to your taste for just the right zing.
Use Good Wine: Cook with a dry white wine you’d enjoy sipping. The quality makes a difference in flavor.
Allow Rest Time: Letting the skillet rest after baking ensures the sauce thickens just enough for every bite.

How to Serve Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet?

Keep it simple or make it fancy! Serve steaming bowls straight from the skillet for a cozy, rustic feel. Add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a crack of black pepper for garnish to make it pop.

For a more balanced meal, pair it with a crisp side salad (try a lemon vinaigrette) or some crunchy garlic bread for soaking up the sauce.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimate of its nutritional content per serving:

Calories: 636
Protein: 43g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 32g

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken and orzo up to a day ahead. Assemble everything in the skillet, refrigerate it tightly covered, then bake as directed when ready.

Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently at 325°F, adding a splash of broth to restore creaminess.

Freezing: You can freeze the dish before baking, but note that the orzo may soften slightly when reheated. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as usual.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are endless reasons this skillet recipe is a must-try:

One-Pan Meal: Minimal dishes, maximum flavor, and straightforward cleanup!
Comfort with Elegance: Creamy, cheesy, and perfect for weeknight comforts or elegant entertaining.
Customizable: Easily adapt it for gluten-free, vegetarian, or dairy-free preferences.
Balanced Flavors: The fresh lemon zest and spinach balance the richness beautifully.
Nutrient Boost: Packed with wholesome ingredients to make it feel as good as it tastes.

This Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet recipe checks all the boxes for a perfect dinner. Comforting, easy, and so flavorful, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!