Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe
A cozy, one-pan dinner that combines juicy chicken, creamy ricotta, orzo, and veggies with a lemony zing. It's like white chicken lasagna—only quicker and easier!
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
For the Orzo
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 large shallot halved and thinly sliced
- 8 oz baby Bella mushrooms sliced
- 4 cups baby spinach packed
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Zest of ½ lemon
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¾ cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup thinly sliced basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
- Stir orzo while adding broth to prevent sticking.
- Use good-quality dry white wine for richer flavor.
- Add lemon gradually to adjust to taste.
- Always let the dish rest to help the sauce thicken.