Hello, foodies! Today, we’ll dive into a delicious and creamy recipe: Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet. This dish includes tender chicken, earthy mushroom and fresh baby spinach and a delicious ricotta sauce, creating the ideal comfort food. The best part is that by making a few easy adjustments, it is able to be dairy-free for people with food restrictions. Let’s get started!
Introduction
If you’re a fan of Italian-inspired cuisines This creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet recipe is something you should try. It’s not only deliciously creamy, it’s also loaded with healthy ingredients such as babies spinach as well as mushrooms. This recipe for a skillet is great for a weeknight meal that you want something hearty and easy to cook. No matter if you’re a fan Italian seasonings or cheese-laced pasta dishes this recipe has all the right ingredients. In addition, with a straightforward change for dairy, it can be made entirely dairy-free!
Ingredients for Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet
For making this delicious meal For this delicious dish, you’ll require the following items:
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts Cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepperflakes
Fo r the Orzo:
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 large shallot, cut in half and then thinly sliced
- 8 ounces baby Bella mushrooms thinly sliced
- 4 cups baby spinach, packed
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 cup white wine that is dry and unpasteurized
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- The zest of 1/2 lemon
- One tablespoon fresh squeezed juice of a lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 3 cups whole milk ricotta (sub dairy-free ricotta to dairy-free products, like Kite Hill brand)
- 1 cup of mozzarella shredded (omit dairy-free cheese or substitute dairy-free cheese)
- 1/4 cup basil slices thinly leaves to serve
Optional Substitutions:
- For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella.
- Substitute vegetable broth in place of the chicken broth, making it vegetarian.
How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet – Step by Step
Step1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven’s temperature to 375°F. This will ensure that your pan is ready and hot to cook your dish to the highest standard.
Step2: Brown the Chicken
Cook 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet at a medium-high temperature. In the skillet, add chicken pieces, salt from kosher and black pepper Italian seasoning as well as crushed red pepperflakes. Bake until chicken has a golden color. Transfer the chicken onto the plate and cook in the oven.
Step3: Cook the Orzo
In the same pan, add your minced garlic cut shallots and the mushrooms. Cook for around 4 minutes or until they begin to melt. Reduce the heat, to medium and then add baby spinach. Cook until it starts to wilt. Add in the wine, and let it decrease by half.
Step4: Simmer and Combine
Add the cooked orzo and chicken broth lemon zest and juice and Kosher salt into the pan. Mix in the ricotta cheese until it is well blended. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, stir well and then sprinkle mozzarella over the the top.
Step5: Bake
Place the skillet in the oven to bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and the cheese is golden and bubbly. The skillet should sit for a few minutes before serving. The mixture will thicken.
Helpful Tips for Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet
Here are some suggestions to boost the level of your cooking:
- Make use of freshly squeezed lemon juice to add that extra zing.
- Make sure that the white wine is reduced to half prior to adding the orzo to increase the flavor.
- For a smoother consistency blend the ricotta with the broth prior to placing it in the skillet.
- To create a crispy top, broil your dish for the final two minutes after baking.
Cooking Tips for the Best Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet
- Tips for equipment: Use an oven-safe skillet, such as cast iron or a braiser for cooking everything in just one pot.
- Tip for Substitution: If you don’t have white wine on hand, you can substitute it with water or chicken broth to get a flavor that is less tangy.
- Tips to cut down on time Cut your meat and vegetables in advance to cut down on preparation time.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet
Enjoy this creamy dish with an easy, refreshing side dish:
- A fresh Caesar salad or a fresh Caprese salad will compliment the rich flavor perfectly.
- Drinks drinking, a chilled glass white wine (like the Pinot Grigio) or a sparkling water flavored with lemon can make the meal more enjoyable.
Nutritional Information
This recipe is a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. This makes it a healthy and nutritious food. It’s packed with vegetables and protein that is lean It’s not just tasty but also nutritious.
Information on Nutrition (per portion):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 36g
- Protein: 30g
- Vitamins: A, C, D, calcium, iron
Storage and Leftovers for Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet
- Storing Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Heating: The dish should be heated in the oven, at 350 degrees degrees for 10-15 minutes, or till it is warmed to the point of. It is also possible to microwave it for a faster alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet
1. Can I cook this dish in advance?
You can make the chicken and orzo mix in the morning and store it in a refrigerator. When you are ready to serve it you can simply pop the dish in the oven.
Q2: What could I substitute for white wine?
You can replace white wine for the broth of a chicken, vegetable or even water.
Q3: How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella. Kite Hill and Daiya brands are fantastic dairy-free options.
Question 4: Could I substitute another type of pasta?
You can replace orzo with smaller pastas such as ditalini or couscous.
Related Recipes for Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet Lovers:
Take a look at these other delicious recipes that work well with the stove:
- Ultimate Cowboy CasseroleA hearty skillet dish!
- Sausage Balls RecipeA great appetizer that can be served to begin any meal.
Conclusion
We hope that you will enjoy this delectable creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet as well as we love it. It doesn’t matter if you’re making it for a warm family meal or as an easy weeknight meal It’s bound to be a huge hit. Be sure to share your ideas and tell us what happens!
Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet – Easy Recipe
Description
Welcome, food lovers! Today, we’re diving into a creamy and flavorful dish: Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet. This meal combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, fresh baby spinach, and a rich ricotta sauce, making it an ultimate comfort food. Best of all, with just a few simple tweaks, it can easily become dairy-free for those with dietary restrictions. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
For the Orzo:
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large shallot, halved and thinly sliced
- 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, thinly 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 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ cup whole milk ricotta cheese (sub dairy-free ricotta for dairy-free, such as Kite Hill brand)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (omit for dairy-free or use dairy-free cheese)
- ¼ cup thinly sliced basil leaves for serving
Optional Substitutions:
- For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella.
- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375℉. This ensures that your skillet is hot and ready to cook the dish to perfection.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes, kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook until the chicken is golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a plate—it will finish cooking in the oven.
Step 3: Cook the Orzo
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, sliced shallots, and mushrooms. Cook for about 4 minutes until the mushrooms begin to soften. Lower the heat and add the baby spinach, cooking until it wilts. Pour in the white wine and let it reduce by half.
Step 4: Simmer and Combine
Add the uncooked orzo, chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, and kosher salt to the skillet. Stir in the ricotta cheese until well-combined. Return the chicken to the skillet, mix well, and sprinkle mozzarella on top.
Step 5: Bake
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, until the orzo is tender and the cheese is brown and bubbly. Let the skillet rest for a few minutes to thicken before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for that extra zing.
- Ensure the white wine reduces by half before adding the orzo to concentrate the flavor.
- For a smoother consistency, whisk the ricotta into the broth before adding it to the skillet.
- To get a nice crispy top, you can broil the dish for the last 2 minutes of baking.
