Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet

There’s something magical about a one-pan meal that brings comfort, flavor, and convenience all in one! This Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet is just that—a cozy, creamy, and absolutely satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknights.

With tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, and a luscious ricotta-Parmesan sauce, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Plus, it’s all made in one skillet, which means fewer dishes to clean—yes, please!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan wonder – Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
• Creamy and comforting – The combination of ricotta, Parmesan, and heavy cream creates a luxurious texture.
• Protein-packed – With juicy chicken and cheese, this dish is both hearty and satisfying.
• Quick and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Kid-friendly – The mild, creamy flavors make this a hit with the whole family.

What Does This Dish Taste Like?

Imagine a bowl of rich, cheesy pasta with just the right amount of garlic and Italian herbs. The orzo is tender and coated in a silky, cheesy sauce, while the chicken is juicy and flavorful. The slight freshness from the spinach and basil balances the richness, creating a meal that’s indulgent yet not too heavy.

Benefits of This Recipe

High in protein – Keeps you full and satisfied.
Calcium-rich – Thanks to the ricotta and Parmesan.
Customizable – Easily add vegetables or swap ingredients.
Great for meal prep – Stores well and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Flavor Boosters

• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick!)

Finishing Touches

• 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
• 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet with a lid
Cutting board and knife
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredient Swaps & Additions

🔄 No ricotta? Swap in cream cheese or mascarpone.
🥦 Extra veggies? Try mushrooms, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes.
🌿 Herb boost? Fresh thyme or oregano work beautifully.
🔥 Spicier? Increase red pepper flakes or add chili powder.
🍗 Different protein? Use shrimp, turkey, or even tofu!

How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo

Stir in the orzo pasta and toast for 1 minute to enhance its nutty flavor. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender.

Step 4: Make it Creamy

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the chopped spinach, and cook for 2 more minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy!

What to Serve with This Dish

This skillet meal is delicious on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, try these pairings:

• Parmesan Spinach Orzo – A cheesy, comforting side dish with similar flavors.
• Mediterranean Orzo Salad – A fresh, tangy contrast to the creamy skillet.
• Creamy Cranberry and Spinach Orzo – A festive, slightly sweet variation to try.
• Garlic bread – Perfect for scooping up that creamy sauce.
• Side salad – A crisp Caesar or arugula salad balances the richness.
• Roasted veggies – Try asparagus or Brussels sprouts for extra greens.
• White wine – A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio complements the flavors beautifully.

Tips for the Best Ricotta Chicken and Orzo

Don’t overcook the orzo – It should be tender but not mushy.
Use full-fat ricotta – It gives the creamiest texture.
Sear the chicken well – A golden crust adds more flavor.
Stir often – Prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
Let it rest – Let the skillet sit for 5 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.

Storage & Reheating Tips

🥶 To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🔥 To reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
❄️ To freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the dish as directed and store it in the fridge. Reheat on the stove with a little extra broth or cream.

What can I use instead of orzo?

You can swap orzo with couscous, small pasta like ditalini, or even rice, but adjust the liquid accordingly.

Can I make it lighter?

Absolutely! Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and low-fat ricotta for a lighter version.

Is this gluten-free?

Orzo is not gluten-free, but you can use gluten-free pasta or rice instead.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet is the perfect combination of easy, creamy, and comforting. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish will not disappoint!

If you tried this recipe, leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest! I’d love to see your creations.

Looking for more easy skillet dinners? Try these next:

• Parmesan Spinach Orzo
• Mediterranean Orzo Salad
• Creamy Cranberry and Spinach Orzo

Happy cooking! 🍽️

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