Description
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Orzo is pure one-skillet dinner magic — comforting, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. Juicy chicken, tender orzo, and a luscious ricotta sauce come together for a dreamy meal that feels like comfort food with a gourmet twist.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup milk or cream
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup spinach or kale (optional)
1 lemon (zest and juice)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and orzo. Toast for 1–2 minutes until slightly golden.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in milk, ricotta, Parmesan, and lemon zest. Mix until creamy.
6. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet along with spinach (if using) and stir until warmed through.
7. Finish with lemon juice and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve hot and enjoy the magic!
Notes
Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
Use whole-milk ricotta for the creamiest texture.
This dish reheats beautifully — just add a splash of broth before reheating.
Perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave cozy comfort food!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: creamy ricotta chicken orzo, one pot dinner, chicken orzo skillet, creamy chicken pasta, easy weeknight meal