Description
This creamy ricotta chicken and orzo skillet is a comforting and easy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, al dente orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and a luscious ricotta cheese sauce enhanced with garlic and lemon juice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that combines protein and veggies in a creamy, flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Dairy
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
Pasta & Vegetables
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Oils
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic cloves thoroughly to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook them until they turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Orzo: Using the same skillet, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil. Stir in the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually 9-11 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
- Add Chicken and Spinach: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add minced garlic and fresh spinach. Cook for a few minutes until the chicken is heated through and the spinach has wilted.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the fresh ricotta cheese and lemon juice, mixing everything until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined. Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more chicken broth if necessary.
- Serve: Serve the creamy ricotta chicken and orzo hot. Optionally, garnish with lemon zest or fresh herbs for added brightness and presentation.
Notes
- Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the salt content of the dish.
- Ricotta adds creaminess without heavy cream, making this dish lighter but still rich.
- You can substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green texture.
- Adjust the lemon juice to taste for more or less acidity.
- For additional flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
