Description
This Chicken Risoni One Pan Recipe is the perfect combination of creamy, comforting, and quick. Featuring tender golden-seared chicken, creamy risoni (orzo) pasta, and a rich Parmesan-infused sauce, this dish is ideal for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Made in just one skillet, it delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup risoni (orzo) pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Additions
- 1/2 cup spinach (stir in at the end for extra greens)
- 1/2 cup mushrooms or bell peppers (for more texture)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon zest or juice (for a fresh, bright finish)
Instructions
-
Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
- Sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
-
Sauté the Aromatics
- Melt butter in the same skillet.
- Add onion and garlic, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
-
Toast the Risoni
- Stir in risoni (orzo) pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
-
Simmer Everything Together
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful bits.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet.
- Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
-
Make It Creamy
- Stir in grated Parmesan and heavy cream (if using).
- Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until well combined.
-
Final Touch & Serve
- Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, or lemon zest.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter version, skip the heavy cream and use extra broth for a thinner consistency.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the Parmesan and use a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast.
- For extra protein, add shrimp, turkey, or Italian sausage instead of chicken.
- For meal prep, store leftovers in an airtight container and add a splash of broth when reheating.
- Best served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pan, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Chicken Risoni One Pan Recipe, creamy chicken risoni, one-pot chicken pasta, quick chicken orzo, easy chicken skillet dinner