creamy ricotta chicken and orzo skillet

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 (or dairy-free ricotta)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (or dairy-free cheese)
• ¼ cup thinly sliced basil leaves for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375℉.

2. Brown the Chicken:

   • Heat the oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chicken, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Toss to combine.
   • Cook the chicken until golden brown but not fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

3. Cook the Orzo:

   • In the same skillet, add the garlic, shallot, and mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms soften and shallots are tender, about 4 minutes.
   • Reduce heat to medium, add the spinach, and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
   • Add the white wine and cook until reduced by half, about 2 minutes.
   • Add the orzo and toss to combine. Add the broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and ricotta cheese. Stir until well combined.
   • Bring to a simmer, add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, and toss to combine. Spread into a single layer.
   • Sprinkle the top with mozzarella cheese.

4. Bake:

   • Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the orzo is cooked through, tender, and the cheese is brown and bubbly, about 15 minutes.
   • Remove from the oven and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the sauce to settle and thicken.

5. Serve:

   • Top with thinly sliced basil leaves, serve, and enjoy!

This dish combines the savory flavors of chicken, orzo, and vegetables with the creaminess of ricotta and mozzarella, all in one pan. Enjoy!