Save to Pinterest Experience all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna reimagined in a creamy, 30-minute one-pan orzo skillet. This dish features tender chicken, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and luxurious dollops of ricotta cheese, making it the perfect quick weeknight meal that doesn't sacrifice depth of flavor.
Save to Pinterest By simmering the orzo directly in a base of chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, the pasta grains absorb maximum flavor while creating a naturally thick and velvety sauce. The addition of fresh spinach and heavy cream ensures every spoonful is both nutritious and indulgent.
Ingredients
- Proteins: 2 cups (250 g) cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes (halved), 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach leaves
- Pantry & Grains: 1 1/4 cups (250 g) orzo pasta, 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Dairy: 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Step 2
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3
- Add the orzo and tomato paste, stirring to coat the grains. Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Season with Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Step 4
- Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- Step 5
- Stir in the shredded chicken, spinach, and heavy cream. Cook for 2 minutes until spinach wilts and chicken is heated through.
- Step 6
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the skillet. Gently fold to combine, allowing cheeses to melt and sauce to thicken.
- Step 7
- Remove from heat. Dollop ricotta over the top and garnish with fresh basil. Serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Using a large deep skillet with a lid is essential for even cooking of the orzo. Ensure you stir the pasta occasionally during the simmering stage to prevent the grains from sticking to the bottom of the pan as the liquid reduces.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is easily adapted for different dietary needs. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini. To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the pasta with certified gluten-free orzo. If you prefer more spice, feel free to increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this creamy orzo skillet piping hot, garnished with a generous amount of fresh basil. It pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete Italian-American dinner experience.
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Save to Pinterest 
Each serving of this One-Pan Creamy Chicken Lasagna Orzo provides approximately 540 calories, 34g of protein, and 48g of carbohydrates. This balanced, one-pot meal is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation for its simplicity and comforting taste.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dish?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply shred or dice about 2 cups of meat and add it during step 5 as directed.
- → What can I substitute for orzo pasta?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, acini di pepe, or broken spaghetti work well. Adjust cooking time based on package directions and monitor liquid absorption.
- → How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?
Stir occasionally during cooking and ensure there's enough liquid. If the mixture looks dry, add 1/4 cup of broth at a time until orzo reaches desired tenderness.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Cook the dish fully, let cool, and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
- → What vegetables can I add or substitute?
Zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, or kale all work beautifully. Add heartier vegetables with the onions; add delicate greens at the end with the spinach.
- → How can I make this vegetarian?
Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add sautéed mushrooms, white beans, or extra vegetables for protein and substance.