This one-pot Chicken Risoni is the ultimate comfort food that’s rich in flavor yet easy to prepare. Imagine tender slices of seasoned chicken, coated in a creamy tomato parmesan sauce, accompanied by crispy salami bits that add a delightful crunch. The pops of nutty chickpeas and the fresh touch of baby spinach make this dish not only delicious but also a wholesome and balanced meal.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe combines savory spices, creamy sauce, and a burst of textures in every bite. The risoni pasta soaks up all the delightful flavors, making it an irresistible dish that’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Whether served in bowls or on a platter, this dish brings a comforting warmth that’s hard to resist.
Full Recipe:
- Chicken Spice Mix:
- 1/2 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp sage powder (optional)
- Chicken & Salami:
- 2 large chicken breasts (each cut in half horizontally to form 4 thin steaks)
- 100g (3 oz) salami stick, cut into 3mm thick rounds then chopped into small batons
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- Creamy Tomato Risoni (Orzo):
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 1/4 cups risoni/orzo, uncooked
- 400g (14 oz) canned chickpeas, drained
- 3 cups low sodium chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
- 1/2 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 cup thickened/heavy cream
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 150g (5 oz) baby spinach or kale pieces
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
- Optional Garnish:
- 2 tbsp roughly chopped basil (optional)
Directions:
- Mix Chicken Spice Mix: In a small bowl, mix the spice ingredients. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken pieces with the spice mix.
- Crispy Salami: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Cook salami until crispy and golden, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes. Remove and set aside, leaving the flavorful oil in the pan.
- Cook Chicken: In the same pan, cook chicken for 3 minutes on each side until dark golden and just cooked through. Remove and cover loosely with foil.
- Sauté & Deglaze: In the same pan, sauté the garlic and onion until translucent (about 1.5 minutes). Deglaze with white wine, simmering rapidly until mostly evaporated.
- Prepare Risoni Mixture: Add tomato paste to the pan, stirring for 1 minute. Add uncooked risoni, chickpeas, chicken stock, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook Risoni: Bring to a simmer, then cook for about 8 minutes, stirring every minute. Lower the heat as the mixture thickens.
- Add Cream & Spinach: Stir in cream, parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes (if using), and spinach until wilted.
- Serve: Cut chicken into thick slices. Serve risoni topped with chicken, crispy salami, extra parmesan, and basil.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal per serving: 623 kcal | Servings: 4-5
Background and Origins
The One-Pot Chicken Risoni (or Orzo) with Crispy Salami is an Italian-inspired dish that takes a beloved pasta shape—risoni—and combines it with savory, comforting flavors. It’s all about maximizing taste while keeping the cooking process simple and efficient, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights or whenever you need something comforting yet not overly complicated. The crispy salami brings in an Italian touch, similar to using pancetta or prosciutto but with a unique, bold flavor.
Key Components and Flavor Profile
- Risoni/Orzo Pasta: This rice-shaped pasta is small, cooks quickly, and has a delightful texture that becomes tender yet slightly firm. It soaks up the tomato cream sauce perfectly, creating a creamy base without needing a separate pot for boiling the pasta.
- Chicken and Spice Mix: The chicken is seasoned with a warm blend of paprika, garlic powder, and a hint of sage. The spices give the chicken a beautiful, golden sear and infuse it with aromatic flavors.
- Creamy Tomato Parmesan Sauce: The sauce is created by combining tomato paste, chicken stock, and cream, giving the dish a rich, creamy texture balanced by a slight tang from the tomatoes. The parmesan adds depth without overpowering the sauce, while the chickpeas add a pleasant, nutty texture and protein boost.
- Crispy Salami: The star of this dish is the crispy salami, which adds a crunchy texture and a burst of umami flavor. The rendered fat from the salami is used to cook the chicken, layering more flavor into the dish and making the sauce irresistibly tasty. It’s a unique twist that you don’t commonly see in pasta dishes.
- Greens for Freshness: Fresh baby spinach or kale is stirred into the dish at the end, adding a pop of color, nutrition, and a bit of earthiness that balances out the creaminess and saltiness from the salami and parmesan.
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Salami Substitutions: If you don’t have salami on hand, you can substitute it with other cured meats like chorizo or streaky bacon. Each will give a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
- Make it Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and salami, and add more chickpeas or other beans. Use vegetable stock to cook the risoni.
- Alternative Greens: While spinach or kale works wonderfully in this recipe, other greens like Swiss chard or arugula can also be used. Just add them toward the end to avoid overcooking.
- Wine Optional: Adding white wine enhances the flavor by deglazing the pan and infusing an extra layer of depth to the sauce. If you don’t have wine or prefer not to use it, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken stock instead.
Perfect Pairings
This one-pot dish can stand alone as a complete meal, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Fresh Salad: A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette helps cut through the creaminess of the dish.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread or a crusty baguette to scoop up all the saucy goodness.
- Wine Pairing: A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the dish’s creamy and savory elements.
Recipe Benefits and Highlights
- One-Pot Wonder: The beauty of this recipe is that everything cooks in one pan, reducing cleanup and making it easy to prepare.
- Balanced and Nutritious: With the addition of greens, chickpeas, and protein-packed chicken, it’s a well-balanced meal that is filling and nutritious.
- Customizable and Simple: The recipe allows flexibility with ingredients, so you can adapt it to what you have on hand or prefer in taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of creamy sauce, savory chicken, and crispy salami appeals to a wide range of palates, making it a great dish for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Serving Suggestions and Presentation Tips
To make the dish visually appealing:
- Garnish Generously: Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan, chopped basil, or even a drizzle of olive oil before serving for added flavor and presentation.
- Plating Options: For a family-style serving, present the risoni in a large shallow platter, topped with sliced chicken and crispy salami scattered on top. For individual portions, ladle the risoni into bowls and top with chicken slices and salami.
- Season to Taste: Serve with fresh black pepper and optional chili flakes for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
Fun Facts and Additional Ideas
- Risoni vs. Orzo: The terms “risoni” and “orzo” are used interchangeably, as both refer to the same small, rice-shaped pasta. It’s a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and works well in soups, salads, and skillet dishes like this one.
- Great for Leftovers: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, and the flavors meld together even more as it sits. It’s not ideal for freezing due to the cream, but reheats beautifully on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock to loosen up the sauce.
A Brief History of Risoni/Orzo Pasta
Risoni, also known as orzo, is a type of small pasta shaped like grains of rice. It originates from Italy and is particularly popular in Mediterranean cuisine. The name “orzo” actually means “barley” in Italian, referring to its resemblance to the grain. Due to its small size and versatility, risoni has been a staple ingredient in many dishes ranging from soups and salads to casseroles and one-pot meals, much like this one. Its quick-cooking nature makes it a favorite for time-saving, hearty meals.
Highlighting the Ingredients
- Salami – The Underrated Hero: Salami is not only a flavorful cured meat but also a highly versatile ingredient. Frying it until crispy elevates its taste and texture, similar to bacon or pancetta but with its own unique character. The crispy salami in this recipe does more than add crunch—it infuses the entire dish with a smoky, savory depth, and the rendered fat from the salami is used to sear the chicken, creating a flavor base that’s hard to beat.
- Chickpeas for Texture and Nutrition: Adding chickpeas to the risoni provides more than just flavor. Chickpeas are a great source of protein, fiber, and iron, and their nutty flavor pairs well with the creamy tomato sauce. It also adds an element of surprise to the dish, making each bite more exciting and satisfying.
- Creamy Tomato Parmesan Sauce: The sauce is one of the defining elements of this dish, combining the tartness of tomato paste with the smooth, rich cream and the umami kick of parmesan cheese. This combination gives the sauce a luxurious texture without overwhelming the palate. It’s a light but creamy coating that brings all the ingredients together in harmony.
- The Spice Blend: The warm, aromatic spice mix for the chicken not only gives the meat a beautiful golden sear but also infuses the dish with bold, earthy flavors. The use of sage in the blend is optional but recommended—it adds a subtle, woody undertone that complements the tomato and cream sauce perfectly.
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
- How to Achieve the Perfect Crispy Salami: When frying the salami, it’s important to use medium-high heat. Stir constantly to ensure even crisping, and watch it closely since it can go from crispy to burnt quickly. Remove it as soon as it turns golden brown and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to retain the perfect crunch.
- The Secret to Juicy Chicken: Searing the chicken over medium-high heat locks in its juices and adds a beautiful caramelized crust. Because the chicken breasts are cut into thin steaks, they cook quickly and evenly, ensuring they stay moist and tender without drying out.
- Consistency of the Sauce: The risoni should be tender and “oozy,” but not overly thick. If the sauce becomes too thick while cooking, add a splash of hot water or more chicken stock to loosen it up. The creamy consistency should be just enough to coat the risoni while maintaining a rich, luxurious texture.
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: If you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free, swap out the risoni with gluten-free orzo, which is readily available in many grocery stores. You can also try using a small grain like quinoa or rice for a different but still delicious texture.
- Low-Carb Option: To make a lower-carb version of this dish, substitute the risoni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles (zoodles). The flavors of the sauce, chicken, and salami will still shine through, offering a lighter yet equally satisfying experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Due to the cream content, the dish may thicken as it sits. When reheating, add a bit of water, chicken stock, or cream to loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy texture.
- Freezing Considerations: Although freezing pasta dishes with cream sauce is not ideal, it can still be done. The texture of the risoni might slightly change upon reheating, but the flavors remain delicious. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Fun Serving Ideas
- Dinner Party Presentation: For a special touch when serving at a dinner party, garnish each portion with fresh basil, a sprinkle of parmesan, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Serve the dish in shallow bowls for an elegant presentation.
- Make it a Main Event Dish: This recipe is great for a main course, but it also works as a side dish to complement a larger spread. Pair it with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a garlic-butter roasted fish for a full Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Pairing with Sides and Drinks
- Best Sides: This dish pairs beautifully with light and fresh sides. Some great options include:
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic reduction add a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy risoni.
- Grilled Vegetables: Lightly seasoned grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus add smokiness and crunch.
- Roasted Garlic Broccolini: Oven-roasted broccolini with lemon zest and chili flakes is a great way to add a slightly bitter, crunchy side that balances the creaminess of the main dish.
- Wine Pairings: For wine lovers, this dish pairs well with a variety of options:
- White Wine: A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc with its balanced acidity complements the creaminess of the sauce.
- Red Wine: If you prefer red, go for a lighter, fruit-forward wine like a Pinot Noir or a medium-bodied Sangiovese, which can match the flavors without overpowering the dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
- One-Pot Magic: Using a single pan means fewer dishes and a faster cleanup, while allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully as they cook.
- Comforting Yet Sophisticated: The combination of crispy salami, creamy sauce, and savory chicken creates a sophisticated flavor profile that feels both comforting and special.
Nutritional Highlights
The dish packs a balanced nutritional profile:
- High Protein: The chicken and chickpeas make this meal high in protein, helping to keep you full and satisfied.
- Wholesome Carbs: Risoni provides a moderate amount of carbs for energy, while the added chickpeas offer fiber for digestive health.
- Healthy Fats: The use of olive oil, moderate cream, and parmesan adds healthy fats that bring flavor and richness without being overly indulgent.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick: For those who like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spice mix for the chicken or sprinkle them on top before serving.
- Herb Swap: Swap out basil for parsley, thyme, or even rosemary for a different herbal touch.
- Cheese Lovers: If you want a cheesier version, add shredded mozzarella or fontina to the risoni before serving. This will create a creamy, melty layer that cheese lovers will adore.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami is a delightful balance of textures, flavors, and nutrition. The creamy sauce, combined with the tender chicken, crispy salami, and fresh greens, make it a complete and satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress. With its Italian roots and cozy comfort-food vibes, it’s a dish that you’ll return to again and again, whether for family dinners, entertaining friends, or a comforting solo meal.