Name: Creamy Lemon Ricotta Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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; 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 (sub dairy-free ricotta for dairy-free; I like Kite Hill brand); 1 cup shredded mozzarella (omit for dairy-free or use dairy-free cheese); ¼ cup thinly sliced basil leaves for serving

If you’re craving a dreamy, one-pan dinner that celebrates lemony brightness, silky cheese, and juicy chicken, this Creamy Lemon Ricotta Chicken Skillet is about to be your new obsession. Imagine tender chicken, golden and flavorful, nestled in creamy orzo laced with ricotta, spinach, mushrooms, and basil—all baked until bubbly. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist, and the best part? Everything comes together in under an hour with minimal fuss or cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All-in-One Skillet Wonder: The Creamy Lemon Ricotta Chicken Skillet cooks everything—chicken, orzo, veggies, and cheese—in a single pan for easy prep and cleanup.
Bursting with Freshness: Lemon zest, juice, and fresh basil infuse each bite with that pop of brightness that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Ultra Creamy, Never Heavy: Thanks to ricotta and mozzarella, the sauce is perfectly creamy but not overly rich, with just the right tang.
Adaptable for Every Table: Swap proteins, make it dairy-free, or sneak in more veggies—the recipe flexes to fit your family’s tastes and needs!

Creamy Lemon Ricotta Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Creamy Lemon Ricotta Chicken Skillet is chosen with purpose—they each bring flavor, texture, or a burst of color to the party. You probably already have most of these on hand, and together they work magic in just one pan!

Extra virgin olive oil: For browning the chicken and building a flavorful base.
Boneless skinless chicken breast: Cubed for quick, even cooking—juicy and lean!
Kosher salt & black pepper: Season every layer of the dish for depth.
Italian seasoning & crushed red pepper flakes: Bring bold, fragrant herbal warmth and a subtle kick.
Garlic cloves & shallot: Aromatics that add sweet, savory undertones.
Baby bella mushrooms: Their earthiness soaks up all the lemony, cheesy flavors.
Baby spinach: Wilts beautifully into the skillet—adding color, nutrients, and freshness.
Orzo pasta: The tiny, rice-shaped pasta cooks up creamy and tender, carrying the sauce in every bite.
Dry white wine: De-glazes the pan and brings a gentle acidity (sub broth for alcohol-free).
Low sodium chicken broth: The backbone of the sauce, providing richness.
Lemon zest & freshly squeezed lemon juice: Add zingy brightness that ties everything together.
Whole milk ricotta cheese: Creaminess central! Use dairy-free if you like—Kite Hill is a fantastic option.
Shredded mozzarella: Melts to gooey, golden perfection on top. Go dairy-free or omit for dietary needs.
Fresh basil leaves: For serving, they add a fragrance and pop of green you’ll love.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the joys of the Creamy Lemon Ricotta Chicken Skillet is how easy it is to riff on—whether you’re swapping out veggies, making it dairy-free, or matching it to what’s already in your pantry. Let’s make it your own!

Go Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy-free ricotta (like Kite Hill) and omit or swap the mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese—you still get that luscious texture!
Make It Vegetarian: Try chickpeas or white beans instead of chicken, and use veggie broth for a hearty meatless twist.
Double the Veggies: Add zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for an even more colorful and nutritious skillet.
Swap the Orzo: Pearl couscous, small pasta shapes, or even rice will soak up the creamy lemony sauce if you’re out of orzo.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Ricotta Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Begin by heating olive oil in your largest oven-safe skillet or braiser (a 3.5 qt works great) over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, seasoning it right away with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of crushed red pepper. Let the chicken get nice and golden—it doesn’t have to cook through at this stage. Searing gives it flavor and those irresistible crispy edges. Once browned, remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Without wiping the skillet (hello, flavor!), toss in your minced garlic, sliced shallot, and mushrooms. Sauté for about 4 minutes, stirring so nothing sticks, until the mushrooms soften and the shallots turn tender and fragrant. The aroma at this point is magical—trust me, you’ll be tempted to sneak a taste.

Step 3: Wilt the Spinach & Deglaze

Reduce the heat to medium and tumble in your baby spinach. Gently toss until just wilted (about 2 minutes). Then, pour in the white wine, scraping up the golden bits on the skillet’s bottom. Let it bubble and reduce by half—this forms a beautiful, flavor-packed foundation for your creamy sauce.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Orzo Base

Add the orzo to the skillet, mixing so it mingles with the veggies. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and big dollops of creamy ricotta, stirring to blend. Bring the whole mixture to a gentle simmer—don’t worry if it seems thin at first, the orzo will soak it all up in the oven.

Step 5: Combine & Bake

Return your browned chicken (and any juices) to the skillet. Gently toss, ensuring every bite gets a little saucy love. Sprinkle mozzarella generously over the top. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the orzo is perfectly tender and the cheese is bubbling and golden-brown.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the Creamy Lemon Ricotta Chicken Skillet from the oven and let it rest for 3–5 minutes. This is key—the sauce thickens and the flavors settle. Shower the top with fresh basil, dish it up, and prepare yourself for delighted “mmm’s” all around the table!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Lemon Ricotta Chicken Skillet

Get That Golden Sear: Don’t rush the chicken in the skillet—let it deeply brown for the richest flavor base.
Layer Your Cheese: For the ultimate melt, tuck a little mozzarella into the orzo before sprinkling more on top.
Control Your Creaminess: If you love it extra saucy, stir in a splash more broth or milk after baking and before serving.
Brighten at the Finish: Don’t skip the final lemon squeeze and basil garnish—a fresh finish makes the flavors sing!

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Ricotta Chicken Skillet

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Creamy Lemon Ricotta Chicken Skillet with freshly sliced basil, extra lemon zest, and a dusting of cracked black pepper. A drizzle of good olive oil just before serving also adds a lovely finishing touch. If you want even more color, a handful of microgreens or finely chopped parsley works beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish stands alone, but I love serving it with a simple green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette to balance out the creamy richness. Warm, crusty bread or garlic knots are perfect for sopping up every last drop of lemony sauce, and roasted veggies like asparagus or broccolini play especially well on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

The Creamy Lemon Ricotta Chicken Skillet is as pretty as it is delicious, so show it off! Serve straight from the skillet for rustic comfort, or spoon portions into shallow bowls for a restaurant-worthy touch. For gatherings, arrange family-style on a platter, topped with generous basil and vibrant lemon slices—everyone will be eager to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Lemon Ricotta Chicken Skillet keeps incredibly well. Let it cool before transferring to airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making lunch the next day a treat!

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers in individual portions for meal-prep wins. Be sure your skillet has cooled completely; then pack into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, place individual portions in a skillet with a splash of broth or water, and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring often so the orzo stays creamy and the chicken stays tender. You can use the microwave in a pinch—just stir halfway through to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a wonderful swap—they stay juicy and bring a slightly richer flavor. Just trim excess fat and follow the recipe as written.
What can I use instead of orzo?

Pearl couscous, ditalini, or any small pasta shape will work here. If using rice, add a bit more broth and adjust bake time as needed for doneness.
Is this Creamy Lemon Ricotta Chicken Skillet recipe gluten-free?

With the standard ingredients, it’s not gluten-free because of the orzo pasta. Simply use a gluten-free orzo or small pasta, and ensure all other packaged ingredients are certified GF for a safe and equally delicious variation.
Can I make this recipe ahead for a dinner party?

Yes, definitely! You can assemble and bake the skillet earlier in the day, then let it cool slightly and rewarm gently in the oven before serving. Add the basil fresh, just before bringing it to the table for maximum flavor and color.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Chicken Skillet is pure weeknight joy—easy, uplifting, and guaranteed to impress anyone who joins you at the table. If you need a little sunshine on your plate, give this recipe a try and watch it become a new household favorite. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with every zesty, cheesy, creamy bite!