The Magic of Creamy Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami Recipe

Crafting a delightful chicken risoni with crispy salami brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Aromatic herbs and golden-brown salami create a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.

Mediterranean influences dance through this one-pot wonder, promising simplicity and satisfaction.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with crunchy salami bits, offering a delectable contrast.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike will appreciate this straightforward recipe.

Weeknight meals just got a seriously delicious upgrade that feels like a culinary adventure.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible dish.

Why Creamy Chicken Risoni With Crispy Salami Is A Weeknight Favorite

• Savor One-Pan Magic: Skip multiple dishes and cleanup with this brilliantly designed single-skillet meal that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dinner.
• Customize with Ease: Swap proteins or vegetables based on pantry availability, making this recipe incredibly flexible for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without strict rules.
• Layer Complex Flavors: Crispy salami adds irresistible crunch while sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan create depth, turning an ordinary chicken pasta into a gourmet experience without complicated techniques.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Packed with protein, veggies, and satisfying textures, this recipe delivers a complete meal in less than 30 minutes, perfect for families craving nutritious and delicious dinners.

Creamy Chicken Risoni With Crispy Salami Ingredient Checklist

• Chicken: A lean protein that serves as the main star of this dish and provides a hearty main course.
• Salami: A flavorful cured meat that adds a crispy texture and rich, savory taste to the recipe.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Sage: A robust spice mix that enhances the chicken's flavor and adds depth to the overall dish.

• Garlic, Onion: Foundational ingredients that build a flavor base and add aromatic complexity.
• Spinach: A fresh, nutrient-rich green that wilts into the creamy risoni for added color and nutrition.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated tomato pieces that provide a tangy and intense flavor profile.

• White Wine: An optional ingredient that helps deglaze the pan and adds subtle complexity.
• Tomato Paste: A concentrated tomato product that enriches the sauce's color and depth.
• Cream, Parmesan: Creamy components that create a rich, smooth texture in the risoni.

• Risoni: A small, rice-shaped pasta that absorbs flavors and creates a creamy consistency.
• Chickpeas: A protein-packed legume that adds texture and nutritional value.

• Olive Oil: A healthy fat used for cooking and adding flavor.
• Chicken Stock: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the risoni and adds depth to the dish.

Cooking Method For Creamy Chicken Risoni With Crispy Salami

Step 1: Craft A Flavor-Packed Spice Blend

Combine a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and sage in a mixing bowl. Generously massage this aromatic mixture into every nook and cranny of the chicken pieces, ensuring a full flavor coating.

Step 2: Crisp Up The Salami

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the salami and sizzle for 2-3 minutes until it transforms into delightfully crunchy bits.

Transfer the crispy salami to a side plate.

Step 3: Sear The Chicken To Golden Perfection

Using the same pan, place the seasoned chicken and cook for 3 minutes on each side.

Look for a beautiful golden-brown exterior and ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Gently remove and loosely tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 4: Build A Flavor Foundation

Add garlic and onion to the pan, sautéing for about 1.5 minutes. If desired, splash in white wine and let it simmer until nearly vanished, capturing all those delicious pan remnants.

Step 5: Create A Robust Base

Introduce tomato paste and cook for a minute. Fold in the risoni, ensuring it’s well-coated.

• Chickpeas
• Stock
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 6: Simmer And Develop Texture

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring consistently until the risoni becomes almost tender.

Step 7: Finish With Creamy Goodness

• Cream
• Parmesan
• Spinach
• Sun-dried tomatoes

Stir until the spinach wilts and the risoni becomes luxuriously creamy.

Step 8: Plate And Garnish

Slice the chicken into appealing strips.

Serve the risoni in inviting bowls, topping with chicken slices, crispy salami bits, a sprinkle of parmesan, and fresh basil leaves.

Tips That Help Creamy Chicken Risoni With Crispy Salami Shine

• Season chicken generously with a homemade spice blend for maximum flavor infusion.
• Cook salami first to render its fat and create a crispy texture that adds delicious crunch to the dish.
• Use a single skillet to build layers of flavor, capturing all the delicious browned bits from each cooking stage.
• Select full-fat cream and freshly grated parmesan for an ultra-creamy, luxurious risoni texture.
• Keep stirring risoni frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking with a perfect al dente consistency.

New Spins On Creamy Chicken Risoni With Crispy Salami

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Risoni: Replace sage with oregano and thyme, add lemon zest for bright citrus notes. Mediterranean flavors elevate the classic dish with fresh, aromatic herbs.
• Spicy Spanish Risoni: Swap salami for chorizo, add smoked paprika and red pepper flakes. Introduce a bold, fiery kick that transforms the original recipe into a Spanish-inspired meal.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Risoni: Replace chicken with mixed wild mushrooms, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. Create a rich, earthy alternative that maintains the creamy texture and complex flavors.
• Greek-Style Risoni: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and swap cream for Greek yogurt. Bring authentic Mediterranean ingredients that add tangy and salty dimensions to the dish.

What Goes Well With Creamy Chicken Risoni With Crispy Salami

• Pair with Bright Chardonnay: Select a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay to complement the creamy risoni's richness and cut through the dish's savory depth.
• Match with Rustic Sourdough: Serve a crusty, artisan sourdough bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and add textural contrast.
• Balance with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a peppery, tangy counterpoint to the creamy, rich chicken dish.
• Enhance with Herb-Infused Olive Oil: Drizzle a delicate herb-infused olive oil over the top to add an extra layer of aromatic complexity and brightness.

How To Keep Creamy Chicken Risoni With Crispy Salami Fresh

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Transfer cooled risoni to freezer-safe containers. Freeze flat for maximum space efficiency, lasting up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with cream or spinach for best texture.
• Reheating Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken stock or water to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Microwave Option: Place in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when thoroughly warmed to prevent drying out.

FAQ Section For Creamy Chicken Risoni With Crispy Salami

• What spices are used to season the chicken?

The blend includes salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and sage, which create a flavorful and aromatic coating for the chicken.

• Can I substitute risoni with another pasta?

Yes, you can use orzo or small shell pasta as alternatives that will work similarly in this recipe.

• Is this dish considered a one-pan meal?

Absolutely! The recipe uses the same skillet throughout, making it a convenient and easy cooking process with minimal cleanup.

• What makes the risoni creamy?

The creaminess comes from adding heavy cream and parmesan cheese at the end of cooking, which creates a rich and smooth texture.

Creamy Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent creamy chicken risoni with crispy salami brings Italian comfort right to kitchen tables. Parmesan-kissed pasta mingles with tender chicken and golden salami, promising a delightful Mediterranean-inspired meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 x 250 grams (8 ounces) chicken breasts, halved horizontally
• 100 grams (3 ounces) salami stick, cut into batons
• 400 grams (14 ounces) canned chickpeas, drained
• 150 grams (5 ounces) baby spinach

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon cooking salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon sage powder (optional)
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 1/4 cups risoni (orzo), uncooked
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3/4 cup thickened cream (or heavy cream)
• 1/3 cup parmesan, finely grated
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty spice blend combining salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and sage. Thoroughly massage the mixture onto chicken pieces, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Preheat a large skillet to medium-high heat with olive oil. Crisp salami for 2-3 minutes until edges turn golden and texture becomes crunchy. Transfer to a side plate.
3. Using the same skillet, sear chicken for approximately 3 minutes per side, developing a rich golden crust and ensuring internal doneness. Remove and loosely tent with foil to retain warmth.
4. Reduce heat and sauté minced garlic and diced onions for 1.5 minutes until fragrant. Optional: Deglaze with white wine, allowing liquid to reduce and concentrate flavors.
5. Incorporate tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute to intensify color and taste. Add risoni, coating thoroughly in the paste. Pour in chickpeas, stock, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Simmer risoni for 8 minutes, stirring consistently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking until pasta approaches tenderness.
7. Introduce cream, parmesan, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir until spinach wilts and risoni transforms into a luxuriously creamy consistency.
8. Slice chicken into elegant strips. Plate risoni, arranging chicken slices on top. Garnish with crispy salami fragments, additional parmesan shavings, and fresh basil leaves.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting paprika and garlic powder for personal heat preference.
• Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content.
• Ensure salami gets extra crispy by patting it dry before pan-frying to maximize crunchiness.
• Prevent risoni from sticking by stirring frequently and adding extra stock if mixture becomes too thick during cooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg