Creamy One-Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami Recipe

Whipping up a delightful one-pot chicken risoni with crispy salami can revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Comfort meets convenience in this Mediterranean-inspired dish that comes together effortlessly.

Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor define this culinary adventure.

Pantry staples transform into a mouthwatering meal that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.

Layers of savory salami and tender chicken create a symphony of textures and tastes.

Weeknight cooking just got a delicious upgrade that will make everyone at the table cheer.

Let’s dive into this simple yet spectacular recipe that promises to become your new favorite go-to meal.

Why One-Pot Chicken Risoni With Crispy Salami Works So Well

• Rapid Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold tastes from crispy salami, spiced chicken, and rich parmesan that dance together in one spectacular dish.
• Minimize Kitchen Mess: Single-pan cooking technique means less cleanup, saving precious time and reducing dish-washing fatigue after meal preparation.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps like vegetarian protein alternatives or different herbs to match personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Nourishing One-Pot Wonder: Combines protein-rich chicken, hearty chickpeas, and nutritious spinach for a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients.

What Goes Into One-Pot Chicken Risoni With Crispy Salami

• Chicken: Tender and seasoned protein for the main dish.
• Salami: Adds crispy texture and rich flavor to the recipe.
• Chickpeas: Plant-based protein that provides extra substance and nutrition.

• Garlic, Onion: Classic base that builds depth of flavor for the dish.
• White Wine: Adds acidity and helps deglaze the pan.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance overall taste.
• Chicken Stock: Provides liquid base and additional savory notes.

• Cream: Creates a rich and creamy texture for the risoni.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Introduces concentrated tomato sweetness.
• Spinach: Adds fresh green color and nutritional value.
• Basil: Fresh herb for garnish and bright flavor.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking and creating crispy elements.
• Tomato Paste: Provides concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Risoni (Orzo): Small pasta that serves as the base of the dish.

Steps To Make One-Pot Chicken Risoni With Crispy Salami

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Seasoning

Create a flavorful spice blend in a small bowl. Generously coat both sides of the chicken pieces with the seasoning mix, ensuring even coverage.

Step 2: Create Crispy Salami Topping

Heat olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Cook salami until it transforms into golden, crunchy bits, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes.

Transfer the crispy salami to a side plate, leaving the delicious oil behind in the pan.

Step 3: Sear Chicken to Perfection

Using the same pan with salami-infused oil, cook chicken pieces for 3 minutes on each side.

Look for a dark golden exterior and ensure the chicken is just cooked through. Remove chicken and loosely cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 4: Build Flavor Base

• Garlic
• Onion

Cook until the vegetables become translucent and fragrant, about 1.5 minutes. Pour in white wine and let it simmer rapidly until mostly evaporated, creating a rich flavor foundation.

Step 5: Combine Risoni Ingredients

• Uncooked risoni
• Chickpeas
• Chicken stock
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix everything thoroughly to combine.

Step 6: Simmer Risoni

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for approximately 8 minutes, stirring every minute to prevent sticking.

Reduce heat as the mixture begins to thicken.

Step 7: Finish with Creamy Touches

• Cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Spinach

Continue stirring until spinach wilts and ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 8: Plate and Garnish

• Sliced chicken
• Crispy salami
• Extra parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves

Tips That Help One-Pot Chicken Risoni With Crispy Salami

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure perfect spice adherence and achieve golden-brown exterior.
• Control salami crispiness by watching closely during cooking; remove immediately when golden to prevent burning.
• Use low-sodium chicken stock to manage salt levels, allowing better control of overall dish seasoning.
• Keep risoni moving during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution for consistent texture.
• Replace cream with coconut milk for dairy-free option, maintaining creamy consistency while adding subtle flavor complexity.

Ways To Mix Up One-Pot Chicken Risoni With Crispy Salami

• Mediterranean Seafood Risoni: Replace chicken with shrimp or mixed seafood, swap salami for pancetta, and add lemon zest for a fresh coastal flavor.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Substitute chicken with roasted chickpeas or cubed tofu, use vegetable stock, and include extra mushrooms for depth.
• Spicy Chorizo Edition: Use chorizo instead of salami, add red pepper flakes, incorporate smoked paprika into the spice mix, and include roasted red peppers.
• Autumn Harvest Risoni: Include diced butternut squash, swap spinach for kale, use sage instead of basil, and add crumbled goat cheese on top.

What Goes Great With One-Pot Chicken Risoni With Crispy Salami

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy risoni and cut through the richness of salami and chicken.
• Sprinkle Fresh Herb Garnish: Chop a mix of fresh basil, parsley, and thyme to brighten the dish's flavors and add a vibrant aromatic touch to the one-pot meal.
• Create Tangy Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and shaved parmesan to balance the hearty risoni and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Serve Crusty Bread Pairing: Offer warm, rustic sourdough or ciabatta bread to soak up the creamy sauce and add a delightful textural element to the meal.

How To Store One-Pot Chicken Risoni With Crispy Salami

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Transfer cooled risoni to freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze up to 2 months. Avoid freezing chicken to prevent texture changes.
• Reheating Stovetop: Warm gently in a pan with a splash of chicken stock or water, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Heat until steaming hot and reach 165°F internal temperature.
• Microwave Option: Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add small amount of liquid, cover loosely. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving.

FAQs For One-Pot Chicken Risoni With Crispy Salami

• What is risoni, and how is it different from other pasta?

Risoni, also known as orzo, is a small rice-shaped pasta that looks like rice but is actually pasta. It cooks quickly and has a unique texture that absorbs flavors well, making it perfect for one-pot dishes.

• Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Yes, you can easily swap chicken for other proteins like shrimp, turkey, or even tofu. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is fully cooked.

• Is this dish gluten-free?

No, this recipe is not gluten-free due to the risoni pasta. To make it gluten-free, you’ll need to use a gluten-free pasta alternative or risoni made from rice or legumes.

One-Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this one-pot chicken risoni with crispy salami, blending Mediterranean flavors into a hearty meal. Creamy pasta, golden salami bits, and tender chicken create a luxurious dining experience you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 100 grams (3 ounces) salami stick

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon cooking salt or kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon sage powder

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 1 1/4 cups risoni/orzo, uncooked
• 400 grams (14 ounces) canned chickpeas, drained
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 150 grams (5 ounces) baby spinach or kale pieces
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Liquids and Dairy:

• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 3 cups low sodium chicken stock
• 3/4 cup thickened/heavy cream
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons roughly chopped basil

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty spice blend by combining selected seasonings, then generously coat chicken pieces on both surfaces with the aromatic mixture.
2. Render salami into crisp, golden morsels by sizzling in olive oil over medium-high heat for approximately 2 minutes, stirring continuously. Transfer to a side plate while preserving the rendered fat.
3. Utilize the same pan to sear chicken, achieving a deep golden exterior and ensuring thorough internal cooking for roughly 3 minutes per side. Temporarily remove and shield with aluminum foil.
4. Soften aromatics by gently sweating garlic and onion until translucent, then deglaze the pan with white wine, allowing rapid reduction until minimal liquid remains.
5. Incorporate tomato paste, stirring to develop rich flavors. Introduce risoni, chickpeas, chicken stock, and season with salt and pepper, mixing thoroughly.
6. Initiate simmering process, cooking risoni for 8 minutes with occasional stirring. Gradually reduce heat as mixture thickens and absorbs liquid.
7. Enrich the dish by folding in cream, parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, allowing greens to wilt and ingredients to harmonize.
8. Slice chicken into substantial portions. Plate risoni, crown with chicken slices, scatter crispy salami, sprinkle additional parmesan, and garnish with fresh basil.

Notes

• Adjust the chicken cooking time based on the thickness of the pieces to ensure even cooking without drying out the meat.
• Toast the risoni briefly before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping.
• Substitute salami with crispy pancetta or bacon for different flavor variations if desired.
• Use gluten-free risoni or orzo for a celiac-friendly version of this one-pot meal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 80mg