If you’re on the lookout for a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then your search ends here with this incredible One-Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami Recipe. It brings together tender, perfectly spiced chicken, velvety risoni cooked to creamy perfection, and that addictive crunch of crispy salami all in one pot. This dish is a delightful balance of textures and flavors that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to share anytime with friends and family. I can’t wait for you to try it because it’s truly a one-pot wonder that hits all the right notes in comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating flavor layers, colors, and texture that make the dish irresistible without any fuss.
- Olive oil: Essential for crisping the salami and cooking the chicken to golden perfection.
- Salami stick: Cut thinly and chopped to create crispy, flavorful bites that bring a smoky depth.
- Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced to cook quickly and stay tender in the dish.
- Cooking salt (kosher salt): Balances the flavors and seasons the chicken and risoni perfectly.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle kick and warmth.
- Garlic powder: A quick way to layer garlic flavor alongside fresh garlic.
- Paprika: Brings a smoky, slightly sweet earthiness to the chicken spice mix.
- Sage powder (optional): Offers an aromatic, herbaceous note for those who want a little extra!
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for punchy flavor in the saute step.
- Onion: Finely chopped to create a savory base with natural sweetness.
- Chardonnay or dry white wine (optional): Adds acidity and complexity while deglazing the pan.
- Tomato paste: Gives color and a rich, concentrated tomato flavor to the risoni.
- Risoni/orzo (uncooked): The star grain, transforming into tender, slightly firm pearls of pasta.
- Canned chickpeas: Adds a subtle nuttiness and extra body to the dish without overpowering it.
- Chicken stock (low sodium): The flavorful cooking liquid that brings everything together.
- Thickened or heavy cream: Creates that luscious, creamy sauce coating every bite.
- Parmesan: Finely grated to sprinkle in two stages for depth and savory richness.
- Baby spinach: Adds freshness, beautiful green color, and a subtle earthy note.
- Sun dried tomatoes (optional): Bring bursts of intense sweetness and chewiness.
- Fresh basil (optional): For a fragrant, herby finish that lifts the entire dish.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mix and Season the Chicken
Start by mixing salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and optional sage in a small bowl. This spice blend is your flavor passport, so sprinkle it generously over both sides of the chicken breasts. This ensures every bite is packed with seasoned goodness.
Step 2: Crisp the Salami to Perfection
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large non-stick pan. Toss in your finely chopped salami and stir constantly for about 2 minutes until those little pieces turn beautifully golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined bowl, making sure to keep all that tasty salami fat in the pan—it’s liquid gold for the next steps!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Steaks
Using the fat left from the salami, cook your seasoned chicken pieces on medium-high heat for around 3 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a deep golden crust and a juicy interior, cooked through to an internal temperature of 67°C or 153°F. Once done, place them on a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm while you work on the rest.
Step 4: Build the Flavor Base
Reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the pan. Sauté them for about 90 seconds until the onion is translucent and soft. Pour in the white wine if using, allowing it to simmer away for a couple minutes. This step deglazes the pan and pulls all those browned bits off the bottom, blending them perfectly into your dish.
Step 5: Introduce the Risoni and Chickpeas
Stir in the tomato paste and cook it for about 1 minute to mellow its raw acidity. Then add your risoni, tossing it to coat well with the flavorful tomato paste. Next, mix in the chickpeas, chicken stock, salt, and pepper—this combination will provide a wonderfully rich and savory cooking liquid.
Step 6: Simmer and Stir to Tender Risoni
Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cook for roughly 8 minutes, stirring every now and then to prevent sticking. As the sauce thickens, lower your heat to medium so it doesn’t scorch. The risoni should become tender but still hold a slight bite—just how it should be.
Step 7: Fold in the Cream, Cheese, and Greens
Pour in the cream and sprinkle the parmesan cheese followed by the baby spinach and sun dried tomatoes if you’re using them. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes beautifully creamy and smooth. This enhances the dish’s indulgent texture and freshens the flavors.
Step 8: Plate and Serve One-Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami Recipe
Slice your rested chicken into thick strips. Scoop generous portions of that oozy, tender risoni into bowls and top with the sliced chicken. Don’t forget to shower the dish with the crispy salami, extra parmesan, and fresh basil for an aromatic, colorful finish. This is your moment – dig in and enjoy every comforting bite!
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling fresh basil leaves and additional parmesan cheese on top adds a wonderful fresh aroma and an extra layer of cheesy goodness. You could even add a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of chili flakes if you love a subtle heat kick.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own because it covers protein, carbs, and veggies all at once. If you want to round out the meal, a light crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables pairs beautifully without overwhelming the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, serve the risoni in individual ramekins with sliced chicken fanned over the top and crispy salami as a crunchy garnish. Offering lemon wedges on the side can brighten up the creamy dish when squeezed over, adding another dimension of freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dish keeps well as the flavors continue to meld, making it perfect for an easy lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal for the spinach and cream because of texture changes. If you must freeze, skip adding spinach and cream until reheating. Place cooled risoni and chicken separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen the sauce, stirring often until warmed through. Avoid the microwave as it may toughen the chicken or make the risoni dry.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of risoni?
Yes, small pasta shapes like orzo or tiny shells work great as a substitute. Just keep an eye on cooking times since not all pastas behave exactly like risoni.
Is the white wine necessary?
No, the wine adds a subtle acidity and helps deglaze the pan but can be omitted or replaced with a little extra chicken stock or white grape juice if preferred.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the cream for coconut cream or a nut-based cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese substitute instead of parmesan.
How do I get the salami crispy without burning?
Cook over medium-high heat and stir constantly to ensure even crisping. Remove the salami as soon as it’s golden to prevent it from going bitter or burnt.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
Fresh basil is ideal for garnishing but if you don’t have any, chopped fresh parsley or chives can add a nice, fresh touch instead.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this One-Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami Recipe enough for those moments when you want comfort food without the hassle. It’s cozy, creamy, and packed with flavor—all made effortlessly in one pan. Give it a go and I’m sure it will become a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation, just like it is in mine!
