There is something irresistibly comforting about a dish that can deliver rich, creamy textures alongside a satisfying crunch and savory notes, all in one pot. The One-Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami Recipe perfectly balances tender chicken, al dente risoni, and crispy, golden salami batons to create a meal that feels both indulgent and effortlessly approachable. Every bite is a celebration of flavour and coziness, making this recipe a total winner for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is truly the first joyful step toward this comforting meal. Each item plays an essential role, whether it’s building the dish’s robust flavour, adding lovely textures, or infusing vibrant colors that make this recipe as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Olive oil: Helps crisp the salami and create a flavourful base for sautéing without overpowering the dish.
- Salami stick: Cut into thin rounds and batons, it crisps beautifully, giving the dish that addictive salty crunch.
- Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick, even cooking and tender bites throughout.
- Cooking salt and black pepper: The foundational seasonings to bring all the ingredients together with balanced seasoning.
- Garlic powder, paprika, and optional sage powder: A spice blend that layers warmth and aromatic depth onto the chicken.
- Fresh garlic and onion: The aromatic duo that forms the flavourful base of the dish.
- Chardonnay or dry white wine (optional): Adds acidity and complexity, lifting the sauce beautifully.
- Tomato paste: Adds a subtle tang and rich color, enveloping the risoni in deliciousness.
- Risoni (orzo): The tender pasta that soaks up all the luscious flavors, staying tender yet slightly firm.
- Canned chickpeas: Adds creamy texture and a gentle nutty flavor to balance the dish.
- Chicken stock (low sodium recommended): The flavorful cooking liquid that infuses the risoni while keeping everything moist.
- Heavy cream: Richens the sauce and brings silky smoothness, making it irresistibly luxurious.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty finish that ties all the flavours beautifully.
- Baby spinach or kale: Provides freshness, vibrant green color, and a tender contrast to the creamy risoni.
- Sun dried tomatoes and fresh basil (optional): Introduce bursts of vibrant, sweet-tart notes and herbaceous brightness for extra layers of flavour.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mix and Season Chicken
Start by mixing your garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and optional sage powder in a bowl. This delightful blend will coat the chicken pieces perfectly, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor. Sprinkle it generously over both sides of the thin chicken steaks, giving them a fragrant crust once cooked.
Step 2: Crisp Up the Salami
Heat olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped salami batons and stir constantly for about two minutes until they’re golden and crispy. The aroma at this moment is absolutely mouthwatering. Remove the crispy salami to a paper towel-lined bowl, but keep the rendered fat in the pan — this is where the magic begins!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Using the same pan with the flavorful salami fat, cook the seasoned chicken pieces for 3 minutes on each side. Look for a beautifully dark golden color and confirm they’re cooked through (about 67°C internal temperature). Once done, remove the chicken and cover loosely with foil to keep warm and juicy.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Deglaze
Still over medium-high heat, toss in your finely minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook them for about a minute and a half until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Add the white wine if using, letting it rapidly simmer so it reduces and captures all the golden bits stuck to the pan. This step pulls full-bodied flavor into the dish!
Step 5: Build the Base with Tomato Paste and Risoni
Add the tomato paste next, stirring constantly for one minute to mellow its raw edge. Then, toss in the risoni (or orzo), stirring to coat every grain in the rich tomato base. Add your drained chickpeas along with chicken stock, salt, and pepper — this mixture is about to become a velvety, irresistible risotto-style masterpiece.
Step 6: Simmer to Perfection
Bring everything gently to a simmer. Stir every minute or so, watching as the risoni absorbs all that wonderful liquid. After about eight minutes, it should be just tender with a lovely “oozy” consistency. Lower the heat to medium as it thickens, preventing anything from sticking or burning on the bottom.
Step 7: Enrich with Cream, Cheese, and Greens
Now add the cream, parmesan cheese, and baby spinach (or kale). If you love sun dried tomatoes, add those here too for a punch of bright, tangy flavour. Stir until the spinach has wilted gently, folding everything into a creamy, dreamy finish.
Step 8: Serve With Crispy Salami and Fresh Herbs
Slice the cooked chicken into thick, juicy pieces. Spoon the creamy risoni into bowls, top with the chicken slices, and sprinkle generously with that glorious crispy salami, more parmesan, and chopped fresh basil if you have it on hand. Dig in immediately and experience the sensational combination of textures and bold flavours!
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh basil leaves or extra grated parmesan on top elevates this dish perfectly. The basil brings a fresh aromatic lift, while the parmesan adds a savory hit that complements the creamy base and crispy salami crunch. A little cracked black pepper freshly ground on top finishes it beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty and satisfying enough to enjoy on its own, but if you want to add sides, consider a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a rustic crusty loaf also works wonderfully to soak up every last bit of creamy risoni sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this recipe in shallow bowls to showcase all the layers — the creamy risoni, tender chicken, and scattered crispy salami look irresistible in an open presentation. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or drizzle a little good quality olive oil for added texture and shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The dish may thicken as it cools, but a quick stir with a splash of stock or cream before reheating will bring that luxurious creaminess back to life.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prepare ahead. Cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave with added liquid to prevent drying out.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low-medium heat on the stovetop, adding a little chicken stock or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and to revive the silky texture that makes this dish feel so comforting and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of risoni?
Absolutely! While risoni is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or Israeli couscous can work too. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it necessary to use wine in the recipe?
Wine adds depth and acidity that enhances the overall flavor, but it’s completely optional. If you prefer, simply skip it and add a little extra chicken stock instead.
Can I substitute the chicken for another protein?
Yes! Thin slices of pork loin or turkey breast can be used similarly. Just be mindful of cooking times to avoid drying out the meat.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with firm tofu or extra chickpeas, use vegetable stock, and omit the salami. Adding smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke can mimic that smoky, savory flavour.
What’s the best way to get crispy salami?
Thin slices cooked in olive oil over medium-high heat with constant stirring crisp up quickly without burning. Removing them promptly to paper towels keeps them crunchy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about how the One-Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami Recipe comes together — creamy, flavorful, and full of delightful textures in a single pan. It’s one of those recipes you return to again and again because it’s practical and utterly satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try this one and enjoy the warm comfort it brings to your table!
