Description
A delicious and comforting one pot chicken risoni recipe featuring tender chicken, creamy risoni pasta, and crispy golden salami. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and creamy flavors with minimal cleanup and fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- Chicken thighs or breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)
- Crispy salami slices (100g, about 8-10 slices)
Pasta and grains
- Risoni pasta (or orzo) (1 cup / 180g)
Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- Chicken broth (3 cups / 720ml)
- Olive oil (2 tbsp)
Herbs and Seasonings
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tbsp)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Chili flakes (a pinch)
Optional
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/4 cup / 25g)
Instructions
- Prepare and crisp the salami: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the salami slices and cook until golden and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Brown the chicken: Season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pot and brown on all sides until golden, about 4-5 minutes per side. Do not cook fully through. Remove the chicken and set aside temporarily.
- Sauté aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the chicken fat. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to deepen the flavor.
- Add risoni and broth: Stir in the risoni pasta for about 1 minute to toast lightly. Return the chicken pieces to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer until cooked: Cover and cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the risoni is tender and chicken is cooked through, about 12-15 minutes. The pasta will absorb most of the broth, creating a creamy texture.
- Finish with crispy salami and garnish: Stir the crispy salami back into the pot just before serving or sprinkle on top for extra crunch. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and sprinkle Parmesan cheese if using.
Notes
- Use quality salami for best flavor and crispiness.
- Do not overcook the chicken during browning; it will finish cooking with the pasta.
- Lightly toast the risoni to bring out its nutty flavor.
- Monitor liquid levels and add more broth or water if needed to prevent dryness.
- Fresh herbs like parsley brighten and balance the rich flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg