There’s something undeniably satisfying about a one-pot meal minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, and a comforting dish that brings everyone to the table. This One-Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami is all that and more. Imagine tender, juicy chicken, velvety risoni coated in a creamy, savory sauce, and crispy bits of salami adding the perfect bite. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl.
This dish takes inspiration from Mediterranean flavors, blending bold, rich ingredients with simple cooking techniques to create something truly special. The secret? The crispy salami adds a depth of umami that takes the dish to the next level. Trust me, you’re going to love this.
Why You’ll Love One-Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion.
Is this One-Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami for you? Let’s see. This dish is…
- Rich and Creamy – The combination of risoni, parmesan, and cream creates an irresistibly silky texture.
- Flavor-Packed – Paprika-spiced chicken, crispy salami, and sun-dried tomatoes make every bite an explosion of taste.
- Quick and Easy – Everything comes together in one pot, saving time and effort.
- Satisfying Yet Light – The balance of protein, carbs, and greens makes it nourishing without feeling heavy.
- Customizable – Swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or add extra veggies to suit your taste.
A Quick Tip:
For an extra depth of flavor, let the salami crisp up slowly—it releases its oils, creating an incredible base for the dish.
Ingredients
Ingredients in One-Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with a handful of everyday ingredients, but the flavors are restaurant-worthy. Let’s break it down:
Chicken Breasts: The star of the show. Cut in half to cook evenly, ensuring they stay juicy and tender.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Simple but essential for bringing out all the natural flavors.
Garlic Powder, Paprika & Sage Powder: This trio adds warmth, smokiness, and a subtle earthiness.
Salami: When crisped up, it brings a rich, umami-packed crunch that makes this dish irresistible.
Garlic & Onion: The base of any good dish—these aromatics bring depth and a comforting sweetness.
Dry White Wine: A splash of wine adds acidity and enhances the overall flavor (but it’s totally optional).
Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato goodness that brings a slight tang and richness.
Risoni (Orzo): This tiny pasta soaks up all the creamy, savory sauce, making every bite luscious.
Chickpeas: A surprising but welcome addition for extra texture, protein, and fiber.
Chicken Stock: Infuses the risoni with even more flavor as it cooks.
Heavy Cream & Parmesan: The ultimate duo for creating that dreamy, creamy consistency.
Baby Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes: A fresh, slightly tangy contrast that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Fresh Basil & Extra Parmesan (for Garnish): The finishing touch for a picture-perfect plate.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami
Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and sage. This ensures every bite is well-seasoned.
Crisp the Salami: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the salami batons and cook until they turn golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
Sear the Chicken: In the same pot, sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet—it’ll finish cooking later.
Sauté the Aromatics: Lower the heat, add the garlic and onion, and cook until softened. If using wine, deglaze the pan by pouring it in and scraping up any flavorful bits.
Build the Base: Stir in the tomato paste and risoni, letting them toast slightly. This adds a rich, caramelized flavor.
Simmer Everything: Add chickpeas, chicken stock, salt, and pepper. Return the chicken to the pot and bring to a simmer. Cover and let cook until the risoni is tender.
Make It Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Let everything meld together for a couple of minutes.
Finish & Serve: Top with crispy salami, fresh basil, and extra parmesan. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few ideas to make your meal even more special:
Fresh Salads: A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with a lemony vinaigrette is a perfect contrast.
Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is great for soaking up that creamy sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or asparagus add color, texture, and extra nutrients.
As a Standalone: Honestly, this dish is so good on its own, you might not need anything else!
Additional Tips
Tips & Variations
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a little heat.
- Go Lighter: Use light cream or even Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- Switch Up the Greens: If you’re not a spinach fan, try kale or Swiss chard instead.
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze in portions and reheat for a quick, delicious meal anytime.
One-pot meals like this make life so much easier while still delivering big on flavor. Whether you’re a busy cook looking for something quick, or just someone who loves a creamy, savory dish with a little crunch, this One-Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami is a must-try.
One-Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts about 500g, cut in half horizontally
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¾ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp sage powder optional
- For the Crispy Salami:
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- 100 g 3 oz salami stick, cut into small batons
- For the Risoni Orzo Base:
- 2 garlic cloves finely minced
- ½ onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup dry white wine optional
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 ¼ cups risoni orzo, uncooked
- 400 g 14 oz canned chickpeas, drained
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock or vegetable stock
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¾ cup heavy cream or light cream
- ⅓ cup parmesan finely grated
- 150 g 5 oz baby spinach (or 4 cups chopped kale)
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped (optional)
- For Garnish Optional:
- 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped
- Extra parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and sage. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with the seasoning.
- Crisp the Salami: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the salami and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined bowl, leaving the flavorful fat in the pan.
- Cook the Chicken: In the same pan, cook the chicken for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 67°C/153°F). Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add garlic and onion to the pan. Cook for 1 1/2 minutes until onion is soft. Pour in white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer until mostly evaporated.
- Cook the Risoni: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add risoni, chickpeas, chicken stock, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8 minutes, stirring often. Reduce heat as it thickens to prevent sticking.
- Add Cream & Spinach: Stir in heavy cream, parmesan, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes (if using). Cook until the spinach wilts and the risoni is tender. Remove from heat.
- Assemble & Serve: Slice the chicken into thick pieces. Spoon risoni into bowls, top with chicken, and sprinkle crispy salami, extra parmesan, and basil (if using). Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra richness, use a mix of heavy cream and half-and-half.
- If the risoni is too thick, add a splash of broth to loosen it.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
