The fusion of creamy tomato parmesan sauce, hearty chickpeas, and vibrant greens makes this chicken risoni dish a true comfort classic. Each bite offers a balance of savory spices, tender chicken, and the addictive crunch of golden salami, all simmered together in one pan for maximum flavor and minimal fuss.
This dish is a true weeknight wonder—elegant enough for guests, simple enough for a quick meal. The risoni cooks in the same pan, soaking up every bit of goodness from the seasoned chicken and crispy salami. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable: swap in bacon or kale, skip the wine, or toss in your favorite veggies to make it your own.
Full Recipe:
-
2 x 250g (8 oz) chicken breasts, halved horizontally
-
1/2 tbsp olive oil
-
100g (3 oz) salami stick, cut into batons
-
1/2 tsp cooking salt
-
1/4 tsp black pepper
-
1/2 tsp garlic powder
-
3/4 tsp paprika
-
1/4 tsp sage powder (optional)
-
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
-
1/2 onion, finely chopped
-
1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
-
1/4 cup tomato paste
-
1 1/4 cups risoni (orzo), uncooked
-
400g (14 oz) canned chickpeas, drained
-
3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
-
1/2 tsp salt
-
1/4 tsp pepper
-
3/4 cup thickened cream (or heavy cream)
-
1/3 cup parmesan, finely grated
-
150g (5 oz) baby spinach
-
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
-
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions:
-
Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and sage in a bowl. Rub onto both sides of chicken pieces.
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add salami and cook 2–3 minutes until crispy. Remove and set aside.
-
In the same pan, sear chicken for 3 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and cover loosely with foil.
-
Add garlic and onion to the same pan. Cook for 1.5 minutes. Deglaze with white wine (if using), simmer until mostly evaporated.
-
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add risoni, coat in paste, then pour in chickpeas, stock, salt, and pepper.
-
Bring to a simmer and cook for 8 minutes, stirring regularly until the risoni is nearly tender.
-
Stir in cream, parmesan, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Mix until spinach wilts and risoni is creamy.
-
Slice the chicken. Serve risoni in bowls topped with chicken slices, crispy salami, parmesan, and basil.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 623 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Comforting One-Pot Marvel: Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami
There’s something deeply satisfying about cooking a complete meal in one pan. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, and the joy of watching simple ingredients come together into a hearty, nourishing dish. One-Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami is a perfect example—a creamy, tomato-infused pasta creation that’s equal parts cozy and elegant, with flavors that evoke both rustic Italian countryside and modern kitchen convenience.
This dish isn’t just about ease—it’s a complex layering of textures and flavors: juicy, pan-seared chicken breast seasoned with warm spices, rich parmesan stirred through creamy risoni, the earthy bite of chickpeas, and golden, crispy salami that adds a savory, meaty crunch to every bite. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes on the first bite and wonder how something so simple can be so good.
The Story Behind the Dish
One of the best aspects of this dish is how it was born from a common kitchen situation: a single leftover ingredient—in this case, salami—sparking the inspiration for an entire meal. It’s a testament to creativity in the kitchen and the ability to turn what you have on hand into something extraordinary.
Salami often plays a supporting role in meals—served on charcuterie boards, tucked into sandwiches, or added to pizzas. But here, it gets its moment in the spotlight. Fried until crispy, it acts much like bacon or chorizo, releasing its oils into the pan and infusing the rest of the ingredients with deep, bold flavor.
This approach mirrors the philosophy of “cook smarter, not harder.” Use what you have. Use every bit of it. Make it delicious.
Why This Dish Works So Well
At its core, this recipe succeeds because of its balance. Every element has its purpose and complements the others:
-
The chicken is split into thin cutlets to ensure even cooking and maximum surface area for browning. Seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of sage, it’s flavorful on its own but doesn’t overpower the dish.
-
The risoni (also known as orzo) is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs the surrounding flavors like a sponge. Unlike rice, it doesn’t need to rest or steam—it goes from pan to plate in minutes, perfectly al dente.
-
The creamy tomato base, made with a touch of cream, chicken stock, and tomato paste, is rich without being heavy. It clings to every grain of pasta, ensuring full-bodied flavor in every bite.
-
The chickpeas add body, nutrition, and texture. Their slightly nutty flavor plays well with the creamy pasta and gives the dish a bit more substance without turning it into a stew.
-
The baby spinach is stirred in right at the end, providing color, freshness, and a hint of bitterness to cut through the richness.
-
Crispy salami is the crown jewel. It’s bold, salty, and just a little indulgent—bringing contrast and crunch that turns the dish from “great” to “unforgettable.”
One Pan, Many Benefits
Apart from being deeply flavorful and comforting, the biggest draw of this dish is its simplicity. Everything is cooked in a single pan. That means fewer dishes to wash, a streamlined cooking process, and a more relaxed kitchen environment.
Whether you’re a busy parent trying to get dinner on the table quickly or a passionate home cook looking to impress guests without spending hours over the stove, this one-pan wonder has you covered.
And cleanup? You’ll be done before the leftovers even cool.
Endless Flexibility
Another highlight of this recipe is how forgiving and customizable it is. Don’t have chicken breasts? Use thighs or even turkey. No salami? Bacon or chorizo will do just fine. Want to make it vegetarian? Skip the meat and bump up the veggies—zucchini, mushrooms, or even roasted red peppers would fit right in.
You can also adjust the level of creaminess. Use more cream for a silkier finish, or substitute with evaporated milk or a plant-based alternative to suit dietary needs. The risoni holds up well to variations in liquid and flavor, so there’s plenty of room to experiment.
Even the chickpeas are optional—though they add fiber and protein, the dish holds its own without them. Or, you could substitute with white beans or lentils for a similar effect.
And let’s not forget the finish—sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and a sprinkling of parmesan on top make it extra special. But again, these are bonus additions. The base dish is complete and satisfying all on its own.
A Dish That Pleases Everyone (Almost)
This recipe hits all the right notes for most eaters: it’s hearty, savory, creamy, and full of comforting carbs and protein. It appeals to kids and adults alike. It feels gourmet without being pretentious.
That said, it may not suit every dietary need. It’s not gluten-free, vegan, or particularly low-carb. But for the average eater craving a cozy meal, it’s a slam-dunk. And for those with dietary restrictions, a few smart substitutions can bring this dish into alignment with their needs (think gluten-free orzo, plant-based cream, and meat-free alternatives).
It’s the kind of meal that makes a Tuesday night feel like a special occasion. Or a weekend meal feel like a cozy hug.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
One-Pot Chicken Risoni also lends itself well to meal prep. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. The flavors deepen after a day in the fridge, making leftovers highly desirable.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. While pasta can sometimes lose its texture after freezing, this dish actually does okay if you need to stash it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just be sure to defrost slowly and reheat gently to maintain the creamy consistency.
Whether for packed lunches or easy reheat-and-eat dinners, this dish is a practical choice as much as it is a delicious one.
Tips for Best Results
-
Don’t rush the salami. Getting it crispy is key to adding depth and contrast. Cook it over medium-high heat until golden brown.
-
Stir the risoni often. Because it’s small and starchy, it can stick to the bottom of the pan if left unattended. Regular stirring ensures even cooking and helps create that lovely creamy texture.
-
Use good quality stock. Since the pasta absorbs all the liquid, the stock you use makes a big difference in the flavor outcome. Homemade or a rich store-bought stock is ideal.
-
Finish with fresh ingredients. A handful of fresh basil or a generous grate of good parmesan at the end adds brightness and umami that elevates the whole dish.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Weeknight Hero
In a world full of complex recipes and long ingredient lists, it’s a relief to find a dish that offers so much with so little effort. One-Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami is more than just a weeknight dinner—it’s a reminder that comfort food doesn’t have to be boring or predictable.
With just a few humble ingredients and one trusty pan, you get a meal that’s creamy, savory, a little crunchy, a little tangy, and entirely satisfying. It’s a dish that invites creativity, encourages smart pantry use, and delivers restaurant-level flavor with minimal mess.
Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this dish will quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation. And once you’ve had crispy salami in pasta, you may never go back.