This Creamy Chicken and Chorizo Risoni (Orzo) recipe is a fuss-free weeknight dinner, all made in the one pan with a rich, creamy sauce flavoured with smoky chorizo. It is on the table in less than 30 minutes.
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time20 minutesmins
Total Time25 minutesmins
Ingredients
300gboneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces (or chicken breast, see note 1)
½tspsea salt flakes, plus extra to taste
½tspfreshly cracked black pepper, plus extra to taste
½tspsweet paprika
½tspdried oregano
1tbspolive oil
250gchorizo, diced
1onion, finely chopped
2clovesgarlic, minced
2tbsptomato paste
80mlwhite wine (optional)
200grisoni (orzo) pasta
500mlchicken stock
125mlthickened (whipping/heavy) cream
100ggrated parmesan, plus extra for garnish
100gbaby spinach
Instructions
Season the chicken – Place the chicken in a medium bowl. Add the salt, pepper, paprika and dried oregano. Toss to coat using tongs. Set aside.
Cook the chorizo – Heat the olive oil in a large deep, heavy-based pan over medium heat. Add the diced chorizo and cook for 2–3 minutes or until crispy. Set aside on a plate.
Add the onion and garlic – To the same pan, add the onion and garlic and cook until fragrant for 1–2 minutes.
Cook the chicken – Add the chicken and cook, stirring, for 2–3 minutes until browned.
Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until it deepens slightly in colour.
Add the white wine (if using) and cook for 1 minute or until it has mostly evaporated.
Add the risoni – Add the risoni and chicken stock and return the cooked chorizo to the pan. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Simmer – Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the risoni is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
Add the cream and cheese – Stir in the cream and parmesan. Cook for another 1–2 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
Add the spinach – Turn the heat off. Add the baby spinach and stir it through until wilted. Season with extra salt and pepper to taste (you won’t need much salt, if any, as the chicken stock and chorizo are salty).
Serve – Garnish with extra grated parmesan and serve immediately.
Notes
Note 1 – My preference is chicken thigh as it stays juicy during the cooking process, but you could also use chicken breast which, although firmer in texture, is equally delicious.
Make ahead
This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a little extra liquid to maintain its creamy consistency. Not suitable to freeze (as the risoni can go mushy).
Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of stock or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Not suitable to freeze (the risoni/orzo can go mushy).
Nutrition Facts
Creamy Chicken and Chorizo Risoni (Orzo)
Amount per Serving
Calories
799
% Daily Value*
Fat
43
g
66
%
Saturated Fat
19
g
119
%
Trans Fat
0.01
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
10
g
Cholesterol
171
mg
57
%
Sodium
1101
mg
48
%
Potassium
827
mg
24
%
Carbohydrates
53
g
18
%
Fiber
3
g
13
%
Sugar
7
g
8
%
Protein
44
g
88
%
Vitamin A
3564
IU
71
%
Vitamin C
12
mg
15
%
Calcium
308
mg
31
%
Iron
4
mg
22
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.