Onepot Wonder Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami

One Pot Chicken Risoni Magic Crispy Salami Twist

By SandraSeptember 1, 2025

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4.23 (13 Ratings)

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get that craving for something comforting but don't want the cleanup? This one pot chicken risoni dish is your answer.

It's packed with flavour. Honestly, the crispy salami takes it to another level.

Brief Overview

This Italian inspired one pot meal is a family favourite. It's surprisingly simple. This beauty takes about 35 minutes from start to finish.

It yields 4 servings. This is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Main Benefits

This easy weeknight dinner is a nutritional slam dunk. It's got a good balance of protein and carbs. Making it a satisfying meal.

This creamy chicken pasta recipe is perfect for those nights. When you need something quick and comforting. What makes it special? The crispy salami !

Let's face it, weeknights can be hectic. That's why I adore one pot pasta dishes . This chicken orzo one pot wonder is my go-to.

It minimizes dishes. And it maximizes flavour. I remember the first time I made this. My family devoured it.

You know, one time I accidentally used smoked paprika. It was a game changer. The dish had this smoky depth that was amazing.

I highly recommend trying it. Speaking of which, get ready to check out the ingredients for this one pot chicken risoni recipe .

We will see how simple and delicious it is!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!

Onepot Wonder Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami presentation

Alright, are you ready to dive in? This one pot chicken risoni recipe is seriously simple. It’s perfect for a weeknight.

Let's break down what you'll need. I promise, it's all stuff you probably already have!

Main Ingredients: Your Shopping List Sorted

Here's what you'll need for this creamy chicken pasta recipe .

Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Any good olive oil will do.
Salami: 1 cup (about 115g) chopped. Go for a dry-cured salami. It gets so crispy!
Yellow Onion: 1 small , diced (about 150g). A regular yellow one is just fine.
Garlic: 3 cloves , minced. Because garlic makes everything better, you know?
Chicken Breasts: 2 large , boneless, skinless, diced (about 450g).
Risoni Pasta: 1 1/2 cups (about 270g). Orzo works perfectly if you don't have risoni.
Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14 oz / 400g), undrained. Don't drain them! We want that juice.
Chicken Broth: 3 1/2 cups (about 825ml). Low sodium is a good shout, then you can control the salt.
Heavy Cream or Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (60 ml) cream or about 25g of cheese. (optional). Parmesan makes the Italian inspired one pot meal taste extra good.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: For garnish. Because we're fancy like that.

Honestly, quality indicators are simple. Just make sure everything looks and smells fresh. You can get away with budget brands.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

This chicken orzo one pot wonder needs some flavour!

Essential spice combo: Salt and pepper, obviously.
Flavour enhancers: The crispy salami fat is GOLDEN! It adds loads.
Aromatics: Garlic is essential! You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes. A 30 minute chicken dinner with a kick!.
Substitutions: No fresh basil? Dried oregano works in a pinch.

The crispy salami risoni gains an extra punch from the salami itself.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You really don't need much to make this one pot pasta dishes :

Large skillet or Dutch oven. A 12 inch one is ideal.
Measuring cups and spoons. You probably have these already.
Cutting board and knife. For chopping, duh.
Wooden spoon or spatula. So the one pot chicken risoni chicken doesn't stick!

Seriously, if you don't have a fancy Dutch oven, a large skillet is fine. This chicken risoni with vegetables is all about being easy, right? My nan used to just use a big old frying pan.

So, there you have it! Everything you need to get started on this crazy delicious risoni pasta bake chicken . Let's get cooking!

Cooking Method: One-Pot Chicken Risoni Magic

Honestly, who doesn't love a good one pot pasta dishes ? I know I do. Especially after a long day.

Less washing up, more chilling out! We are going to make the most amazing one pot chicken risoni recipe ever! You know? The kind that's ready faster than you can say 'takeaway'.

I'm talking about One-Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami .

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First things first. Mise en place , darling! Dice your onion, mince your garlic, and chop that chicken. I'm talking about about 450g chicken breast cut into 1 inch pieces.

Cube about 115g of salami (the drier, the better for that crispy salami risoni vibe). Safety first : wash your hands before handling the chicken.

This is your essential mise en place .

The One-Pot Chicken Risoni Process

Crisp It Up : Heat 30ml of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in that salami and cook until it's gorgeously crispy. Take it out and set aside. That crispy, salty crunch is the key .
Aromatics & Chicken : Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3- 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned.
Toast the Risoni : Stir in about 270g risoni (or orzo). Cook, stirring, for 1- 2 minutes . This adds a nutty flavour.
Liquid Gold : Pour in 400g of diced tomatoes and about 825ml of chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper.
Simmer to Perfection : Bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10- 12 minutes , or until the risoni is tender and the chicken is cooked through. This is what makes the chicken orzo one pot work.
Creamy Finish : Stir in either 60ml of heavy cream or about 25g of grated Parmesan (trust me on this). Return the crispy salami. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for the Best One Pot Chicken Risoni

Want to elevate your one pot chicken risoni chicken game? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.

Or, for a chicken risoni with vegetables option, throw in some spinach or peas during the last few minutes of cooking.

Avoid overcrowding the pan, or it won't cook evenly. This Italian inspired one pot meal is a guaranteed winner. This easy weeknight dinner will wow everyone.

If you're feeling fancy, you can even try a risoni pasta bake chicken ! Don't forget this 30 minute chicken dinner , it is truly a creamy chicken pasta recipe .

Recipe Notes to Elevate Your One Pot Chicken Risoni Experience

So you're about to dive into making this one pot chicken risoni recipe ? Awesome! Here are some extra notes.

These will help you customize this easy weeknight dinner to your liking. Think of them as little cheat codes.

Serving Like a Pro

Want to make your chicken risoni with vegetables look fancy? I sometimes plate it in shallow bowls. Then I top it with extra crispy salami.

A sprinkle of fresh herbs is always a winner. For drinks, a crisp Italian white or even a sparkling lemonade works perfectly.

Got some leftover crusty bread? Absolutely serve it on the side!

Storage Savvy

Honestly, leftovers are the best bit. Pop your creamy chicken pasta recipe into an airtight container. Stick it in the fridge, it'll keep for 3 days .

I have frozen portions before. Just let it cool completely first. Then, defrost thoroughly and reheat gently on the hob.

Add a splash of broth if it's dried out. Remember, food safety first!

Twist It Up!

Feeling adventurous? For a veggie twist. Just swap the chicken for chickpeas. Use a veggie salami alternative if desired. I sometimes go dairy-free.

Then I skip the cream. Instead, I stir in a tablespoon of nutritional yeast. This gives that cheesy flavour without the dairy.

Using seasonal swaps are also great. In winter, try adding roasted squash. During warmer months, courgette slices add a nice freshness.

Nutrition Nuggets

This Italian inspired one pot meal isn't just yummy. It's also pretty balanced. Chicken gives you protein. Pasta brings the carbs.

The veggies offer some vitamins. Keep an eye on the salami though. It can be high in sodium and fat.

Roughly, you are looking at 450-550 calories per serving. But this can vary depending on your ingredients.

This one pot chicken risoni chicken is seriously adaptable. Don't be afraid to experiment. Let me know what works for you in the comments.

Have fun and enjoy your delicious, easy to clean up meal! You got this! I bet you are thinking that chicken orzo one pot dishes are the best.

Delicious One Pot Pasta Dishes Crispy Salami Secret

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta for this one pot chicken risoni chicken recipe?

Absolutely! If you can't find risoni (also known as orzo), you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even broken spaghetti. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta shapes absorb liquid at different rates.

You might need to add a splash more chicken broth if it's looking a bit dry, so keep your eye on it, alright?

How do I store leftover one pot chicken risoni chicken, and how long will it last?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The risoni may absorb more of the liquid as it sits, so when you reheat it, you might want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.

Microwave it or gently heat it on the stovetop until warmed through, like you're reheating beans for your bangers and mash.

My one-pot chicken risoni is sticking to the bottom of the pan what am I doing wrong?

Pasta sticking to the pan is a classic cooking conundrum, innit? Make sure you're using a large enough pan with a good, heavy bottom to distribute the heat evenly. Also, stir the risoni frequently, especially during the simmering process, to prevent it from sticking. Adding a little extra liquid also helps!

Can I make this one pot chicken risoni chicken vegetarian?

For sure! Simply omit the chicken and salami, or use vegetarian alternatives like vegetarian chorizo or smoked tofu for a similar savory flavor. You can also add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas along with the tomatoes for extra protein and texture.

For a deeper flavour, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika.

Is there a way to make this one-pot chicken risoni dish healthier?

You bet! To reduce the fat content, you can use turkey salami instead of regular salami or simply use less. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt levels. You can also skip the cream or Parmesan at the end, or use a lighter alternative like Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

Load up on the veggies too; add some spinach or peas at the end of cooking for extra nutrients, it's a win-win!

Onepot Wonder Chicken Risoni With Crispy Salami

One Pot Chicken Risoni Magic Crispy Salami Twist Recipe Card

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:25 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped salami and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden brown. Remove the salami with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Leave the rendered salami fat in the pan.
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the diced chicken breast and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides.
Stir in the risoni pasta and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta to toast slightly.
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the risoni is tender and the chicken is cooked through. Stir occasionally.
If using, stir in the heavy cream or grated Parmesan cheese. Return the crispy salami to the pan and mix well. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving warm in bowls.