Description
One Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami is a comforting and convenient meal combining tender chicken thighs, nutty risoni pasta, crispy pan-fried salami, and creamy Parmesan cheese. Cooked all in one pot, this easy recipe delivers a cheesy, savory dinner in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a hearty, flavorful dish with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless), seasoned with salt and pepper
- 100g thinly sliced salami
Pasta & Broth
- 1 cup risoni (orzo) pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
Aromatics & Fat
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cheese & Herbs
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Slice the salami thinly. Lightly season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Finely chop the garlic and onion to maximize flavor release during cooking.
- Crisp the Salami: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Fry the salami slices until they become delightfully crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside, leaving the flavorful fat in the pan.
- Brown the Chicken: In the same pan with the salami fat, add the chicken thighs and cook until golden brown on both sides but not fully cooked through. This step locks in juices and builds a rich base flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics and Toast Risoni: Add garlic and onions directly to the pan and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the risoni and toast slightly until coated with oil and starting to color, enhancing its nutty depth.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the risoni is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through, approximately 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Cheese and Crispy Salami: When the risoni is creamy and chicken perfectly cooked, stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fold the crispy salami back into the pot. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor and juiciness.
- Don’t skip toasting the risoni to deepen flavor and improve texture.
- Watch broth levels and add a splash more if it absorbs too quickly.
- Let the dish rest covered off heat for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil just before serving to brighten the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: one pot, chicken risoni, crispy salami, easy dinner, comfort food, quick meal, weeknight recipe, cheesy pasta, savory, skillet dish