If you’ve been looking for a cozy yet quick dinner that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then this One Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautiful blend of tender chicken, golden-toasted risoni pasta, and savory, crispy salami all cooked together in one pan for maximum flavor and minimal fuss. Each bite delivers comforting creaminess with a hint of smoky spice, making it a perfect weeknight meal that never feels ordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delicious One Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami Recipe, you’ll want to gather simple, staple ingredients that each play an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the earthy spices to the crisped salami, these components come together effortlessly in this one-pan wonder.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Diced, they provide juicy protein and absorb spices beautifully.
- Risoni (or orzo pasta): Its tiny, rice-like shape cooks quickly and creates a creamy base when combined with broth and cheese.
- Olive oil: A good-quality oil to sauté the chicken and bring out its golden crispiness.
- Salami slices: Thin strips that crisp up to add a smoky and slightly spicy crunch.
- Onion: Finely chopped to soften and add subtle sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Minced, it infuses a fragrant warmth throughout the dish.
- Dried oregano: Adds a herbal, slightly peppery note to complement the chicken and salami.
- Smoked paprika: This spice lends a beautiful smoky undertone that enhances savory flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all the ingredients’ natural tastes.
- Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that softens the risoni while enriching it with savory goodness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the pasta mixture, boosting creaminess and adding a nutty tang.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped as a bright, fresh garnish to lighten the rich dish.
- Butter (optional): Stirred in for an extra smooth, luscious finish.
How to Make One Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Season the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your diced chicken breasts or thighs, then sprinkle on salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cooking the chicken until golden brown and juicy seals in the flavor and builds a beautiful base for the recipe. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Crisp Up the Salami
In the same skillet, add your sliced strips of salami. Let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn crispy and slightly caramelized. This step intensifies their smoky, spicy character and adds an irresistible crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender components. Remove the crispy salami and set it aside with the chicken.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss the finely chopped onion and minced garlic into the leftover rendered fat and oils in the pan. Cooking for 2 to 3 minutes softens the onion and releases aromatic garlic flavors, which serve as the heart of this dish’s savory profile.
Step 4: Cook the Risoni
Add the risoni to the skillet and stir well, coating each grain with the onion and garlic mixture. Pour in the chicken broth, bring it to a gentle simmer, then cover with a lid. Let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the risoni absorbs the liquid and becomes tender. If necessary, add a touch more broth or water to achieve the perfect texture.
Step 5: Combine Chicken, Salami, and Cheese
Once the risoni is perfectly cooked, stir in the cooked chicken and crispy salami. For extra richness, add a tablespoon of butter if you like, then toss in the grated Parmesan cheese. This final mix transforms the dish into a wonderfully creamy and comforting meal. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop the luscious chicken risoni into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and, if you love, a little extra Parmesan. Every spoonful blends textures and flavors that feel homemade yet special.
How to Serve One Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a bright flash of color and a fresh herbal note that beautifully cuts through the richness. Don’t forget a little extra grated Parmesan for that perfectly cheesy finish that melts your heart and taste buds alike.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables adds a refreshing contrast that rounds out your meal with vibrant colors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, serve the dish straight from the pot in rustic bowls to invite everyone to dig in. If you want to impress, plate it with a twist: create a neat mound of risoni in the center, garnish with a sprig of parsley, and a dramatic crack of black pepper on top. Either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover One Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the risoni over medium heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up as it tends to thicken in the fridge. Stir well until everything is heated through and creamy once again.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta instead of risoni?
Absolutely! While risoni works perfectly due to its small size and quick cooking time, you can substitute with orzo or small pasta shapes like acini di pepe. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe without salami?
Yes, if you prefer to skip the salami, you can swap it for bacon or pancetta for a similar smoky crunch, or omit entirely for a milder flavor profile.
Can I use bone-in chicken or dark meat?
Boneless chicken breasts or thighs work best because they cook evenly and quickly, but you could use bone-in pieces if you adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked before adding the risoni.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Asiago are great alternatives with a similar sharp, salty bite that complements the dish.
How spicy is the dish?
The recipe has a mild smoky warmth mainly from smoked paprika and salami. If you like things spicier, feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes or pepper to taste.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami Recipe has quickly become one of my favorites for busy nights when I want something that’s both comforting and special. The ease of cooking everything in one pan means less cleanup and more time enjoying your delicious creation. I truly hope you’ll give it a try—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a little celebration every time you make it.
Print
One Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
A delicious and comforting One Pot Chicken Risoni dish featuring tender chicken, crispy salami, and creamy Parmesan-infused pasta. This easy-to-make recipe combines aromatic seasonings and a perfect blend of textures for a satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein & Meat
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 4 slices salami, cut into strips
Pasta & Grains
- 200g risoni (or orzo pasta)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Liquids & Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra creaminess)
Dairy & Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Crisp the salami: In the same skillet, add the sliced salami strips and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are crispy. Remove the crispy salami from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Cook the risoni: Add the risoni pasta to the skillet and stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the risoni cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is tender. Add additional broth or water if needed to ensure the risoni cooks through.
- Combine and finish: Once the risoni is cooked, stir the cooked chicken and crispy salami back into the skillet. Add butter (if using) and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until everything is well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Dish the chicken risoni into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier flavor.
- If you don’t have risoni, orzo pasta makes a great alternative.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste; add more smoked paprika for extra smokiness.
- Butter is optional but adds a lovely creaminess to the final dish.
- Keep an eye on the liquid level when cooking the risoni to prevent drying out.
