One Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami

This One Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami is a hearty, flavorful dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Packed with tender chicken, perfectly cooked risoni (a type of pasta that looks like rice), and a touch of crispy salami for added texture and flavor, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights. The savory salami adds a delicious crunch, while the chicken and peas bring a satisfying depth to the dish. Not only is this recipe quick and easy to make, but it’s also comforting and packed with layers of flavor. Plus, the best part is that it’s all cooked in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting a casual dinner, this one-pot dish is sure to impress.

This recipe is a great way to use simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and fridge. The crispy salami elevates the dish, offering a delightful contrast to the tender chicken and soft risoni. With just a few easy steps and minimal preparation, you can create a balanced and delicious meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot wonder: No fuss, minimal cleanup—just one pot to cook everything.
• Crispy salami: The crispy texture of the salami adds a wonderful crunch and depth of flavor to the dish.
• Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Comforting and hearty: The combination of chicken, risoni, and peas makes for a filling and nutritious meal.
• Versatile: You can easily swap ingredients like using different meats or adding more veggies to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Salami, sliced
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Chicken breast, diced
• Risoni
• Chicken broth
• Frozen peas
• Salt and pepper
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Variations

• Add vegetables: You can include other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to boost the nutritional value.
• Different meats: Swap the chicken breast for turkey, pork, or even sausage for a variation of flavors.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder to give the dish a little heat.
• Herbs and spices: Fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil can be added for extra fragrance and flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Salami

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced salami and cook until crispy. Once cooked, remove the salami from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the diced chicken breast to the pot. Cook until browned on all sides, ensuring the chicken is cooked through.

Step 4: Add Risoni and Broth

Stir in the risoni and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the risoni begins to soften and absorb the broth.

Step 5: Add Frozen Peas

Add the frozen peas to the pot and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the risoni is fully cooked and the peas are heated through.

Step 6: Season

Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the chicken risoni topped with the crispy salami and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overcrowd the pot: When cooking the chicken, make sure to give it enough space so it can brown evenly. If needed, cook the chicken in batches.
• Watch the risoni: Risoni cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking. You may need to add more broth if it absorbs too much liquid.
• Crisp the salami well: Make sure the salami becomes crispy before removing it from the pot to add that perfect crunch to the dish.
• Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded.

How to Serve

This dish is hearty enough to serve as a main course, but it pairs well with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or even some crusty bread to soak up any leftover broth. The addition of the crispy salami and Parmesan makes it feel like a comforting, indulgent meal that everyone will enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken risoni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but it’s best to store the risoni and chicken mixture without the salami. Once frozen, it will last up to 3 months. When reheating, cook the salami separately to retain its crispy texture.

Reheating

Reheat in a pot over low heat with a bit of chicken broth to bring back the original flavor and texture. You may need to stir it occasionally to ensure it heats through evenly.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes like orzo or elbow macaroni instead of risoni.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, chicken thighs would work well in this recipe. They are slightly more flavorful and juicy.

3. Can I make this recipe without salami?

Yes, you can skip the salami and add another protein like sausage, bacon, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

4. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.

5. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to suit your tastes.

6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it when ready to serve.

7. How can I make this recipe spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes, chili powder, or even a diced fresh chili for a spicy kick.

8. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken; however, ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking.

9. Can I skip the Parmesan cheese?

Yes, you can skip the Parmesan cheese if you’re avoiding dairy or simply prefer it without.

10. How do I prevent the risoni from becoming too mushy?

Keep an eye on the risoni while it’s cooking and ensure you add enough broth, but not too much that it turns into a soup. Stir occasionally.

Conclusion

This One Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and satisfying. With minimal effort and ingredients, you can prepare a meal that’s both comforting and full of taste. The crispy salami adds an unexpected crunch that takes this dish to the next level. Enjoy it with your family or serve it to guests for a delicious and impressive meal!

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