This Quick Chicken and Vegetable Risoni recipe brings calm to busy evenings with a warm pan of tender chicken, soft risoni, and colorful vegetables. It fits right into simple chicken recipes that feel balanced and comforting without extra effort. The method stays clear and steady, so dinner comes together with confidence and ease while still feeling like real home cooking.
What Makes This Recipe Stand Out
- It cooks fast, which makes it ideal for quick dinner ideas on busy nights.
- The ingredients stay simple, so it works well for lazy dinners that still feel nourishing.
- The balance of protein and vegetables supports healthy dinner recipes for the whole family.
- The one pan method keeps cleanup light and stress low.
Ingredient Breakdown
This ingredient list stays short and practical, which keeps the focus on flavor and ease. Each item plays a clear role in building a soft, savory finish. You can find these ingredients in most kitchens or stores.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite size pieces
- Risoni pasta
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, diced
- Red bell pepper, chopped
- Zucchini, sliced
- Chicken broth
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh parsley for serving
How to Make It
Prep
1. Pat the chicken dry and season it evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Chop all vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
3. Measure the risoni and broth so everything is ready before cooking begins.
Cook
1. Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat and add the chicken.
2. Cook the chicken until lightly golden, then remove it and set it aside.
3. Add onion and garlic to the same pan and cook until soft and fragrant.
4. Stir in bell pepper and zucchini and cook until just tender.
5. Add risoni and broth, then return the chicken to the pan.
6. Simmer gently until the risoni is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
Finish and Serve
1. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed.
2. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Time Saving Options
These small adjustments help the Quick Chicken and Vegetable Risoni recipe move even faster, especially on nights when energy runs low and dinner needs to stay simple, similar to this easy one pot chicken and rice.
- Use pre chopped vegetables from the store.
- Cook the chicken ahead and refrigerate until needed.
- Measure dry ingredients earlier in the day.
Variations You Can Try
This recipe adapts easily, which makes it useful for boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes or even chicken tender recipes depending on what you have, much like the flavors in caramelized chicken thighs with alfredo pasta.
- Swap thighs for chicken breast for easy chicken breast recipes.
- Add spinach at the end for extra greens.
- Use ground chicken for a softer texture.
- Season with lemon zest for brightness.
Quick Chicken and Vegetable Risoni
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
- Add onion and garlic to the same pan. Cook until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in bell pepper and zucchini. Cook until just tender.
- Add risoni and chicken broth. Return chicken to the pan.
- Simmer gently until the risoni is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This dish works well when cooked earlier in the day and reheated gently. The risoni absorbs more liquid as it rests, so adding a splash of broth helps restore texture. Store it covered in the refrigerator and reheat slowly to keep the chicken tender. This approach fits well into healthy dinner recipes for planned meals.
What vegetables work best in risoni?
Vegetables that soften evenly work best, such as zucchini, peppers, and spinach. These choices keep the dish balanced without overpowering the chicken. Frozen vegetables can also work in a pinch, which supports quick dinner ideas when fresh produce is limited.
Is this recipe good for baked or air fryer chicken?
This recipe focuses on stovetop cooking, but you can prepare the chicken separately if needed. For example, baked or air fried chicken can be stirred in at the end, similar to methods used in Tuscan roasted chicken. This keeps the risoni soft while using other cooking tools.
Final Thoughts
The Quick Chicken and Vegetable Risoni recipe brings together comfort and ease in a way that fits everyday cooking. It supports simple chicken recipes and lazy dinners without losing balance or flavor. With small changes, it can match many family needs while keeping dinner calm and satisfying.