Description
Indulge in the delightful Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta, a quick and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. This recipe features tender chicken enveloped in a luscious ricotta-Parmesan sauce, complemented by vibrant greens. In just 30 minutes, you can create a comforting meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends with its rich flavors and creamy texture. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz whole wheat pasta (penne or tortiglioni)
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked (6-8 minutes). Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add ricotta, Parmesan, chicken broth, and heavy cream (if using), stirring until smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if desired), salt, and pepper.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and combine with the sauce; add pasta and toss to coat. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Stir in optional greens until wilted. Serve garnished with fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg