Description
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner, combining tender chicken, a velvety ricotta sauce, and wholesome whole wheat pasta. It’s comfort food that’s easy to make, customizable, and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz whole wheat pasta
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Ricotta Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Additions and Garnish:
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Ricotta Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream (if using). Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (optional), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and stir to coat evenly. Gradually mix in reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick, until desired consistency is achieved.
- Incorporate Greens (Optional)
- Stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the greens to wilt.
- Serve and Garnish
- Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
Notes
- To avoid dry chicken, do not overcook—remove it from heat as soon as it’s fully cooked.
- Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency and enhance its flavor.
- This recipe is easily adaptable with vegetables or alternative proteins like shrimp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired