Description
Creamy ricotta chicken pasta brings Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with silky smooth sauce and tender chicken. Hearty ingredients blend effortlessly, creating a restaurant-worthy meal you’ll savor with each delightful forkful.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Pasta and Base Ingredients:
- 1/2 oz (14 grams) whole wheat pasta (penne or tortiglioni)
- Water for boiling
- Salt for pasta water
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Additional Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook whole wheat pasta until it reaches the perfect al dente texture, following package guidelines.
- Carefully extract and preserve a measured portion of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside for later incorporation.
- Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over medium heat, creating an ideal cooking environment for the chicken.
- Introduce seasoned chicken pieces to the heated skillet, allowing them to transform into a golden-brown delicacy through careful cooking for 6-8 minutes.
- Transfer the expertly cooked chicken to a separate plate, maintaining its warmth and flavor integrity.
- Utilize the same skillet to gently toast minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence in about one minute.
- Reduce cooking temperature to medium-low and introduce a harmonious blend of ricotta, Parmesan, chicken broth, and optional heavy cream.
- Whisk the ingredients until they merge into a velvety, smooth sauce, incorporating Italian seasoning and a hint of red pepper flakes for complexity.
- Reintroduce the previously cooked chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring complete coverage and flavor integration.
- Gently fold the prepared pasta into the skillet, coating each strand with the luxurious sauce.
- Adjust the sauce consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water, creating the perfect texture.
- For added nutrition, incorporate fresh spinach or kale, allowing the greens to gently wilt into the dish.
- Present the pasta on individual plates, elevating the visual appeal with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and an additional dusting of Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately, capturing the dish’s peak warmth and creamy perfection.
Notes
- Swap whole wheat pasta with gluten-free alternatives like chickpea or zucchini noodles for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce calories and boost protein content while maintaining creamy texture.
- Choose skinless chicken breasts for leaner protein and faster cooking time without compromising flavor.
- Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to increase nutritional value and create more complex taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 576
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg