Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Ricotta Chicken Pasta, a perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy ricotta sauce, and al dente pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate comfort dish that’s both easy to make and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz whole wheat pasta (penne or Tortiglioni)
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or pasta cooking water)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp 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 a large pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream (if using). Mix well and simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Season the Sauce: Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir until fully combined.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta cooking water to reach the desired consistency.
- Add Spinach or Kale: Stir in the fresh spinach or kale, allowing it to wilt and blend into the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy ricotta chicken pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter version, skip the heavy cream and rely solely on the ricotta cheese for creaminess.
- You can swap the chicken for turkey or a plant-based protein if preferred.
- This recipe is easily customizable with your favorite greens, such as kale, arugula, or even broccoli.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: creamy ricotta chicken pasta, creamy pasta recipe, easy pasta dish, ricotta chicken pasta, weeknight dinner, comfort food, healthy pasta