Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Indulge in a delightful fusion of tender chicken, velvety ricotta, and perfectly cooked pasta with this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta. This dish combines simple ingredients to create a restaurant-quality meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy Texture: The ricotta cheese imparts a luscious creaminess without overwhelming the palate, making each bite smooth and enjoyable.
• Balanced Flavors: A harmonious blend of Italian seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan cheese provides a rich and savory taste profile.
• Versatility: Suitable for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this pasta dish is both impressive and easy to prepare.
• Nutrient-Rich: Incorporating optional fresh spinach or kale adds a boost of vitamins and minerals, enhancing the dish’s nutritional value.

Ingredients

• Whole wheat pasta (penne or tortiglioni)
• Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Ricotta cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Chicken broth (or pasta cooking water)
• Heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh spinach or kale (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
   • Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. 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 until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
   • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Ricotta Cream Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Lower the heat to medium-low and add ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream (if using).
   • Stir until smooth. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce:
   • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
   • Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine.
   • If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
5. Add Greens (Optional):
   • Stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve:
   • Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and increase the amount of spinach or kale. Alternatively, add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for added texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute whole wheat pasta with your preferred gluten-free pasta variety to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate additional red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to elevate the heat level for spice enthusiasts.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary to introduce different aromatic profiles to the dish.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce as needed. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

FAQs

How can I prevent the ricotta sauce from becoming grainy?

Ensure that the heat is kept at medium-low when adding the ricotta cheese to the skillet. Overheating can cause the cheese to curdle, leading to a grainy texture. Stirring continuously while incorporating the cheese helps achieve a smooth sauce.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?

While ricotta provides a unique creaminess, you can substitute it with mascarpone cheese for a similar texture. Keep in mind that this will alter the flavor profile of the dish.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components in advance. Cook the pasta and chicken, and make the sauce separately. Combine them just before serving and reheat gently to maintain the dish’s quality.

What type of pasta works best with this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne or tortiglioni are ideal as they hold the sauce well. However, feel free to use your preferred pasta variety.

How can I make this dish lower in fat?

Opt for part-skim ricotta and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese.

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