Description
Indulge in this creamy ricotta chicken pasta, featuring tender chicken pieces and whole wheat pasta enveloped in a velvety ricotta and Parmesan sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
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 reserved 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:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain 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 until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare 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.
- 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.
- Add Greens (Optional):
- Stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
- Serve:
- Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider topping with toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of olive oil.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp side salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Creamy ricotta chicken pasta Easy chicken pasta recipe Weeknight dinner ideas Italian-American pasta dishes Quick creamy pasta recipes