Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
Give your dinner a creamy, dreamy upgrade with this Ricotta Chicken Pasta! It’s packed with tender chicken, silky ricotta, and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish feels fancy but is super easy to make.
If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy pasta dish that feels like it’s from a Micheline-star restaurant, Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta might just be your new favorite.
This recipe is all about balance— tender chicken, velvety ricotta, and perfectly cooked pasta come together to create something that’s simple yet completely satisfying.
What’s great about this dish is how effortlessly it comes together.
With ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, you can whip up a meal that tastes like it came from a fancy Italian restaurant.
The creamy ricotta adds a luscious texture, while the chicken brings the heartiness you need for a cozy dinner.
Perfect for a weeknight meal or even a casual dinner party, this pasta is as versatile as it is delicious.
Ready to dive into creamy, cheesy goodness? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
● 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:
1. 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.
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.
Tips:
● 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.
● Enjoy your creamy, wholesome pasta dish packed with protein and flavor!
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Recipe looks great, but is not set up in a printable format. This discourages me from trying it as I either print A LOT of paper or read thru and write it down.
I cannot see anywhere how many this serves? I’m guessing 4 servings, based on the ingredients?