Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta: A Comforting Delight

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, hearty whole wheat pasta, and a rich, creamy ricotta sauce. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or any time you’re craving something comforting yet nutritious. The combination of the mild ricotta cheese and the sharp Parmesan creates a velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly, while the addition of spinach or kale adds a touch of freshness. This dish is as simple to make as it is flavorful, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. The creamy texture and savory flavors will make you feel like you’re indulging in something rich and luxurious, but it’s made with wholesome ingredients, so you can feel good about every bite.

If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor, this creamy ricotta chicken pasta is the perfect choice. It’s a one-skillet meal that’s packed with protein, veggies, and the satisfying richness of a creamy sauce — all served over your favorite whole wheat pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

This dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a hearty, homemade meal.

2. Rich and Creamy Sauce

The combination of ricotta and Parmesan creates a creamy sauce that’s indulgent but light, perfectly complementing the pasta and chicken.

3. Healthy Whole Wheat Pasta

Made with whole wheat pasta, this recipe offers more fiber than traditional pasta, making it a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.

4. Packed with Protein and Veggies

The chicken provides plenty of protein, while the spinach or kale adds an extra boost of vitamins and minerals for a balanced meal.

5. Customizable

This recipe is highly adaptable — you can adjust the ingredients, add more greens, or even throw in some other vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms to make it your own.

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Chicken

• Whole wheat pasta (penne or Tortiglioni)
• Chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Olive oil
• Garlic (minced)
• Fresh spinach or kale (optional)

For the Ricotta Cream Sauce

• 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

For Garnish

• Fresh basil or parsley
• Additional Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling)

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a vegetarian version of this dish.
• Spicy Version: Increase the red pepper flakes for an extra kick of spice.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free while still enjoying all the creamy goodness.
• Vegan Option: Use a plant-based ricotta cheese, dairy-free Parmesan, and skip the heavy cream to make this dish vegan-friendly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream (if using). Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and adjust the salt and pepper to taste.

Step 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 everything together until well combined. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 5: Add Greens (Optional)

If using, stir in the fresh spinach or kale and cook until the greens are wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Reserve Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water helps thin out the sauce and adds a bit of starch, which helps the sauce adhere to the pasta.
• Adjust Creaminess: For an extra creamy sauce, feel free to add more heavy cream, or use all heavy cream instead of chicken broth.
• Add More Greens: If you love leafy greens, feel free to add more spinach or kale to the dish for added nutrition.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding different herbs or spices like oregano, thyme, or a pinch of nutmeg for a unique twist.

How to Serve

This creamy ricotta chicken pasta is a perfect main dish on its own. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, serve it with a light dessert like lemon sorbet or a fruit salad to balance out the richness of the pasta.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce.

Freezing

To freeze, place the cooled pasta in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Reheating

Reheat the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of water, chicken broth, or heavy cream to help loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular pasta instead of whole wheat?

Yes, you can use regular pasta if you prefer, but whole wheat pasta adds more fiber and nutrients to the dish.

2. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can use dairy-free ricotta and Parmesan cheese to make this recipe dairy-free.

4. Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?

Yes, the heavy cream is optional. You can skip it or substitute it with additional chicken broth or a little bit of milk for a lighter version of the sauce.

5. How can I make the chicken extra tender?

To ensure tender chicken, be sure not to overcook it. Cook until it’s just golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

6. Can I use frozen chicken breast?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking for the best results.

7. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes! You can add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers to the pasta for more flavor and texture.

8. Can I substitute the ricotta cheese?

If you don’t have ricotta, you can substitute with cream cheese or mascarpone for a similar creamy texture.

9. Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese?

You can use pecorino Romano or another hard cheese if you prefer a different flavor.

10. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta, chicken, and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and serve it fresh. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Conclusion

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any night of the week. The creamy ricotta sauce, tender chicken, and nutritious greens combine to create a dish that’s comforting yet light. Whether you’re serving it to your family or guests, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. With its rich flavor and wholesome ingredients, it’s a meal that everyone will love!

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