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Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta: A Comforting Delight


  • Author: Norah
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This creamy ricotta chicken pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish, combining whole wheat pasta, tender chicken, and a rich ricotta cream sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can be easily customized with fresh greens like spinach or kale.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

  • 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

For the Cream Sauce:

  • 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

Optional Add-ins:

  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
  • 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 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.

Notes

  • You can skip the heavy cream for a lighter version, or add it for extra richness.
  • Fresh spinach or kale adds color and nutrition, but you can leave it out if preferred.
  • This recipe can be made with any type of pasta you prefer.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Creamy pasta, ricotta pasta, chicken pasta, healthy pasta, weeknight dinner, comfort food, spinach pasta