Description
Comforting ricotta chicken pasta delivers a silky Italian-inspired symphony of flavors dancing through tender noodles and succulent chicken. Creamy cheese and herbs elevate this simple weeknight meal, making you crave each delightful forkful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Base Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) whole wheat pasta (penne or tortiglioni)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Seasonings and Optional Additions:
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil pasta in generously salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then carefully extract and preserve ½ cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
- Pat chicken pieces dry and season thoroughly with aromatic herbs and ground spices.
- Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface for perfect golden searing.
- Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes, rotating periodically to ensure uniform caramelization and complete internal cooking, then transfer to a separate plate.
- Reduce skillet heat and introduce minced garlic, allowing its fragrance to bloom for approximately 45-60 seconds without browning.
- Whisk together ricotta, Parmesan, chicken broth, and heavy cream, creating a luxurious, silky sauce base with complex layered flavors.
- Incorporate Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and additional salt and pepper to enhance the sauce’s depth and complexity.
- Reintroduce cooked chicken into the creamy mixture, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the aromatic sauce.
- Gently fold pasta into the skillet, tossing meticulously to distribute sauce evenly and create a harmonious blend of textures.
- Add fresh spinach or kale, allowing the greens to gently wilt and integrate into the dish, releasing their vibrant color and nutrients.
- Adjust sauce consistency by gradually introducing reserved pasta water, creating the perfect silky texture.
- Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped basil or parsley, adding a bright, herbaceous note to the rich, creamy dish.
Notes
- Transform this dish into a protein-packed meal by adding extra chicken or swapping pasta for zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce calories and create a tangy twist while maintaining creamy texture.
- Reserve pasta water before draining to help create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats every ingredient without being too thick or thin.
- Experiment with different greens like arugula or Swiss chard for varied nutrition and flavor profiles that complement the ricotta’s richness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg