Description
Creamy Chicken Ricotta Pasta is a delightful and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with a luscious ricotta cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also offers a rich flavor profile that elevates your dining experience. With just 30 minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy a comforting meal that’s both creamy and nutritious. The versatility of the ingredients allows for easy customization, whether you prefer to add fresh vegetables or spices. This pasta dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz whole wheat pasta (penne or tortiglioni)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh spinach or kale (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté seasoned chicken pieces in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through, then set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then stir in ricotta, Parmesan, chicken broth, and heavy cream (if using). Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Incorporate the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with drained pasta. Toss well to combine; add greens if using until wilted.
- Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water as needed. Serve hot garnished with fresh herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg