Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich ricotta-Parmesan sauce, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this pasta dish offers a comforting and satisfying experience. The creamy texture and fresh greens elevate the flavors, making it a standout choice for your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of ricotta and Parmesan creates a creamy sauce that is both savory and satisfying.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes to customize the dish to your liking.
- Healthy Option: Using whole wheat pasta and fresh greens adds nutritional value without sacrificing taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress family and friends with its delicious flavors and beautiful presentation.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta, having the right tools makes everything easier. Here’s what you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the pasta efficiently while ensuring even cooking.
- Skillet: Perfect for sautéing chicken and creating the creamy sauce in one pan, saving time on cleanup.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz whole wheat pasta (penne or tortiglioni)
For the Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Greens (Optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 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.
Step 3: Make the Ricotta Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the 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.
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 to combine.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Step 5: Add Greens (Optional)
- Stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
- Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy your Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta as a hearty meal that’s sure to be loved by all!
How to Serve Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
Serving creamy ricotta chicken pasta can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful ways to present this dish.
Family Style
- Serve the pasta in a large bowl for everyone to share. This creates a warm, inviting atmosphere during dinner.
Individual Plates
- Plate the pasta individually with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. This adds a touch of elegance to your dining experience.
With Extra Sauce
- Offer additional ricotta cream sauce on the side for those who want extra creaminess. This personalizes each serving and enhances the flavor.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Top each plate with fresh basil or parsley. This not only adds color but also freshens up the dish’s flavor profile.
Accompanied by Breadsticks
- Serve the pasta alongside garlic breadsticks for a satisfying crunch. This combination is perfect for dipping into any remaining sauce.
How to Perfect Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
Perfecting creamy ricotta chicken pasta involves a few simple techniques that enhance both flavor and texture.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, spinach, and high-quality cheeses make the dish more flavorful.
- Adjust seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed to bring out the flavors.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Cook until just golden brown for tender bites; overcooking can make it dry.
- Reserve pasta water: Adding reserved pasta water helps adjust the sauce’s consistency without losing flavor.
- Experiment with greens: Try different greens like arugula or broccoli for added nutrition and taste.
- Serve immediately: For the best experience, serve the pasta right away while it’s still creamy and warm.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
Pairing side dishes with creamy ricotta chicken pasta can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy bread infused with garlic butter complements the creaminess of the pasta beautifully.
- Caesar Salad: A refreshing salad with crunchy romaine and Caesar dressing balances the richness of the main dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add color and nutrition to your table.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provide a light, tangy contrast to rich pasta.
- Steamed Broccoli: Crisp-tender broccoli offers health benefits and adds a pop of green color on your plate.
- Zucchini Noodles: A low-carb option that pairs well with creamy sauces, adding an extra vegetable component.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your creamy ricotta chicken pasta, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the final dish.
- Using the wrong pasta – Opt for whole wheat penne or tortiglioni for a wholesome texture. Other types might not hold the sauce well.
- Overcooking the chicken – Ensure the chicken is cooked until golden but remains juicy. Overcooked chicken can become dry and chewy.
- Skipping reserved pasta water – This starchy water helps adjust the sauce’s consistency. Always reserve some before draining your pasta.
- Neglecting seasoning – Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and spices throughout cooking to enhance flavors. Under-seasoned dishes can be bland.
- Forgetting about greens – Adding fresh spinach or kale not only boosts nutrition but also adds color and flavor. Don’t skip this step!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Will keep well for up to 3 days.
Freezing Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop – Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is creamy ricotta chicken pasta?
Creamy ricotta chicken pasta is a flavorful dish made with tender chicken, whole wheat pasta, and a rich ricotta-Parmesan sauce.
Can I customize the greens in this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to use any leafy greens you enjoy, such as kale or arugula, for added nutrition and flavor.
How do I make my creamy ricotta chicken pasta spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños to give your dish an extra kick.
What can I serve with creamy ricotta chicken pasta?
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving.
Final Thoughts
This creamy ricotta chicken pasta is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with various vegetables or proteins according to your taste. Try making it tonight for an easy yet satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, whole wheat pasta, and a luxurious ricotta-Parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this recipe can be made in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a quick yet delicious meal. The combination of creamy sauce and fresh greens not only elevates the flavors but also adds nutritional value to this comforting dish. With its rich taste and beautiful presentation, this pasta will surely impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 12 oz whole wheat pasta (penne or tortiglioni)
- 1 lb chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh spinach or kale for added nutrition
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente; reserve some pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook seasoned chicken until golden brown; set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic then add ricotta, Parmesan, chicken broth, and heavy cream; stir until smooth.
- Combine cooked chicken and pasta with the sauce; adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Stir in greens if desired until wilted.
- Serve garnished with fresh herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
