Pin it
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta: A Quick and Comforting Delight
Let's create a dish that's both creamy and satisfying: Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta. This recipe delivers tender chicken, hearty whole wheat pasta, and a luscious ricotta-Parmesan sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. I'm excited to share this simple and flavorful recipe with you.
Ingredient Essentials
- Whole Wheat Pasta (Penne or Tortiglioni):
- Whole wheat pasta provides a hearty texture.
- Chicken Breasts:
- Chicken breasts provide a lean and tender protein.
- Olive Oil:
- Olive oil is used for cooking the chicken.
- Garlic:
- Minced garlic adds a savory depth.
- Ricotta Cheese:
- Ricotta cheese provides a creamy and light base for the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese:
- Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, cheesy flavor.
- Chicken Broth (or Pasta Water):
- Chicken broth (or pasta water) adds moisture and flavor.
- Heavy Cream (Optional):
- Heavy cream adds extra creaminess.
- Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes (Optional):
- These spices season the sauce.
- Fresh Spinach or Kale (Optional):
- Fresh greens add a healthy touch.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley (Optional):
- Fresh herbs add a vibrant garnish.
Pin it
Crafting Your Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
- Pasta Cooking:
- Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Chicken Cooking:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- Ricotta Sauce Preparation:
- Sauté minced garlic in the same skillet until fragrant.
- Stir in ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth (or pasta water).
- Add heavy cream (optional), Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (optional).
- Stir until smooth and combined.
- Combining Ingredients:
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Stir in cooked pasta and toss to coat with sauce.
- Add pasta water if needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- Add fresh spinach or kale (optional) and cook until wilted.
- Garnishing and Serving:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley (optional).
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately.
You Must Know
- This recipe delivers a creamy, flavorful pasta dish with tender chicken.
- Ricotta cheese provides a light and creamy sauce.
- Reserving pasta water helps create a silky sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator.
I love the creamy texture and the flavorful sauce. The tender chicken and hearty pasta make this a satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta as a main dish for family dinners, weeknight meals, or casual gatherings. Pair it with a side salad or crusty bread.
Flavorful Variations
Add sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or other vegetables to the sauce. Use different proteins like shrimp or Italian sausage. Use different cheeses like mascarpone or cottage cheese. Add a spicy kick with extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
Pin it
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use salted water for cooking the pasta.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Don't overcook the chicken; it should be tender and juicy.
- Sauté garlic until fragrant, but don't burn it.
- Adjust spices and seasonings to your preference.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for added freshness.
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a delicious and versatile dish that's perfect for any occasion. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this comforting meal as much as I do.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
- Yes, penne or tortiglioni work well.
- → Can I use low-fat ricotta?
- Yes, low-fat ricotta can be used for a lighter version.
- → Can I add other vegetables?
- Yes, spinach or kale can be added.
- → Can I make it gluten-free?
- Yes, use gluten-free pasta.
- → Can I add other proteins?
- Yes, chickpeas or shrimp can be added.