Description
Indulge in the delightful Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta, a dish that combines rich flavors and comforting textures for a perfect weeknight meal or an impressive dinner for guests. This easy-to-make recipe features tender chicken coated in a savory ricotta-Parmesan sauce that clings beautifully to whole wheat pasta. With fresh greens added for nutrition, this dish not only satisfies the palate but also nourishes the body. In just 30 minutes, you can serve up a wholesome family-friendly dinner that everyone will love!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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, for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook the chicken until golden brown. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant, then add ricotta, Parmesan, chicken broth, and stir until smooth.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and mix in the cooked pasta. Add reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
- Stir in fresh greens until wilted, then serve garnished with basil or parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 489
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 82mg