Description
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a delightful weeknight meal that combines tender chicken with a luxuriously creamy ricotta-Parmesan sauce, all tossed with whole wheat pasta and vibrant greens. This dish takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings or special occasions. The rich flavors and comforting texture create a family favorite that everyone will adore. Enjoy it garnished with fresh herbs and paired with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete dining experience.
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)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups 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, heat olive oil over medium heat, add chicken seasoned with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown (6-8 minutes). Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Lower heat and stir in ricotta, Parmesan, chicken broth, and heavy cream if using; mix until smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Return chicken to the skillet along with cooked pasta; toss together. Add reserved pasta water gradually for desired consistency.
- Stir in fresh spinach or kale until wilted before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg