Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Creamy Chicken Ricotta Pasta, a dish that seamlessly blends tender chicken and a luscious ricotta sauce for a satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this recipe is not only quick to prepare—taking just 30 minutes—but also customizable to fit your family’s taste. The rich creaminess of the ricotta cheese combined with the subtle hint of garlic creates an irresistible sauce that envelops whole wheat pasta beautifully. Add in fresh greens like spinach or kale for a nutritious boost, and you have a dish that both delights and nourishes. Serve it up with garlic bread or a light salad to elevate your dining experience!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté seasoned chicken in olive oil until golden brown; set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic, then stir in ricotta, Parmesan, chicken broth (or reserved water), and heavy cream if using; season to taste.
- Combine cooked chicken and drained pasta with the sauce; add spinach or kale and cook until wilted.
- Serve warm garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 295g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 80mg