Description
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. This delightful recipe features tender chicken enveloped in a rich ricotta and Parmesan sauce, tossed with whole wheat pasta and fresh greens for added nutrition.
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)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh spinach or kale (optional) for added greens
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown (6-8 minutes). Set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for one minute. Add ricotta, Parmesan, chicken broth, and heavy cream if desired; stir until smooth.
- Combine chicken and pasta with the sauce; adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed. Stir in greens if using.
- Serve garnished with fresh herbs and additional Parmesan as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 300g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg