Description
Delightful creamy ricotta chicken pasta showcases Italian culinary traditions with rich, comforting flavors. Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly to create a memorable meal you’ll savor with enthusiasm.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup chicken broth
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup heavy cream
Pasta and Additional Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup spinach (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, saving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
- In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté chicken pieces seasoned with Italian herbs until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and incorporate minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for 30-45 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
- Gently fold ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth into the skillet, creating a smooth, velvety sauce by whisking continuously.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and integrated; adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if sauce appears too thick.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to ensure each strand is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- If desired, mix in fresh spinach leaves and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until they wilt and become tender.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for spice-sensitive diners.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for those with gluten restrictions.
- Choose chicken breast for leaner protein or swap with rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Enhance nutrition by adding roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers directly into the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg