Looking for a comforting yet elegant dish that’s bursting with flavor? This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is the perfect choice. With tender chicken, creamy ricotta, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a dish that feels indulgent but is simple to prepare. Let’s get cooking!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: Approximately 450 kcal
Ingredients:
– 300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– ½ cup heavy cream
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Ricotta Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
4. Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the creamy ricotta sauce. Stir in the Italian seasoning and baby spinach (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
5. Serve
Divide the creamy ricotta chicken pasta among plates or bowls. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
– Calories: 450 kcal
– Protein: 30 g
– Carbohydrates: 35 g
– Fat: 20 g
– Saturated Fat: 9 g
– Cholesterol: 85 mg
– Sodium: 400 mg
– Fiber: 2 g
– Sugar: 2 g
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. Give it a try, and watch it become a household favorite!
