Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

A delightful pasta dish featuring tender chicken and creamy ricotta sauce, blended with garlic, herbs, and fresh vegetables for a comforting, flavorful meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

• 12 oz whole wheat pasta (penne or Tortiglioni)
• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or pasta cooking water)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Pasta
   Begin by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Toss in a pinch of salt, then add the whole wheat pasta of your choice, whether it’s penne or Tortiglioni, and cook it according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid is your friend for perfecting sauce consistency later. Once drained, set the pasta aside to cool slightly.

2. Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
   In a large skillet, warm up some olive oil over medium heat. Add your bite-sized chicken breast pieces, seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. The goal here is to achieve a golden brown sear while ensuring the chicken is cooked through, which usually takes around 6-8 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a separate plate and let it rest while you move on to the next step.

3. Step 3: Create the Sauce
   Lower the heat a bit and in the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about a minute, filling your kitchen with that irresistible aroma. Then, pour in the ricotta cheese, Parmesan, chicken broth, and if you’re feeling indulgent, a splash of heavy cream. Stir it gently until the mixture is beautifully smooth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and, if you’re in the mood for a little heat, those optional red pepper flakes. Taste to see if it needs a touch more salt or pepper.

4. Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta
   Slide the cooked chicken back into the skillet, giving it time to cozy up with the creamy sauce. Add the drained pasta and gently toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually stir in some of that reserved pasta water until you hit the perfect creamy consistency.

5. Step 5: Add Greens (Optional)
   Stir in fresh spinach or kale, allowing it to wilt into the sauce for about 2-3 minutes. This step is optional, but it’s a delightful way to sneak in some greens and add a pop of color to your dish.

6. Step 6: Serve and Garnish
   With everything beautifully combined, plate your creamy ricotta chicken pasta. Top it with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness and, if you’re a cheese lover, an extra dusting of Parmesan. Dig in while it’s hot, and relish every creamy, cheesy bite!

Notes

Cooking doesn't always go perfectly, but that's part of the fun! A common hiccup is overcooking the pasta, which can turn it mushy. Aim for al dente, and remember to save some pasta water for the sauce—it's liquid gold!

Another slip-up might be not seasoning the chicken enough. Without a good sprinkle of salt and pepper, the chicken can taste a bit bland, so don’t be shy with those seasonings.

When mixing the sauce, people sometimes rush and cook on too high a heat. Keep it gentle to avoid clumps in your creamy dream.

Lastly, go easy on the red pepper flakes unless you're a spice fan; a little goes a long way! Enjoy the process, and let each step bring you joy.