Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta dish combines all the best ingredients for a comforting, flavorful meal. The ricotta cheese creates a creamy base for the sauce, while the Parmesan adds a nice salty depth of flavor. The chicken is perfectly seasoned and adds a boost of protein to make this dish satisfying enough to be a full meal. The addition of garlic and Italian herbs gives the dish a Mediterranean flair, making it perfect for any dinner occasion. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 300g (10 oz) penne pasta
• 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Lower the heat and stir in ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Combine chicken and pasta: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce. Sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs and chili flakes (if using). Mix well.
5. Toss the pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is well combined.
6. Serve: Serve the creamy ricotta chicken pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetables: For added nutrition and flavor, you can mix in vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Spicy: Increase the amount of chili flakes to make the dish spicier, or even add a diced jalapeño for an extra kick.
• Cheese: For extra richness, you can add more Parmesan or a bit of cream cheese into the sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the penne pasta with a gluten-free variety to make this dish gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover creamy ricotta chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring back its creamy texture. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! You can use other pasta shapes like fettuccine, spaghetti, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.

2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make the dish dairy-free, you can use dairy-free cream and cheese substitutes like cashew cream and dairy-free ricotta or Parmesan.

3. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The meat should be opaque and the juices should run clear.

4. Can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce, or add a little more ricotta cheese to achieve your desired consistency.

5. Can I use store-bought ricotta cheese?

Yes, store-bought ricotta works perfectly fine for this recipe, but for an even creamier texture, you can use whole milk ricotta.

6. How can I add more flavor to the sauce?

You can enhance the flavor by adding a squeeze of lemon juice, or some fresh basil to the sauce.

7. Can I prepare this dish in advance?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, just heat everything and toss with the cooked pasta.

8. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the creamy ricotta chicken pasta. To freeze, store the pasta and sauce separately in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

9. Can I make this recipe with ground chicken instead of breasts?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken for sliced breasts. Just cook the ground chicken in the skillet until it’s fully browned and cooked through before adding it to the sauce.

10. What can I serve this pasta with?

This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a light green salad to balance out the richness of the dish.

Conclusion

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a comforting and rich dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy sauce made with ricotta, Parmesan, and heavy cream is luscious and flavorful, while the tender chicken adds a protein boost. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to satisfy. Add some vegetables or spice it up to customize it to your liking!

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