Description
Ricotta chicken pasta delivers comfort on a plate, blending Italian-inspired flavors with creamy textures. Rich, cheesy sauce mingles with tender chicken, creating a satisfying meal that draws diners into a delightful culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Liquid Components:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions, preserving 1/2 cup of cooking liquid before draining.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic.
- Incorporate precooked chicken pieces, blending with Italian seasoning, salt, ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, ensuring thorough integration.
- Lower heat setting and fold in ricotta cheese, rich cream, and grated Parmesan, stirring continuously until achieving a velvety, uniform consistency.
- Transfer cooked pasta into the skillet, gently rotating to ensure complete sauce coverage, utilizing reserved pasta water if necessary to create a more luxurious texture.
- Continue cooking for an additional two minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.
- Eliminate from heat and embellish with freshly chopped basil leaves, presenting the dish while still steaming hot.
Notes
- Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to make this dish more diet-friendly and nutritious.
- Save pasta water before draining, as the starchy liquid helps create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats every noodle.
- Control the heat carefully when adding dairy to prevent curdling and maintain a luxurious, creamy consistency.
- Experiment with protein variations like shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled turkey, or plant-based alternatives to customize the recipe to your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 670 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 490 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg