Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a luscious ricotta-based sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a comforting choice for any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This dish comes together swiftly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Rich and Creamy: The ricotta cheese imparts a velvety texture to the sauce, creating a rich and satisfying flavor.
Nutritious: Incorporating whole wheat pasta and optional greens like spinach or kale adds fiber and nutrients.
Versatile: Easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables or to suit dietary preferences.

Ingredients

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

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

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Ricotta Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Lower the heat to medium-low and add ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream (if using). Stir until smooth. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Add Greens (Optional): Stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Serve: Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
Cooking Time: Around 20 minutes.

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.
Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño to the sauce for extra heat.
Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor profile.
Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu to suit different dietary preferences.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency. Stir occasionally until warmed through.
Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing, affecting the texture.

FAQs

How can I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired consistency. This helps to thin the sauce without diluting the flavor.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat pasta with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni.

Is it necessary to use heavy cream?

No, heavy cream is optional. If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can omit it and rely solely on the ricotta cheese for creaminess.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink in the center.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components in advance. Cook the pasta and chicken ahead of time, then reheat and combine with the sauce just before serving.

What can I serve alongside this pasta?

A crisp side salad or garlic bread pairs well with this creamy pasta dish, adding a refreshing contrast to the richness.

How can I add more flavor to the sauce?

Consider adding a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for added depth and brightness.