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Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

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ThisCreamy Ricotta Chicken Pastacombines tender chicken bites, velvety ricotta cheese, and perfectly cooked whole wheat pasta for a satisfying and wholesome meal. The optional addition of spinach or kale brings a nutritious touch, while the blend of Italian seasoning and garlic infuses the dish with rich flavor. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions!

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the pasta:12 ozwhole wheat pasta (penne or tortiglioni)Water for boilingSalt for pasta waterFor the chicken and sauce:1lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces2 tbspolive oil3cloves garlic, minced1 cupricotta cheese½ cupgrated Parmesan cheese½ cupchicken broth (or reserved pasta water)½ cupheavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)1 tspItalian seasoning¼ tspred pepper flakes (optional)Salt and black pepper, to taste2 cupsfresh spinach or kale (optional)For garnish:Fresh basil or parsleyAdditional Parmesan cheese
  • 12 ozwhole wheat pasta (penne or tortiglioni)Water for boilingSalt for pasta water
  • Water for boilingSalt for pasta water
  • Salt for pasta water
  • For the chicken and sauce:1lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces2 tbspolive oil3cloves garlic, minced1 cupricotta cheese½ cupgrated Parmesan cheese½ cupchicken broth (or reserved pasta water)½ cupheavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)1 tspItalian seasoning¼ tspred pepper flakes (optional)Salt and black pepper, to taste2 cupsfresh spinach or kale (optional)For garnish:Fresh basil or parsleyAdditional Parmesan cheese
  • 1lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces2 tbspolive oil3cloves garlic, minced1 cupricotta cheese½ cupgrated Parmesan cheese½ cupchicken broth (or reserved pasta water)½ cupheavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)1 tspItalian seasoning¼ tspred pepper flakes (optional)Salt and black pepper, to taste2 cupsfresh spinach or kale (optional)
  • 2 tbspolive oil3cloves garlic, minced1 cupricotta cheese½ cupgrated Parmesan cheese½ cupchicken broth (or reserved pasta water)½ cupheavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)1 tspItalian seasoning¼ tspred pepper flakes (optional)Salt and black pepper, to taste2 cupsfresh spinach or kale (optional)
  • 3cloves garlic, minced1 cupricotta cheese½ cupgrated Parmesan cheese½ cupchicken broth (or reserved pasta water)½ cupheavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)1 tspItalian seasoning¼ tspred pepper flakes (optional)Salt and black pepper, to taste2 cupsfresh spinach or kale (optional)
  • 1 cupricotta cheese½ cupgrated Parmesan cheese½ cupchicken broth (or reserved pasta water)½ cupheavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)1 tspItalian seasoning¼ tspred pepper flakes (optional)Salt and black pepper, to taste2 cupsfresh spinach or kale (optional)
  • ½ cupgrated Parmesan cheese½ cupchicken broth (or reserved pasta water)½ cupheavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)1 tspItalian seasoning¼ tspred pepper flakes (optional)Salt and black pepper, to taste2 cupsfresh spinach or kale (optional)
  • ½ cupchicken broth (or reserved pasta water)½ cupheavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)1 tspItalian seasoning¼ tspred pepper flakes (optional)Salt and black pepper, to taste2 cupsfresh spinach or kale (optional)
  • ½ cupheavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)1 tspItalian seasoning¼ tspred pepper flakes (optional)Salt and black pepper, to taste2 cupsfresh spinach or kale (optional)
  • 1 tspItalian seasoning¼ tspred pepper flakes (optional)Salt and black pepper, to taste2 cupsfresh spinach or kale (optional)
  • ¼ tspred pepper flakes (optional)Salt and black pepper, to taste2 cupsfresh spinach or kale (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste2 cupsfresh spinach or kale (optional)
  • 2 cupsfresh spinach or kale (optional)
  • For garnish:Fresh basil or parsleyAdditional Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsleyAdditional Parmesan cheese
  • Additional Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. 1️⃣Cook the Pasta:
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.2️⃣Cook the Chicken:Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.3️⃣Prepare the Ricotta Cream Sauce:In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream (if using). Stir until smooth.Mix in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if desired), and adjust with salt and pepper to taste.4️⃣Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce:Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce.Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together.If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.5️⃣Add Greens (Optional):Stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until wilted.6️⃣Serve and Garnish:Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
  3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.2️⃣Cook the Chicken:Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.3️⃣Prepare the Ricotta Cream Sauce:In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream (if using). Stir until smooth.Mix in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if desired), and adjust with salt and pepper to taste.4️⃣Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce:Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce.Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together.If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.5️⃣Add Greens (Optional):Stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until wilted.6️⃣Serve and Garnish:Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
  4. 2️⃣Cook the Chicken:
  5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.3️⃣Prepare the Ricotta Cream Sauce:In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream (if using). Stir until smooth.Mix in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if desired), and adjust with salt and pepper to taste.4️⃣Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce:Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce.Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together.If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.5️⃣Add Greens (Optional):Stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until wilted.6️⃣Serve and Garnish:Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
  6. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.3️⃣Prepare the Ricotta Cream Sauce:In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream (if using). Stir until smooth.Mix in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if desired), and adjust with salt and pepper to taste.4️⃣Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce:Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce.Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together.If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.5️⃣Add Greens (Optional):Stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until wilted.6️⃣Serve and Garnish:Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
  7. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  8. 3️⃣Prepare the Ricotta Cream Sauce:In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream (if using). Stir until smooth.Mix in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if desired), and adjust with salt and pepper to taste.4️⃣Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce:Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce.Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together.If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.5️⃣Add Greens (Optional):Stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until wilted.6️⃣Serve and Garnish:Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
  9. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream (if using). Stir until smooth.Mix in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if desired), and adjust with salt and pepper to taste.4️⃣Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce:Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce.Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together.If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.5️⃣Add Greens (Optional):Stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until wilted.6️⃣Serve and Garnish:Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
  10. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream (if using). Stir until smooth.
  11. Mix in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if desired), and adjust with salt and pepper to taste.4️⃣Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce:Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce.Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together.If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.5️⃣Add Greens (Optional):Stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until wilted.6️⃣Serve and Garnish:Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
  12. 4️⃣Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce:Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce.Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together.If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.5️⃣Add Greens (Optional):Stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until wilted.6️⃣Serve and Garnish:Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
  13. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce.
  14. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together.If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.5️⃣Add Greens (Optional):Stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until wilted.6️⃣Serve and Garnish:Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
  15. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.5️⃣Add Greens (Optional):Stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until wilted.6️⃣Serve and Garnish:Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
  16. 5️⃣Add Greens (Optional):
  17. Stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until wilted.6️⃣Serve and Garnish:Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
  18. 6️⃣Serve and Garnish:Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
  19. Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

Whole wheat pasta adds a hearty texture and extra fiber to this dish.For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add more greens or sautéed mushrooms.The heavy cream is optional but makes the sauce extra rich and indulgent.
For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add more greens or sautéed mushrooms.The heavy cream is optional but makes the sauce extra rich and indulgent.
The heavy cream is optional but makes the sauce extra rich and indulgent.

Find it online: https://www.delicetreats.com/baked-chicken-ricotta-pasta-recipe-youll-love/