Indulge in Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Delight

Imagine a creamy, luscious bowl of pasta that wraps around your taste buds like a warm hug from your grandma. The aroma of garlic wafts through the kitchen, teasing you with promises of comfort and indulgence. This is not just any dish; this is Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta, a culinary masterpiece that turns an ordinary weeknight into an extravagant feast. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to dance in your kitchen—trust me, I’ve done it! For more inspiration, check out this delicious lunch ideas recipe.

Now picture this: it’s a rainy evening, and you’re cozied up at home with your favorite people. You serve this delightful dish, and as they take their first bites, their eyes light up in blissful surprise. You can practically hear the angels singing! That’s what Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta brings to the table—a delightful experience that transforms mundane moments into cherished memories.

I still remember the first time I made this dish for my friends—they couldn’t stop raving about the rich flavors and creamy texture!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender and easy to cook; adjust quantity based on how hungry everyone is.
• Fresh Garlic: The more garlic, the merrier; choose firm cloves for that robust flavor.
• Ricotta Cheese: Use whole milk ricotta for extra creaminess; it’s worth every calorie.
• Pasta (Fettuccine or Penne): Opt for your favorite shape; it should hold onto that creamy sauce like a champ.
• Fresh Spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and a slight earthiness; makes you feel healthy while indulging!
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is always best; sprinkle generously for that umami kick.
• Olive Oil: A splash will do; use good quality olive oil for enhanced flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all other flavors in the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the skillet for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown.

Add Garlic & Spinach: Toss in minced garlic during the last minute of cooking chicken. When fragrant, add fresh spinach and stir until wilted—this takes just a minute.

Create the Sauce: Lower heat and add ricotta cheese to the skillet. Mix gently while incorporating some pasta water to create a creamy texture that clings beautifully to your pasta.

Toss It All Together: Drain your pasta and add it directly into the skillet with the sauce mixture. Stir everything together so each piece is coated in velvety goodness.

Serve & Enjoy!: Plate up your Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta hot off the stove and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese—don’t forget to take a moment to admire your masterpiece!

This delightful recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your dinner table! For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in those juicy flavors, then cook the pasta while preparing your creamy sauce. This sequence saves time and ensures everything finishes together perfectly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences, like adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. You can even experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist.

Storing & Reheating

To maintain quality, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed.

Cooking this creamy ricotta chicken pasta brought back fond memories of family gatherings where everyone devoured the meal within minutes. It’s always nice to see empty plates!

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.

What type of pasta works best?

Fettuccine or penne are ideal choices, but feel free to use your favorite pasta.

How can I make it lighter?

Substitute low-fat ricotta cheese and add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

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Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

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• Author: platesdaily
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, rich ricotta, and fresh spinach, all enveloped in a velvety sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a comforting meal that’s sure to impress family and friends. With its quick prep time and crowd-pleasing flavor, it’s no wonder this pasta has become a favorite in many households.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta by boiling salted water in a large pot. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper, cooking for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet.
3. Add minced garlic to the skillet during the last minute of cooking the chicken. Stir in fresh spinach until wilted.
4. Lower heat and mix in ricotta cheese along with some reserved pasta water for a creamy texture.
5. Toss cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce, stirring until evenly coated.
6. Slice chicken and serve over the pasta, garnished with grated Parmesan.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Feel free to add vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes or zucchini for extra flavor. For lighter options, substitute low-fat ricotta or increase vegetable portions.