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Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
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This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a quick and comforting dish combining tender chicken breast, al dente pasta, and a luscious ricotta cheese sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers rich flavors and a creamy texture without heaviness, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. The recipe is easily customizable and uses simple pantry staples for a satisfying and hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, then set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in ricotta cheese until creamy and smooth, adding reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired sauce consistency.
  4. Combine and Season: Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet with ricotta sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly. Stir in grated Parmesan, fresh spinach if using, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve Warm: Plate the pasta immediately while warm and creamy. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor and color.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ricotta for a smoother sauce and to avoid clumping.
  • Reserve pasta water; its starch helps the sauce cling perfectly to the pasta.
  • Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to brighten flavors and add color.
  • Adjust the sauce thickness with more or less chicken broth and reserved pasta water based on your preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy ricotta chicken pasta, quick chicken pasta, ricotta pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, creamy pasta, chicken pasta skillet

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/creamy-ricotta-chicken-pasta/