Description
This creamy, satisfying pasta dish combines tender chicken, velvety ricotta cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. The light yet indulgent ricotta sauce is enhanced by garlic and herbs, making it the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier flavor)
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning
- Ricotta Cheese: The base of the creamy sauce
- Pasta: Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or fettuccine
- Garlic & Onion: For the savory aromatic base
- Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley, dried oregano or thyme
- Cheeses: Parmesan, mozzarella
- Dairy: Heavy cream or milk for richness (optional)
- Optional Add-Ins: Vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes; red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Prepare and Season the Chicken:
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked (5-7 minutes per side). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Make the Ricotta Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Lower the heat, stir in ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and a splash of reserved pasta water to create a creamy consistency.
- Stir in heavy cream or milk for added richness, if desired.
- Combine Everything:
- Add cooked pasta to the ricotta sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir well.
- If using, stir in spinach, mushrooms, or other optional add-ins.
- Top with mozzarella and let it melt slightly before serving.
Notes
- If ricotta is grainy, blend with a bit of milk before adding to the sauce for a smoother texture.
- For added flavor, marinate chicken for 15 minutes with olive oil, lemon juice, and spices before cooking.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650 (estimate
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg