Description
Irresistible creamy ricotta chicken pasta emerges as an Italian-inspired comfort dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs elevate this simple yet satisfying meal, giving you a delightful culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 12 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Base:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 12 cup heavy cream
- 12 cup pasta water (reserved)
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, carefully preserving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid for later use.
- Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, introducing diced chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Sear chicken pieces until they develop a golden-brown exterior, ensuring thorough cooking throughout.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and incorporate minced garlic and red pepper flakes, allowing aromatics to release their fragrant essence for approximately 45-60 seconds.
- Gently fold ricotta, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan into the skillet, creating a luxurious, velvety sauce.
- Incrementally introduce reserved pasta water, whisking continuously to achieve a silky, smooth consistency.
- Introduce cooked pasta directly into the sauce, carefully tossing to ensure each strand is lavishly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Transfer to serving plates, garnishing with freshly chopped basil leaves and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor profile.
Notes
- Swap pasta types to suit dietary needs, like whole wheat, gluten-free, or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
- Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or using mild paprika for sensitive palates.
- Reserve extra pasta water to rescue the sauce if it becomes too thick, ensuring a silky smooth texture.
- Enhance protein content by adding more chicken or incorporating vegetarian options like white beans or tofu for diverse dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg