Description
A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan in a silky sauce. The addition of whole wheat pasta and fresh spinach or kale brings both flavor and texture, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz whole wheat pasta (penne or Tortiglioni)
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or pasta cooking water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside. -
Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. -
Make the Ricotta Cream Sauce:
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Lower the heat to medium-low and add ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream (if using). Stir until smooth. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and adjust salt and pepper to taste. -
Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached. -
Add Greens (Optional):
Stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. -
Serve:
Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
- You can adjust the creaminess by adding more heavy cream.
- For extra flavor, use pasta water instead of chicken broth.
- If you don’t like spinach or kale, you can skip the greens or use another leafy green like arugula.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American