Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. This recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a luscious ricotta sauce that clings to perfectly cooked pasta. If you are seeking an easy yet impressive meal that can impress family or friends, this creamy ricotta chicken pasta is the perfect choice. You’ll appreciate the blend of textures and flavors that come together in this one-pot wonder. Ideal for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, this dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts
For this recipe, you’ll need about 500 grams of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The chicken should be cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Chicken breasts are lean protein sources that absorb flavors well and help keep the dish light without sacrificing taste.
Ricotta Cheese
You’ll require approximately 250 grams of ricotta cheese for this dish. Ricotta adds creaminess and richness to the sauce while being lighter than other cheeses like cream cheese or heavy cream. It has a mild flavor which complements the spices and herbs used in the recipe beautifully. For best results, opt for whole milk ricotta as it yields a smoother texture.
Pasta
Use around 300 grams of your favorite pasta; fettuccine or penne work wonderfully in this recipe. Cooked al dente, the pasta serves as an excellent base for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Garlic
Two cloves of minced garlic will enhance the flavor profile significantly. Garlic offers a robust aroma and sweetness when sautéed properly; it forms a flavorful foundation for your sauce.
Olive Oil
You’ll need about two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for sautéing the chicken and garlic. Olive oil not only helps in cooking but also adds depth to the overall flavor of the dish.
Fresh Herbs
Fresh basil or parsley can make all the difference in presentation and taste; about 10 leaves chopped finely would suffice. Fresh herbs bring brightness to rich dishes like this one.
How to Prepare Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
Step One: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add your chosen pasta (about 300 grams) and cook according to package instructions until it reaches al dente texture; usually around 8-10 minutes depending on thickness. Make sure to stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking.
Once cooked, reserve about half a cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining it in a colander; this starchy water will help bind your sauce later on if needed. After draining, return the hot pasta back to its pot—this helps keep it warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step Two: Sauté Chicken
While your pasta cooks, heat two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 500 grams of bite-sized chicken breast pieces seasoned with salt and pepper to taste once the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown on all sides; stir occasionally ensuring even cooking throughout. To check doneness, use a meat thermometer—it should read at least 75°C (165°F). Once cooked through remove from skillet onto a plate and cover loosely with foil while preparing your sauce.
Step Three: Make Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet where you cooked your chicken (keeping all those lovely flavors), add two minced cloves of garlic over medium heat; sauté them briefly just until fragrant—around 30 seconds should do it! Be careful not to burn as burnt garlic can become bitter very quickly.
Next comes the star ingredient—add approximately 250 grams of ricotta cheese into the skillet along with reserved pasta water gradually whisking everything together until smooth and creamy forms—a few minutes should suffice! If desired add additional seasonings such as Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
Once combined thoroughly fold back in cooked chicken pieces allowing them enough time just enough time (2-3 minutes) so they warm through again before finally tossing in drained hot pasta too! Mix everything gently until all components are well coated with that delightful sauce!
Serving Suggestions
To serve your Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta beautifully place generous portions onto plates using tongs ensuring each serving contains both flavorful sauce along with succulent bits of chicken nestled among noodles too! For added flair sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley on top—this not only enhances visual appeal but also infuses freshness into every bite!
Pairing options could include crusty garlic bread alongside simple green salad lightly dressed vinaigrette too! This meal shines equally well whether enjoying casual family dinners at home or hosting friends during special occasions where everyone delights in hearty comfort food together!
Storage Guidelines
If you have leftovers after serving consider storing them correctly so they remain fresh longer! Once cooled down completely transfer any remaining portions into airtight containers ensuring lids fit securely before placing inside refrigerator where they will last comfortably up three days maximum!
Consider serving this dish in individual ramekins topped with additional cheese before broiling until golden brown for a visually appealing meal that’s perfect for entertaining guests or special occasions.
FAQs
What type of pasta works best for creamy ricotta chicken pasta?
When choosing pasta for creamy ricotta chicken pasta, opt for shapes like penne or fusilli as they hold onto sauces well due to their ridges or hollow centers.
Can I use low-fat ricotta cheese in this recipe?
You can definitely use low-fat ricotta cheese if you’re looking to reduce calories! However, keep in mind that lower-fat options may lack some creaminess compared to full-fat versions.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You certainly can prepare components ahead! Cooked chicken can be stored separately along with prepared sauce mixtures (without combining) so they’re ready when needed later! Just assemble everything shortly before serving time.
Is there a vegetarian version of creamy ricotta chicken pasta?
Yes! For a delightful vegetarian alternative: substitute grilled vegetables (like zucchini/capsicum) instead of meat plus add protein sources such as beans/chickpeas instead!
What can I pair with creamy ricotta chicken pasta?
Pairing options include fresh salads drizzled lightly in vinaigrettes alongside crusty bread brushed lightly with garlic butter—which balances out richness beautifully!
