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Get ready to enjoy a tasty chicken and ricotta pasta dish that's packed with flavor. It's perfect for anyone who loves Italian food or comfort meals. This dish balances creamy goodness with fresh elements, making it great for weeknight dinners or fancier occasions.
A delightful blend of tastes and textures
This dish mixes tender chicken with smooth, creamy ricotta and Italian spices. Fresh greens and rich parmesan make it even better. It's easy to make but adds a touch of luxury to your meal without any extra work.
What you'll need for amazing pasta
- Whole grain pasta: 12 oz of tortiglioni or penne, great for holding sauce.
- Chicken breast: 1 lb, cut into pieces, for protein.
- Ricotta: 1 cup, creating an irresistible creaminess.
- Parmesan: 1/2 cup grated, for rich flavor.
- Liquid cream: 1/2 cup (optional), for extra smoothness.
- Spices: Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste.
- Vegetables: 2 cups fresh kale or spinach (optional).
- Topping: Fresh basil or parsley for freshness.
Simple steps to make it right
- Cook your pasta
- Boil a big pot of salted water. Cook pasta until al dente following package directions. Save 1/2 cup of cooking water.
- Make the chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Brown chicken pieces until fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Set aside.
- Create the ricotta sauce
- In the same pan, cook minced garlic for 1 minute. Add ricotta, parmesan, chicken broth, and cream (if using). Stir until smooth. Add spices and adjust salt and pepper.
- Put it all together
- Mix the cooked chicken and pasta into the sauce. Stir well to coat everything. Add pasta water if sauce seems too thick.
- Mix in greens
- If you want, add kale or spinach and cook just until wilted.
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Smart tips to make it special
Throw in some toasted pine nuts for crunch or pair with garlic bread for a complete meal. A crispy green salad goes really well with this dish for better nutrition balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I make the sauce extra creamy?
- Blend the ricotta gradually with warm broth. If it’s too thick, slowly mix in pasta water until it's just right.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- It’s best fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to refresh it.
- → What type of pasta works best?
- Short shapes like penne or tortiglioni grab the sauce better. Whole-grain varieties add more nutrients too.
- → Can I include other veggies?
- Sure! Broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers would be tasty. Stir them in near the end so they stay crunchy.
- → What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
- Warm gently on low heat with a splash of broth or cream to revive the creamy texture. Stir carefully to avoid breaking the pasta.