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Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
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Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a comforting yet elegant dish combining tender chicken breast, creamy ricotta cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. This quick and versatile recipe is ideal for a stress-free weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. Featuring simple pantry staples, it delivers a rich, velvety sauce enriched with Parmesan and fresh herbs, all ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cheese & Dairy

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (preferably room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta & Grains

  • 8 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni recommended)

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Oils & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken about 5 to 7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
  3. Make the Ricotta Sauce: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Lower heat and stir in the ricotta cheese along with a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Add grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste, whisking until smooth and velvety.
  4. Combine and Finish: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and gently toss with the cooked pasta and ricotta sauce. Stir in fresh herbs and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more pasta water if the sauce is too thick, until the desired creamy consistency is reached.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ricotta for a smoother sauce texture.
  • Drain pasta while still al dente to prevent a mushy final dish.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust and perfect the sauce consistency.
  • Rest chicken before slicing to retain its juiciness and tenderness.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to maintain vibrant flavor and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy ricotta chicken pasta, quick chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food pasta, ricotta pasta recipe, creamy chicken pasta

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/creamy-ricotta-chicken-pasta/