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Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta: An Incredible Weeknight Meal


  • Author: Leo
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

– 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice (penne or fettuccine work well)
– 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen)
– 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)


Instructions

Making Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is simple and straightforward. Just follow these steps:

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring not to burn it.

4. Incorporate Tomatoes and Spinach: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and spinach to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften.

5. Mix Ricotta: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the ricotta cheese, dried basil, and dried oregano. Mix until well combined. If the mixture is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

6. Combine with Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy ricotta sauce.

7. Final Taste Test: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you want a richer flavor, you can also add more ricotta or some grated Parmesan cheese.

8. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

These simple steps will lead you to an amazing dinner that’s not only easy to prepare but also deliciously satisfying.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 servings
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Fat: 18g
  • Protein: 30g