Description
Enjoy a delightful bowl of Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta, where tender chicken meets rich ricotta cheese in a luscious sauce that wraps around perfectly cooked pasta. This comforting dish is not only easy to prepare but also impressive enough for guests. With fresh garlic, vibrant greens, and a hint of lemon, each bite is a warm embrace that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Garlic: When the chicken is nearly done, add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant (30 seconds).
- Create the Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in ricotta cheese along with half a cup of pasta water. Mix until creamy, adjusting consistency as needed.
- Toss in Greens: Add spinach or kale to the sauce; stir until wilted (2-3 minutes).
- Combine Pasta & Finish: Drain pasta and toss it into the skillet with chicken and sauce. Add lemon juice and zest before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 100mg