Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

$- Pasta options and types You can use 8 oz of pasta, like fettuccine or penne. Choose your favorite shape! - Chicken breast details Use 1 lb of diced chicken breast. It cooks fast and tastes great in this dish. - Description of ricotta cheese and substitutes I love using 1 cup of ricotta cheese for its creamy texture. If you need a substitute, try cottage cheese. It offers a similar taste. - Additional ingredients like cherry tomatoes and spinach Use 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes for sweetness. Add 2 cups of fresh spinach to bring in some color and nutrients. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with a big pot of water. Add a good amount of salt; this helps flavor the pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package. For al dente, you want to check it around 8-10 minutes. It should be firm but not hard. When done, save ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it’s hot, add the diced chicken. Spread it out to help it brown. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6-8 minutes until it turns golden brown. Make sure it cooks all the way through. Once the chicken is done, add minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute until you smell its aroma. Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Look for tomatoes that are bright and slightly soft. Cook them for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Now, stir in the fresh spinach. You want to cook it just until it wilts down. This usually takes about 2 minutes. Keep stirring to mix it well with the chicken and tomatoes. Lower the heat, then add the ricotta cheese to the skillet. Mix it well with the chicken and veggies. To get a nice creamy texture, slowly add some reserved pasta water. Do this one spoonful at a time until you reach your perfect consistency. Finally, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until it’s evenly mixed. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want more flavor, add a bit more salt or pepper. To keep chicken moist, choose fresh, high-quality meat. Cut into even pieces for uniform cooking. Season with salt and pepper before cooking. Cook on medium heat for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it should reach 165°F. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This step helps the juices stay inside. To prevent pasta from sticking, use a large pot with plenty of water. Add salt to the water before boiling; it enhances flavor. Stir the pasta during the first minute of cooking. This keeps it from clumping together. Cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Reserve some pasta water to help create a creamy sauce later. To boost flavor, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. For a richer taste, consider a splash of lemon juice or zest. You can also mix in different spices like smoked paprika or oregano. Experiment with these options to find your favorite flavor combo. Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes that can hold sauce well, like fettuccine or penne, to enhance the creamy texture of the dish. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Make sure to cut the chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking, and avoid overcrowding the skillet to achieve a nice sear. Adjust Creaminess: Use the reserved pasta water gradually to control the creaminess of the sauce; start with a little and add more until you reach your desired consistency. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Always use fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and texture; they can greatly elevate the dish. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Instead of chicken, you can use chickpeas or tofu. Both options add protein and texture. Just sauté them the same way as chicken. You can also add some mushrooms for a meaty feel. They pair well with ricotta and add umami flavor. Adding vegetables boosts nutrition and flavor. Try seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. Chop them small and sauté them with garlic. You can also mix in peas or broccoli for a pop of color and crunch. These veggies will cook quickly and blend well. Change the flavor by mixing in different seasonings. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. You can also use fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. If you want an Italian twist, add a bit of lemon zest. For a creamy Alfredo style, mix in some grated Parmesan or nutmeg. Adjust these flavors to fit your taste. Store your creamy ricotta chicken pasta in airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to let the pasta cool before sealing. This helps avoid moisture buildup. Label the containers with the date. This way, you’ll know how fresh they are. To freeze the pasta, let it cool completely. Divide it into portions. Place each portion in freezer bags or containers. Squeeze out extra air to prevent freezer burn. Write the date on the bags. You can freeze it for up to three months. Reheat pasta gently to keep it creamy. Use a skillet for stovetop reheating. Add a splash of water or broth to help. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring often. You can also use a microwave. Place the pasta in a bowl, cover, and heat in short bursts. Stir between intervals for even heating. Yes, you can! If you don’t have ricotta, try cottage cheese or cream cheese. Both can give a similar creamy texture. Mix in a bit of lemon juice for brightness. No problem! You can swap chicken breast for turkey or tofu. Shrimp or cooked sausage also work well. Just adjust the cooking time based on what you choose. To make this creamy pasta gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Brands like brown rice or chickpea pasta are great options. They cook similarly and taste delicious! Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead! Cook the pasta and chicken, then mix with the sauce. Store in the fridge for up to two days. Just reheat gently on the stove. Garnish this dish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. You can also sprinkle extra cheese or add toasted pine nuts for crunch. Lemon zest adds a nice touch too! In this blog post, I covered the key steps to make creamy ricotta chicken pasta. We explored pasta types, chicken details, and ricotta options, along with cherry tomatoes and spinach. I detailed cooking, sautéing, and mixing methods to achieve a tasty dish. Remember, you can customize flavors and substitute ingredients as needed. Cooking is all about creativity and joy. Try different variations to keep it fun. Enjoy your next meal!$

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring ricotta cheese, chicken, and fresh vegetables.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz pasta of your choice
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups fresh spinach
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
for serving grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
Lower the heat and add the ricotta cheese to the skillet. Slowly mix in reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Plate the pasta in bowls, top with grated Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Feel free to substitute the pasta type based on your preference.

Keyword Chicken, creamy, easy, pasta, ricotta