Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
A delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce and fresh greens, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Chicken, Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil water in a pot, add salt, and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Once al dente, drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and slice it into strips.
- Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, stir in the ricotta and Parmesan cheeses until smooth and creamy.
- Add greens: Toss in the fresh spinach or kale, stirring until it wilts down, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing until coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve with chicken: Top with the sliced chicken and garnish with lemon zest if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
For meal prep, cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving.