Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a tasty dish that will make your dinner table seem cozy and delicious. This dish calls for soft chicken chunks and a rich ricotta sauce that sticks to well cooked pasta. This creamy ricotta chicken spaghetti is the best choice if you want to wow family or friends with an easy but impressive supper. This one-pot marvel has a great mix of textures and flavors that you’ll love. This recipe is great for hectic weeknights or lazy weekends because it only takes 30 minutes to make.
Ingredients
- 500 grams of chicken breasts
- 250 grams of ricotta cheese
- 300 grams of your favorite pasta
- Two minced cloves of garlic
- Two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- About 10 finely chopped leaves of fresh basil or parsley
- Salt and pepper
How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
- Put a lot of water in a big pot and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, add around 300 grams of the pasta you want and cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente, which normally takes 8 to 10 minutes, depending on how thick it is. Stir the food every now and then while it’s cooking to keep it from sticking.After cooking, set aside about half a cup (120 ml) of the pasta water before draining it in a colander. This starchy water can assist your sauce stick together later if you need it to. Put the hot pasta back in the pot after draining it. This will help keep it warm while you make the sauce.
- While your pasta cooks, heat two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering but not smoking, add 500 grams of bite-sized chicken breast pieces that have been seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring every so often to make sure they cook evenly, until they are golden brown on both sides. Use a meat thermometer to verify if it’s done; it should read at least 75°C (165°F). Take the food from the griddle and put it on a platter. Cover it loosely with foil while you make the sauce.
- Add two minced cloves of garlic to the same skillet where you fried the chicken (to maintain all those great tastes). Over medium heat, saute them for about 30 seconds, or until they smell good. Be careful not to cook the garlic, because it can turn bitter very quickly.The next step is to add the main ingredient: about 250 grams of ricotta cheese to the skillet along with the leftover pasta water. Slowly whisk everything together until it is smooth and creamy. This should only take a few minutes. You can add more spices, such Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes, if you want to give it more flavor.
Once everything is well mixed, fold in the cooked chicken pieces and give them 2 to 3 minutes to warm up again. Then, add the drained hot spaghetti as well. Carefully mix everything together until the sauce coats everything well.
Serving Suggestions & Storage
To make your Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta look great, use tongs to put big amounts on plates. Make sure that each serving has both tasty sauce and juicy pieces of chicken mixed in with the noodles. Adding freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley on top not only makes the dish look better, but it also makes every bite taste fresh.
You may serve crusty garlic bread with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette on the side. This dish is great for both informal family dinners at home and special occasions when you have friends around and everyone enjoys hearty comfort food together.
If you have leftovers after serving, think about putting them away properly so they stay fresh longer! Once it has cooled down completely, put any leftover pieces in airtight containers and make sure the lids fit well. Then put them in the fridge, where they will stay fresh for up to three days.
Consider serving this dish in individual ramekins topped with additional cheese before broiling until golden brown for a visually appealing meal that’s perfect for entertaining guests or special occasions.
FAQ
What kind of pasta is ideal for creamy ricotta chicken spaghetti?
Choose pasta forms like penne or fusilli for creamy ricotta chicken spaghetti. These shapes have ridges or hollow centers that help them hold onto sauces.
Is it okay to use low-fat ricotta cheese in this recipe?
If you want to cut down on calories, you may definitely use low-fat ricotta cheese. However, keep in mind that lower-fat options may lack some creaminess compared to full-fat versions.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can definitely get parts ready ahead of time! You can store cooked chicken and prepared sauce mixes separately (without mixing them) so they’re ready to use later. Put everything together just before serving.
Is there a vegetarian version of creamy chicken spaghetti with ricotta?
Yes! For a tasty vegetarian option, use grilled vegetables like zucchini or capsicum instead of beef, and add protein sources like beans or chickpeas instead!
What goes well with creamy ricotta chicken pasta?
You might serve fresh salads with a light vinaigrette on top and crusty bread with garlic butter on top. This is a great way to balance off the richness of the meal.