Description
A creamy and comforting whole wheat pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast simmered in a luscious ricotta and Parmesan cheese sauce, enhanced with garlic, Italian herbs, and optional fresh greens for a nutritious twist. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz whole wheat pasta (penne or Tortiglioni)
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or pasta cooking water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
Vegetables and Garnish
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chicken broth (or reserved pasta water), and heavy cream if using. Mix continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Chicken and Greens: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Add fresh spinach or kale if using, and stir everything together until the greens wilt, about 2-3 minutes, ensuring they are incorporated into the creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta into the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce and chicken mixture. If desired, sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a slight heat. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve immediately while warm for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Using whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber and nutrients compared to regular pasta.
- The heavy cream is optional but adds extra richness to the sauce; you can omit it for a lighter version.
- Reserve pasta cooking water to help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Fresh spinach or kale is optional but recommended for added nutrition and color.
- For spicier flavor, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
