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Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

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A comforting and creamy pasta dish made with chicken, ricotta, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) pasta of your choice (penne or fettuccine work well)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 chicken breasts, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan, mixing until a smooth, creamy sauce begins to form around the chicken.
  6. Gradually add a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
  7. Add the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through.
  8. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently until all the pasta is well coated in the creamy ricotta sauce.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves or ribbons.

Notes

For extra flavor, a drizzle of olive oil can be added on top when serving. This dish can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days and reheats well.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta, chicken, creamy sauce, ricotta, weeknight dinner, Italian recipe

Find it online: https://alexandrarecipes.com/creamy-ricotta-chicken-pasta/