Creamy Whipped Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Whipped Ricotta One-Pot Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, al dente pasta, and luscious whipped ricotta, it combines simple ingredients for a rich and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of your choice
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. About halfway through, add the chicken pieces to cook in the same pot.
- Step 2: Drain any excess water, then stir in the minced garlic and whipped ricotta cheese until creamy and well combined. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Whip the ricotta with a little olive oil or lemon juice before adding to enhance its creaminess and add brightness.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a fresh finish.
- Swap chicken for shrimp or use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, this recipe works well with most pasta shapes such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
How do I whip ricotta cheese?
Simply beat the ricotta with a fork or hand mixer until smooth and creamy, optionally adding a bit of olive oil or lemon juice to improve texture and flavor.
PrintCreamy Whipped Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
A creamy and easy one-pot chicken pasta recipe featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and luscious whipped ricotta cheese mixed with garlic for a rich and comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Dairy and Flavorings
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Prepare and cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoned with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add pasta and garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the pasta and chicken broth to the pot, bringing it to a simmer.
- Cook pasta and chicken together: Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 10-12 minutes.
- Whip ricotta: While the pasta cooks, whip the ricotta in a bowl with a fork or whisk until smooth and fluffy, adding a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine ricotta with pasta: Once pasta is done, remove the pot from heat and stir in the whipped ricotta until well combined, creating a creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken perfectly.
- Serve immediately: Adjust seasoning if needed and serve the creamy chicken pasta hot with an optional sprinkle of grated Parmesan or fresh herbs.
Notes
- Use fresh ricotta for the best creamy texture. Avoid grainy or watery ricotta brands.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to add more flavor.
- Add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and color.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Keywords: One-Pot Pasta, Chicken Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Ricotta Pasta, Easy Dinner Recipe, Quick Chicken Recipe
