Cozy Whole Pasta with Chicken & Ricotta Cream Sauce Recipe

Creamy ricotta chicken pasta swirls with comfort and elegance on your dinner plate.

Soft cheese blends perfectly with tender meat for a satisfying meal.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each forkful, promising delightful textures and rich undertones.

Weeknight cooking becomes effortless with this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Hearty ingredients come together quickly, making meal preparation a breeze.

Fragrant herbs and smooth ricotta create a luxurious sauce that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Grab a fork and savor every delectable bite of this irresistible pasta experience.

How To Make Whole Pasta With Chicken And Ricotta Sauce

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook whole wheat pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce adjusting.

Step 2: Transform Chicken into Tender Morsels

• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Sear chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown and completely cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into delicate strips.

Step 3: Craft Luxurious Ricotta Cream Sauce

• Ricotta cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Chopped sun-dried tomatoes

Stir ingredients until smooth and warmed through, creating a velvety sauce.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Protein

Add cooked pasta and chicken strips to the sauce. Gently toss until every strand is lavishly coated. If sauce seems thick, splash in reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.

Step 5: Plate and Savor

Transfer pasta to serving dishes. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately while sauce remains creamy and warm.

Tips For Whole Pasta With Chicken And Ricotta Sauce

• Choose whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrients, boosting the dish's nutritional profile and keeping you fuller longer.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in delicious flavor.
• Use fresh basil instead of dried for a more vibrant, aromatic taste that elevates the entire dish's freshness.
• Control sauce thickness by adding a splash of pasta water if the ricotta cream feels too thick, creating a silky smooth consistency.
• Consider swapping chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that maintains the recipe's creamy, satisfying texture.

New Takes On Whole Pasta With Chicken And Ricotta Sauce

• Mediterranean Remix: Replace sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Incorporate chili powder, cumin, and diced jalapeños into the sauce, then top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a zesty kick.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with roasted butternut squash or grilled portobello mushrooms, maintaining the creamy ricotta sauce while creating a plant-based alternative.
• Herb Garden Version: Enhance the sauce with fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage, then sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for added texture and nutty complexity.

Best Sides With Whole Pasta With Chicken And Ricotta Sauce

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy ricotta sauce, balancing the richness with its bright, zesty notes.
• Create Fresh Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to complement the pasta's creamy texture and add a light, refreshing contrast.
• Enhance with Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top to boost the dish's aromatic profile and add a vibrant green pop of color and flavor.
• Match with Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside simple roasted zucchini or asparagus to provide a nutritious, caramelized side that echoes the sun-dried tomato sweetness in the main dish.

How To Store Whole Pasta With Chicken And Ricotta Sauce

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir continuously for even heating.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Whole Pasta With Chicken And Ricotta Sauce FAQs

• Is whole pasta better than regular pasta?

Whole pasta contains more fiber, nutrients, and complex carbohydrates compared to regular pasta, making it a healthier option that helps maintain steady energy levels and supports better digestion.

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken. Just ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly and seasoned well to maintain the dish’s flavor profile.

• How can I make the ricotta cream sauce more creamy?

To enhance the sauce’s creaminess, you can add a splash of heavy cream or milk while stirring the ricotta, which will create a smoother and richer texture without changing the recipe’s core ingredients.

Why Whole Pasta With Chicken And Ricotta Sauce Is A Favorite

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with lean protein from chicken and calcium-rich ricotta, this dish offers a balanced meal that supports healthy eating without sacrificing flavor.
• Simplify Cooking: Requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a satisfying dinner without complex techniques.
• Create One-Pan Magic: Minimize cleanup with a single skillet approach that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, delicious meal in just a few easy steps.
• Customize Freely: Easily adaptable by swapping ingredients like adding different herbs, using alternative protein sources, or adjusting cheese quantities to suit personal taste preferences.

Ingredients Needed For Whole Pasta With Chicken And Ricotta Sauce

• Whole Pasta: A nutritious base that provides hearty texture and wholesome flavor to the dish.
• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that adds substance and richness to the meal.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy base for the sauce that creates a smooth and luxurious coating.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp and salty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the sauce.

• Garlic, Basil: Provide depth and fragrant notes that complement the chicken and pasta.

• Salt, Pepper: Standard seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet element to the dish.

Whole Pasta with Chicken and Ricotta Cream Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Heavenly Whole Wheat Chicken Pasta with Ricotta Cream Sauce delivers Italian comfort on a plate. Creamy, herbed ricotta blankets tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) whole wheat pasta
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cheese:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Boil whole wheat pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, ensuring a firm texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Sprinkle with kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Sear in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Let chicken rest for 3-4 minutes, then slice into diagonal strips against the grain for tender pieces.
4. Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, approximately 30-45 seconds.
5. Fold ricotta cheese into the skillet, creating a creamy base. Incorporate grated Parmesan, chopped fresh basil, and julienned sun-dried tomatoes, stirring continuously until ingredients meld and sauce becomes smooth.
6. Gently combine sliced chicken and cooked pasta into the ricotta cream sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated and heated through.
7. Transfer to serving plates, garnish with additional fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary needs and boost nutritional value.
• Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked to 165°F internal temperature for food safety, using a meat thermometer for precise checking.
• Consider swapping chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or grilled tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s creamy texture.
• Toast sun-dried tomatoes briefly before adding to enhance their rich, concentrated flavor and add a subtle caramelized note to the sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg