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
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
Instructions
- Boil whole wheat pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, ensuring a firm texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- 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.
- Let chicken rest for 3-4 minutes, then slice into diagonal strips against the grain for tender pieces.
- Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, approximately 30-45 seconds.
- 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.
- Gently combine sliced chicken and cooked pasta into the ricotta cream sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated and heated through.
- 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