Description

As a busy mom, I know how challenging it can be to whip up a delicious dinner after a long day. That’s why I love this recipe for Creamy Ricotta and Tender Chicken. It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate! With its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked chicken, this dish is sure to impress your loved ones without taking hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a quick solution for those hectic weeknights when you want something comforting yet elegant. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure together!

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound chicken breast
8 ounces penne pasta
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Sear the seasoned chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
In the skillet with garlic, add the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Stir well until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the creamy sauce.
Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Serve the creamy ricotta chicken pasta hot and enjoy!

Notes

For a lighter version, you can use low-fat ricotta cheese.
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking and Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 600
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 120mg