Description
A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring chicken, ricotta cheese, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheeses are melted and combined with the chicken.
- Add the chopped spinach and cherry tomatoes to the skillet, stirring until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired creaminess is achieved.
- Stir in the fresh basil and red pepper flakes, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For added flavor, sauté some minced garlic and onion in the skillet before adding the chicken.
- You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or cooked sausage for a different protein option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg