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This whole wheat pasta dish brings back memories of Sunday family dinners in my kitchen. The creamy ricotta sauce hugs every piece of pasta while tender chicken adds heartiness. I discovered this combination years ago when experimenting with lighter versions of my favorite comfort foods.
What Makes This Recipe Special
After countless tries in my kitchen I found the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent. The whole wheat pasta gives wonderful nutty flavor while ricotta creates the most luxurious sauce without feeling heavy. Add some fresh greens and you've got pure comfort food magic.
What You'll Need
- Grab your favorite whole wheat pasta. I love penne but any shape works beautifully.
- Chicken breast cut into bite sized pieces makes this quick cooking.
- Fresh ricotta creates the dreamiest sauce.
- Good Parmesan cheese adds amazing depth.
- Keep some broth handy to adjust sauce consistency.
- Extra virgin olive oil makes everything better.
- Fresh garlic because powder just isn't the same.
- Italian seasoning brings all the flavors together.
- Fresh spinach or kale adds color and goodness.
- Herbs from my garden make everything special.
Getting Started with Pasta
The foundation of this dish starts with perfectly cooked pasta. I always salt my water generously it should taste like the sea. While the pasta bubbles away I prep everything else. Save a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining it's like liquid gold for making silky sauce.
Cooking Your Chicken
My secret to juicy chicken is getting your pan nice and hot before adding the meat. I season the pieces with salt and pepper then let them brown undisturbed. That golden crust adds so much flavor. Once they're cooked through set them aside while we build the sauce.
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Building Flavor
Fresh garlic sizzling in the pan fills my kitchen with the most incredible aroma. Keep it moving so it doesn't burn. These few minutes of cooking garlic create the foundation of flavors that make this dish sing.
Creating Sauce Magic
Now comes my favorite part. Turn down the heat and spoon in that creamy ricotta. Add fresh grated Parmesan and watch it melt into something magical. A splash of broth helps create the silkiest sauce. Season it until it makes you smile.
Bringing It Together
When the sauce looks velvety add your chicken back to the pan. Toss in the pasta and watch how it soaks up all that creamy goodness. If things look too thick add splashes of pasta water until it's just right.
Going Green
Fresh greens brighten everything up. Watch them wilt into the warm pasta creating little pops of color throughout the dish. Some nights I use tender spinach other times I go for hearty kale.
Ready to Serve
My favorite serving bowls come out for this dish. Twirl the pasta into generous portions. A shower of fresh herbs some extra Parmesan and dinner is ready. The first bite always brings happy sighs around my table.
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Perfect Partners
A crusty loaf of bread for soaking up sauce is a must. Sometimes I toss together a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette. The brightness cuts through the creamy pasta perfectly.
Good For You Too
This pasta does more than just taste good. Whole wheat pasta gives you lasting energy while lean chicken keeps you satisfied. Those green vegetables sneak in extra nutrients. It's comfort food you can feel good about.
Kitchen Wisdom
Years of making this dish taught me little tricks. Season your chicken well before cooking. Buy blocks of Parmesan and grate it fresh. Spring for good ricotta it makes all the difference.
Make It Your Own
My daughter loves when I add sun dried tomatoes. Sometimes I toss in peppery arugula or sweet roasted peppers. The basic recipe welcomes your own creative touches.
Saving For Later
Leftovers taste amazing. Just keep them in the fridge and warm gently with a splash of milk. The flavors get even better overnight.
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Smart Prep Tips
On busy days I prep everything ahead. Chop chicken season it and keep it ready. Make the sauce early too. Just cook fresh pasta when you're ready to eat.
Wine and Dine
A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio makes this meal feel extra special. The crisp wine cuts through the creamy sauce perfectly. It's like they were made for each other.
Lighter Options
Some nights I swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt. Ground turkey works beautifully instead of chicken. Extra vegetables make it even more wholesome.
Family Friendly
My kids gobble this up. Skip the spicy flakes for little ones. Hide extra vegetables in the sauce. Everyone leaves the table happy.
Time to Enjoy
This pasta brings comfort and joy to every table it graces. The combination of creamy sauce tender chicken and fresh ingredients creates pure magic. Gather your loved ones and savor every wonderful bite.
Common Questions About Cooking
- → Can I use regular pasta instead of whole wheat?
- Yes, any pasta shape works. Whole wheat adds nutrition but regular pasta can be substituted.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?
- Reserve pasta water and add gradually to adjust sauce consistency. The starchy water helps create a silky texture.
- → Can I make this ahead?
- Best served fresh as sauce may thicken when stored. Reheat with extra broth or cream to restore consistency.
- → What greens work best?
- Both spinach and kale work well. Spinach wilts faster, while kale needs slightly longer cooking time.
- → Is heavy cream necessary?
- Optional for extra richness. The sauce is creamy from ricotta and Parmesan even without cream.