Creamy Chicken Pasta

Category: Inspiring Dinner Ideas

A healthier pasta dish combining whole wheat pasta and chicken in a ricotta-parmesan cream sauce, with optional leafy greens for added nutrition.
Sarah
Created By Sarah John
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:36:22 GMT
A creamy pasta dish with rigatoni, chunks of chicken, and parsley, garnished with red pepper flakes. Save
A creamy pasta dish with rigatoni, chunks of chicken, and parsley, garnished with red pepper flakes. | kitchenscroll.com

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.

A close-up of creamy rigatoni pasta mixed with chicken pieces and garnished with parsley and red pepper flakes. Save
A close-up of creamy rigatoni pasta mixed with chicken pieces and garnished with parsley and red pepper flakes. | kitchenscroll.com

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.

A close-up of creamy pasta with chicken, garnished with parsley in a dark bowl. Save
A close-up of creamy pasta with chicken, garnished with parsley in a dark bowl. | kitchenscroll.com

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.

A close-up of creamy rigatoni pasta mixed with tender chicken pieces and garnished with fresh parsley. Save
A close-up of creamy rigatoni pasta mixed with tender chicken pieces and garnished with fresh parsley. | kitchenscroll.com

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.

Creamy Chicken Pasta

Whole wheat pasta with chicken in a rich ricotta cream sauce, optionally enhanced with fresh greens.

Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
20 minutes
Total Time Required
30 minutes
Created By: Sarah John

Recipe Category: Dinner Delights

Skill Level Required: Moderate Skills Needed

Cuisine Style: Italian

Recipe Output: 4 Number of Servings (4 servings)

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You'll Gather

Contains 01 items 12 oz whole wheat pasta.
Contains 02 items 1 pound chicken breast, bite-sized.
Contains 03 items 2 tablespoons olive oil.
Contains 04 items 3 cloves minced garlic.
Contains 05 items 1 cup ricotta cheese.
Contains 06 items 1/2 cup grated Parmesan.
Contains 07 items 1/2 cup chicken broth.
Contains 08 items 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional).
Contains 09 items 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
Contains 10 items 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
Contains 11 items 2 cups spinach or kale.
Contains 12 items Fresh basil or parsley.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Boil pasta al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup water before draining.

Step 02

Cook seasoned chicken in oil until golden, 6-8 minutes.

Step 03

Cook garlic, add cheeses, broth, cream and seasonings. Stir until smooth.

Step 04

Add chicken and pasta to sauce. Add pasta water if needed. Stir in greens until wilted.

Important Tips

  1. Can use pasta water to thin sauce.
  2. Heavy cream optional for extra richness.
  3. Works with any leafy greens.

Essential Tools

  • Large pot.
  • Large skillet.

Allergen Guidance

Double-check ingredients for allergens and consult a health expert if needed.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutrition info is provided as a guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 550
  • Fat Amount: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Protein Amount: 38 g