Creamy Ricotta Chicken a Taste of Tuscany at Home
Recipe Introduction
Alright, let's get this sorted! Ever get that craving for something creamy and comforting, but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? Then this Creamy ricotta chicken recipe is your new best mate.
It’s like a little taste of Italy, right in your own home.
Quick Hook: Tuscan Delight
Fancy a bit of Tuscany on your plate? This creamy chicken recipe delivers big flavour with minimal fuss. Think rich, creamy ricotta sauce hugging tender chicken a real weeknight winner.
Brief Overview: Simple Italian Charm
Originating from the heart of Italian comfort food, this ricotta chicken recipe is quick, easy, and satisfying. Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe serves four hungry souls.
It's a straightforward dish, perfect for beginners.
Main Benefits: Healthy Comfort Food
The creamy chicken breast ricotta sauce not only tastes amazing but also provides a good source of protein. It’s perfect for a cosy night in, or when you want to impress without the stress.
Honestly, what makes this recipe special is its simplicity and incredible flavour.
This recipe has been a game changer for me. Seriously, my family absolutely love it! The richness of the ricotta pairs beautifully with the garlic and herbs, creating a symphony of flavours.
Let's talk ingredients.
Alright, let's get this sorted, shall we? Before diving into this Creamy ricotta chicken recipe , let's make sure we have the right bits and bobs.
The quality of ingredients matters here. Honestly, a good ricotta can make or break this.
Ingredients & Equipment: Setting the Stage for Tuscan Goodness
Right, based on that scrummy recipe, here are the ingredients we're after:
Main Players: What You'll Need
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170g each). Make sure they're similar in size for even cooking. Nobody likes a chewy chicken breast.
- Salt and pepper. You know, to taste. Don't be shy.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ( 30ml ). Extra virgin is always a good shout.
For that utterly luscious sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon ). The backbone of this dish.
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese ( 240ml ). Full fat is your friend here. Honestly, don't skimp.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese ( 60g ). Freshly grated, please. The stuff in the green tin just won't cut it.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning ( 5ml ). Or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme.
- ½ cup chicken broth or dry white wine ( 120ml ). For deglazing. It adds depth.
- 1 cup baby spinach ( 30g ). Optional, but it does make you feel a bit virtuous.
For that final flourish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped. Adds a pop of freshness.
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life
Italian seasoning is key. It's a blend of basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. It delivers that authentic Tuscan chicken recipe vibe.
Garlic, of course, is non-negotiable for this creamy garlic chicken recipe . A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick, transforming this easy chicken dinner into something a little bit fiery.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You'll need:
- A large skillet ( 12 inch/30cm ). Cast iron is great, but any large pan will do.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Obvious, really.
- A cutting board and knife. Sharp, please!
- A garlic press (optional). If you're fancy.
If you don't have a garlic press, just mince the garlic finely. No worries. Honestly, this Creamy ricotta chicken recipe is pretty forgiving.
I’ve made it with a travel iron and even used a spoon to chop garlic!
Right, that’s ingredients and equipment sorted. Time to get cooking this creamy chicken recipe . It is a Italian chicken recipe that uses chicken and ricotta cheese to make a Parmesan ricotta chicken in a Weeknight chicken dinner .
It ends up becoming Chicken breast ricotta sauce .
Let's Get Cooking: Creamy Ricotta Chicken Recipe!
Alright, let's get this sorted, shall we? I'm chuffed to share my take on a creamy chicken recipe . It's proper lush.
Think of it as a hug in a pan. This Creamy ricotta chicken recipe is easy peasy, even if you're not a whiz in the kitchen.
Honestly, it's quicker than ordering a takeaway!
Prep Steps
Essential mise en place. Right, before we start, get everything ready . Chop your garlic. Measure out your cheese. It makes life easier, you know? For this Italian chicken recipe , have your herbs ready too.
Honestly, it saves loads of faff later.
Time saving organization tips? Lay out all your ingredients. That way, it's easier and faster to make this Tuscan chicken recipe .
Less stress equals better cooking! Right, based on that scrummy recipe, here are the we're after: Creamy ricotta chicken recipe ticks all the boxes for a fantastic weeknight chicken dinner .
Safety reminders. Be careful with that knife! Hot pans burn! Common sense, really.
step-by-step Process
- Pat the chicken dry. Season it with salt and pepper. That's key!
- Sear the chicken in olive oil. 5- 7 minutes per side. Aim for 165° F ( 74° C) . No one wants pink chicken.
- Sauté the garlic. Just 30 seconds until fragrant. Mind it doesn't burn!
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth. Scrape up all those lovely bits. Flavour bomb alert.
- Stir in the ricotta, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Get it all creamy and smooth .
- Add spinach, if you're feeling healthy. Wilt it down.
- Return the chicken to the pan. Spoon that sauce over it. Let it warm through.
- Serve! Garnish with basil or parsley. Ta-dah!
Visual cues. The chicken should be golden brown. The sauce should be thick. You know ... creamy .
Pro Tips
Use good quality ricotta! It makes a difference. Trust me. Common mistakes? Overcooking the chicken. It's grim.
make-ahead option. Make the sauce beforehand. Keep it in the fridge. Then just cook the chicken when you're ready. Easy peasy! This easy chicken dinner will be your new best friend, a beautiful blend of chicken and ricotta cheese .
You can even add extra garlic for a creamy garlic chicken recipe boost! This Parmesan ricotta chicken bake option could also change things up.
You know?
So there you have it. A delicious, easy, creamy ricotta chicken recipe . Give it a go! I reckon you'll love it.
Recipe Notes for the Creamy Ricotta Chicken
Alright, let's get this sorted. You've got the basic creamy ricotta chicken recipe down, but now for the real secrets.
Honestly, sometimes the best part of a recipe are the little tweaks you can make. Shall we dive in?
Serving It Up Like a Pro
This Italian chicken recipe isn't just about taste, it's about presentation too. For plating, think rustic chic. Spoon the creamy chicken recipe over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta.
Linguine or fettuccine work brilliantly. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley and a generous grating of Parmesan. Oh my gosh , it looks divine! For a side, a simple salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.
Want something warmer? Roasted asparagus or green beans are ideal. And don't forget a crusty loaf of bread to mop up all that glorious sauce.
Storage Know How
Right , let's talk leftovers. If you have any (and trust me, you might not!), you can store them like a pro.
Pop the chicken and sauce into an airtight container and into the fridge. They'll be happy there for up to three days.
Freezing isn't really recommended. The ricotta sauce can become a bit grainy. Reheating is easy, microwave or gently reheat in a pan.
Make sure the chicken is piping hot, 74° C to be precise . Honestly, though, this easy chicken dinner is usually devoured in one sitting.
Tweaks and Twists
Want to mix things up? I've got you. For a dietary adaptation , swap out the regular pasta for zucchini noodles for a lighter, gluten-free option.
It's a game changer . For a seasonal twist, try using butternut squash puree in the sauce during autumn instead of ricotta.
It adds a lovely sweetness and Tuscan chicken recipe depth. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up any version of this recipe.
Nutrition Lowdown
Let's see . The Creamy ricotta chicken recipe is packed with protein from the chicken and ricotta. It gives you a solid energy boost.
The Parmesan adds calcium for healthy bones. Spinach brings vital vitamins and minerals. Each serving has about 420 calories. This makes it a satisfying and relatively healthy meal for a weeknight chicken dinner .
You know what? This creamy garlic chicken recipe is more than just food. It's about sharing a moment, creating a memory.
Creamy chicken recipe should be a hit. Don’t be shy, just get stuck in! You've got this. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this creamy ricotta chicken recipe ahead of time?
You certainly can! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, just sear the chicken, warm the sauce, and combine. This is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious meal a proper "Bob's your uncle" situation!
What's the best way to store leftover creamy ricotta chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
Microwaving is an option, but it can sometimes make the chicken a bit rubbery, a bit like a bad day at the races!
Is there a lower fat version of this creamy ricotta chicken recipe?
Absolutely! You can use part skim ricotta cheese and reduce the amount of Parmesan. Also, using chicken broth instead of wine can also help. Remember though, some fat contributes to the deliciousness, so finding a balance is key. It's all about a spot of "give and take", innit?
What kind of pasta goes best with this creamy ricotta chicken dish?
Any pasta shape you fancy will work, but longer shapes like linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti are particularly good at soaking up the delicious sauce. For smaller pasta, you can try penne or rotini. Toss it all together, add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, and you've got a proper Italian feast!
It's like bringing a slice of Italy to your own kitchen table!
My ricotta sauce curdled! What did I do wrong with this creamy ricotta chicken recipe?
Curdling usually happens when ricotta is exposed to high heat too quickly. Make sure to keep the heat on low when adding the ricotta to the pan and avoid boiling the sauce. If it does curdle, don't panic! A quick whisk can sometimes bring it back together. It's like "Keep calm and carry on", but for cooking!
Can I add vegetables to this creamy ricotta chicken recipe?
Definitely! Spinach is a great addition, as listed in the recipe, but you could also try sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or asparagus. Add them to the pan after sautéing the garlic and before adding the ricotta cheese. Consider it as jazzing it up a bit!
Creamy Ricotta Chicken A Taste Of Tuscany At Hom
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 420 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 0g |
