Imagine a mouthwatering meal that combines creamy ricotta, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables - all cooked in just one pot with minimal cleanup! This Italian-inspired Ricotta Pasta Primavera is about to become your new weeknight dinner obsession. Perfect for busy home cooks who crave restaurant-quality flavor without the complicated techniques, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious, comforting dish that will have your family begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz. pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, carrots)
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by dicing chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and chopping mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, carrots) into uniform small pieces.
- In a large one-pot skillet or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden brown and nearly cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add chopped mixed vegetables to the skillet with chicken, stirring and cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften slightly.
- Pour uncooked pasta into the skillet, then add chicken broth. Ensure pasta is mostly submerged in liquid. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cover skillet and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in ricotta cheese, mixing thoroughly to create a creamy sauce. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Let dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
- Plate and serve immediately, ensuring each portion has an equal mix of chicken, vegetables, and creamy pasta.
Tips
- Prep is Key: Chop all ingredients uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: When sautéing chicken and vegetables, give them space to brown properly, which develops deeper flavor.
- Stir Occasionally: Prevent pasta from sticking by gently stirring every few minutes during the simmering process.
- Al Dente is Best: Watch your pasta closely and remove from heat when it's just tender to avoid mushy texture.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the sauce thicken and flavors meld together.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use freshly chopped parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh finish to the creamy pasta.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables or use what you have on hand to make this recipe truly your own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 438kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 70mg
