Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a successful cooking experience. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 ounces of your favorite pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
If you’re looking for substitutions, you can swap the chicken for shrimp or keep it vegetarian by adding mushrooms. The key here is to use ingredients that resonate with you and your family’s preferences — just like how my family meals were always tailored to suit everyone’s tastes.
Instructions
Now that you have everything ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for a delightful meal:
- Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and dried oregano until smooth and creamy.
- Lower the heat and add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the chicken, stirring to combine.
- Pour the ricotta mixture over the pasta and chicken, gently folding to coat everything evenly. Allow it to warm through for another 2-3 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Remember, cooking is an art, not a science. Feel free to tweak the recipe as you see fit, just like how my family recipes were passed down and adapted through generations. It’s about making it your own!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International