Are you looking for a quick, easy, and healthy dinner recipe that's also bursting with flavor? Look no further! This ricotta cheese and chicken recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. It's surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and cooking time, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced cooks alike. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade culinary delight!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 (15 ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until the chicken is evenly coated with the creamy ricotta mixture.
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Sauté the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken mixture to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the ricotta is lightly browned (about 8-10 minutes).
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Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes during the last 2 minutes of cooking. The tomatoes will soften slightly and add a burst of flavor.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the ricotta chicken immediately. This dish is delicious on its own or served over pasta, rice, or polenta.
Tips for the Best Ricotta and Chicken:
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook until it's no longer pink inside.
- Use fresh basil: Fresh basil adds a bright, fresh flavor that's hard to replicate with dried basil.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and garlic to your liking.
- Add some heat: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture.
Variations:
- Lemon Ricotta Chicken: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the chicken mixture for a zesty twist.
- Spinach and Ricotta Chicken: Stir in 1 cup of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Mushroom Ricotta Chicken: Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms with the chicken for an earthy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This ricotta cheese and chicken recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy food recipes that are also easy recipes to follow. It's a versatile dish that can be adapted to your liking, making it a great addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and best recipes. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and savor this delightful meal!