Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy ricotta chicken pasta is a quick and satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes come together in a smooth, cheesy sauce that’s both comforting and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of pasta (fettuccine or penne)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside in a large bowl.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves. Stir and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat to medium and add the ricotta cheese, stirring until well combined. Gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired sauce consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, if using, mixing until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently until well coated with the sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash more of the reserved pasta water.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve the creamy ricotta chicken pasta in bowls or on plates. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken briefly in garlic and herbs before cooking.
• Swap fresh spinach for kale or arugula for a different green element.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers to mix up the vegetable medley.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, creamy cheeses like mascarpone or cream cheese can be used as substitutes, but ricotta gives the best texture and mild flavor balance.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Omit the chicken and add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or roasted eggplant for a hearty vegetarian version.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 131 reviews

• Author: Noah
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes in a luscious ricotta cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe features simple ingredients tossed together in a skillet to create a flavorful and creamy pasta meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Proteins

• 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne)
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Cheeses and Dairy

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Oils and Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Other

• 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the rest. Set the drained pasta aside in a large bowl.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add vegetables: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften.
4. Make the sauce: Lower the heat to medium and stir in the ricotta cheese until well combined. Gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes until the cheese melts and the sauce turns creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the pasta looks dry, add a splash more of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
6. Serve and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the creamy ricotta chicken pasta in bowls or plates. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

• For al dente pasta, start checking for doneness a minute or two earlier than package directions.
• You can substitute spinach with kale or arugula for a different leafy green flavor profile.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes according to your heat tolerance.
• Reserve pasta water is key to achieving a creamy, well-coated sauce; don’t skip this step.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and gently reheated with a splash of water or broth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: creamy ricotta chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta, ricotta cheese pasta, quick dinner recipe, stovetop pasta dish, Italian chicken pasta