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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
