Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a luscious ricotta-based sauce. This easy recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

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 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the rest and set the pasta 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 5-7 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 2-3 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 is melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if 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 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

• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or dietary-friendly option.
• Substitute spinach with kale or arugula for a different leafy green flavor.
• Add mushrooms or bell peppers along with the tomatoes for extra veggies.
• If you like it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture. Just note that the flavor and consistency may vary slightly.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Freezing is not ideal for creamy pasta dishes like this, as the texture of the sauce and pasta can change once thawed. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or store leftovers in the fridge for a few days.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 131 reviews

This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a delightful and easy-to-make dinner recipe that combines tender, sautéed chicken with a luscious ricotta cheese sauce, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes. Perfectly seasoned and tossed with pasta, it offers a creamy, comforting meal that comes together quickly on the stovetop.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta

Protein & Vegetables

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

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

Other Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water

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, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and transfer it to 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 the chicken for 5-7 minutes until it is golden brown and fully cooked through. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes and Spinach: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes become soft.
4. Make the Ricotta Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the ricotta cheese to the skillet and stir until well combined. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve a creamy sauce consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat all the noodles with the creamy sauce. If the pasta appears dry, add a little more of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
6. Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the creamy ricotta chicken pasta in bowls or on plates. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

• Use either fettuccine or penne pasta according to your preference.
• For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes.
• Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps to create a creamy sauce texture.
• Chicken breasts can be substituted with boneless thighs for a juicier option.
• This dish is best served immediately for optimal creaminess and freshness.

Keywords: ricotta chicken pasta, creamy pasta recipe, easy chicken pasta, weeknight dinner, Italian pasta dish, spinach pasta