Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/creamy-ricotta-chicken-pasta-recipe/
