Description
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a quick and comforting dinner recipe featuring tender chicken pieces, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes tossed in a luscious ricotta and Parmesan cheese sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish combines simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Sauce
- 8 ounces of pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Chicken & Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook 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, then drain the pasta and set it aside in a large bowl.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Add 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 begin to soften.
- Make Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the ricotta cheese until well combined. Gradually add reserved pasta cooking water to reach desired sauce consistency. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using, continuing to stir until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is melted. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat well with the creamy sauce. Add more reserved pasta water if the pasta appears too dry.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and serve the creamy ricotta chicken pasta in bowls or plates. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use fettuccine or penne pasta for best results.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the creaminess of the sauce.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add freshly cracked black pepper.
- Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic finish but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
