Description
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy dinner recipe featuring tender chicken pieces sautéed to golden perfection and combined with pasta in a luscious ricotta and Parmesan sauce. Enhanced with garlic, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and a touch of fresh basil, this comforting dish offers a delightful blend of creamy textures and fresh flavors that can be prepared in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Proteins
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
- 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
Dairy and Cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Oils, Seasonings and Garnishes
- 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, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the rest. Set the cooked pasta aside in a large bowl.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper and add them to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until aromatic.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and tomatoes soften slightly.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the ricotta cheese until well combined. Gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water, stirring continuously until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash more reserved pasta water for moisture.
- Serve: 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
- Reserve pasta water as it helps to achieve a silky sauce consistency.
- Feel free to substitute chicken breasts with thighs for more juiciness.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat.
- Use fresh basil for best flavor; dried basil is less vibrant but can be substituted if necessary.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy its creamy texture.
