Description
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy dinner recipe featuring tender chicken, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all tossed in a luscious ricotta and Parmesan cheese sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, this dish balances creamy textures with vibrant flavors and a hint of spice from optional red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces of pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- Salt, for pasta water
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
For the Chicken and Sauce
- 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)
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. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set it aside in a large bowl.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, 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 or until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften.
- Create the sauce: Lower heat to medium. Add ricotta cheese to the skillet and stir to combine well with the vegetables and chicken. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Continue mixing until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Toss pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy ricotta sauce. If the pasta looks dry, add a splash more reserved pasta water and mix well.
- Serve: Remove from heat. Serve the creamy ricotta chicken pasta in bowls or on plates. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy hot.
Notes
- Use fettuccine or penne pasta as they hold the creamy sauce well.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without watering down flavor.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice gentle heat.
- Fresh basil garnish adds brightness and freshness to the dish.
- For a lighter version, substitute ricotta with part-skim ricotta.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
