Description

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a quick and comforting dinner recipe featuring tender chicken, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a luscious ricotta and Parmesan cheese sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish combines simple ingredients for a flavorful, creamy pasta perfect for weeknight meals.

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Chicken

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

Vegetables and Sauce

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)

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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 before draining the rest. Set the drained pasta aside in a large bowl.
Cook the Chicken: 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.
Add Vegetables: 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.
Make the Sauce: 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 as needed.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash more reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Serve: 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.

Notes

For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add crushed chili flakes.
You can substitute baby kale for spinach if preferred; just adjust cooking time until wilted.
Using fresh pasta will reduce the cooking time but check package instructions accordingly.
Reserve some pasta water carefully as it helps to create a silky sauce texture.
If you want a lower fat option, use part-skim ricotta and reduce the olive oil slightly.