Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Dinner Recipe
If you’re craving a dinner that feels both indulgent and comforting, look no further than this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Dinner Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, velvety ricotta sauce, and fresh veggies all wrapped up with your favorite pasta. The creaminess of ricotta cheese brings a luscious texture without weighing you down, while juicy cherry tomatoes and vibrant spinach add pops of color and nutrients to make each bite exciting. This recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together in harmony to create a meal that feels special on any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Dinner Recipe, you’ll be using simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring something essential to the table. From the tender chicken adding protein, to the fresh herbs boosting flavor and aroma, every component plays its part beautifully.
- 8 ounces of pasta (fettuccine or penne): Choose your favorite shape to hold all that creamy sauce in every forkful.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for sautéing the chicken, giving it a golden and flavorful crust.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and easy eating.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant base note that makes the sauce irresistibly savory.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: These burst with sweetness and lend a lovely pop of color.
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves: A nutritious green that wilts down perfectly, boosting the dish’s freshness.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: The star ingredient that brings creaminess without heaviness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the saucy mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle kick to brighten up the flavors.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish): Brings a fragrant, herby finish that elevates the whole plate.
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved): A little secret to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a roaring boil. Cook your chosen pasta until it’s just al dente—tender but with a little bite—usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Don’t forget to scoop out and save 1/4 cup of that magic pasta cooking water before draining; it’s key to creating a silky sauce later on. Then, set your pasta aside in a large bowl ready for the creamy goodness coming its way.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a beautiful golden crust, then stir occasionally until the chicken is cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just a minute until fragrant—you’ll know your kitchen smells absolutely divine at this point.
Step 3: Add Veggies
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves. These will soften and wilt in just a couple of minutes, releasing their freshness and sweetness into the pan. This step is where the dish really comes alive with bursts of color and texture.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat to medium, then add the ricotta cheese. Stir it in until it melts into the chicken and veggies, forming a rich, luscious sauce. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta cooking water little by little until you achieve the perfect creamy consistency. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if you want a touch of heat. Stir everything together until the cheese melts, creating a velvety sauce. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed to balance all the flavors.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and gently toss everything together until all the noodles are coated in the divine creamy ricotta sauce. If the pasta feels a little dry, splash in some more pasta water to loosen it up. This ensures each forkful is wonderfully saucy and flavorful.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Remove the skillet from the heat and dish out your creamy creation. Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped basil and, if you’re feeling indulgent, a little extra Parmesan on top. Your Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Dinner Recipe is now ready to delight taste buds!
How to Serve Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil are the ultimate finishing touch, adding a burst of color and a refreshing fragrance that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. For an extra cheesy kick, sprinkle more Parmesan on top. If you enjoy a bit of crunch, toasted pine nuts or crispy breadcrumbs can bring lovely texture contrasts.
Side Dishes
Pairing this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing bite. Garlic bread or warm focaccia are also fantastic companions, perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli make the meal feel heartier and more well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in rustic bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the spinach and tomatoes against the creamy sauce. For a dinner party touch, use fresh basil leaves as edible decorations on top. You can even drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil or balsamic glaze around the edges of the plate for an elegant finish. Presentation elevates the experience and makes the dish feel even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Dinner Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making your next meal even tastier.
Freezing
This dish freezes reasonably well, too. Place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just note that the texture of the ricotta sauce may change slightly upon thawing, but stirring well will help reincorporate the creaminess.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to bring back that silky sauce consistency. Microwaving works in a pinch—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne work beautifully here, you can use any pasta shape you love or have on hand. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly and reserve some pasta water to perfect your sauce.
Is ricotta cheese necessary for the sauce?
Ricotta is key to achieving the creamy, light texture that defines this dish. You can’t quite replicate the same silky richness with other cheeses, so I recommend sticking with it for the best results.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers. The cheese and sauce flavors will still shine brilliantly.
What can I substitute for fresh spinach?
If fresh spinach isn’t available, baby kale or Swiss chard work well as substitutes. Just be sure to add them a bit earlier to allow tougher greens to soften properly.
How spicy is this recipe with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add only a gentle warmth that enhances the creamy sauce without overpowering it. You can easily skip them if you prefer a milder dish or adjust the amount to your taste.
Final Thoughts
Giving this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Dinner Recipe a try is like treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal right at home, but without any fuss. It’s simple, satisfying, and comes together quickly — perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. I absolutely love how the fresh ingredients, creamy textures, and vibrant flavors harmonize in every bite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a comforting dinner that will have you coming back for seconds every time!
Print
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a quick and delicious dinner recipe featuring tender chicken pieces sautéed with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and spinach, all combined with a luscious ricotta and Parmesan cheese sauce tossed with your choice of fettuccine or penne pasta. This comforting, creamy dish comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces of pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
Protein and 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
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Others
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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 pasta and transfer it to a large bowl and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until 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 soften.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add ricotta cheese to the skillet, stirring until well combined. Gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach desired sauce consistency. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, mixing until cheese melts and sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet and toss gently to coat evenly with the creamy sauce. Add additional pasta water if the pasta seems dry.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and serve the creamy ricotta chicken pasta in bowls or plates. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use fettuccine or penne pasta as preferred; both work well with the creamy sauce.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water as it helps loosen the sauce for the perfect creamy consistency.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or omit for a milder flavor.
- Fresh basil adds a fragrant, fresh note; you can substitute with parsley if unavailable.
- This recipe can be prepared ahead by cooking chicken and sauce components separately and combining with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
