Description
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender sautéed chicken breast pieces combined with a luscious ricotta and Parmesan cheese sauce. Enhanced with garlic, lemon juice, and Italian herbs, then tossed with fresh spinach and basil, this pasta dish comes together quickly in just 45 minutes for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta of your choice (such as penne or fettuccine)
Sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
Greens and Garnish
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sauté until cooked through and golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare Sauce: Reduce heat to low, then add ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, lemon juice, and dried Italian herbs to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and slightly thickened.
- Add Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat the pieces in the creamy sauce.
- Add Greens and Pasta: Toss in fresh spinach and let it wilt slightly. Add the cooked pasta and stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Finish with Basil: Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh chopped basil for a fresh, aromatic finish.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless thighs for a juicier option.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more chicken broth to loosen it.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or oregano can be added along with or instead of basil.
- To add extra veggies, consider adding mushrooms or cherry tomatoes along with the spinach.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
