Description
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a deliciously rich and comforting dish that combines tender sautéed chicken with a creamy ricotta and Parmesan cheese sauce, enhanced with garlic, Italian herbs, and fresh spinach. Ready in just 45 minutes, this pasta meal is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, blending fresh ingredients with hearty flavors for a creamy, cheesy finish.
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 the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add to the skillet and sauté for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook over medium heat until fragrant, about 30 seconds, taking care not to burn it.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, lemon juice, and dried Italian herbs. Cook gently, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and stir well to coat them evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Add greens and pasta: Toss in fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt slightly in the heat. Then add the cooked pasta and stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring the pasta is well coated with sauce and ingredients evenly mixed.
- Finish with fresh basil: Turn off the heat and stir in chopped fresh basil for added freshness and flavor.
- Serve: Serve immediately, optionally garnished with red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Notes
- Use pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine for the best sauce cling.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or arugula, though cooking time for wilting may vary.
- For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream along with the ricotta.
- Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed before serving.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
