Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner that combines comfort and flavor in just 30 minutes. This dish features tender chicken sautéed with garlic, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes, all enveloped in a luscious ricotta sauce. Whether you’re hosting family or looking for a quick meal, this creamy pasta is sure to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s not only satisfying but also versatile; you can customize it with seasonal vegetables or your favorite protein. This recipe will quickly become a staple in your household!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/4 cup of cooking water before draining.
- Sauté Chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown (5-7 minutes). Add garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in cherry tomatoes and spinach; cook until spinach wilts (2-3 minutes).
- Make it Creamy: Lower heat and mix in ricotta. Gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Stir in Parmesan and adjust seasoning.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta with the sauce until well coated. Serve garnished with basil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (400g)
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg