Description
Indulge in this Creamy Chicken Ricotta Pasta with Parmesan, a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, velvety ricotta sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this easy pasta recipe comes together in just 30 minutes and can be customized with spinach for extra nutrition!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add ricotta, heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Add Extras: If using, stir in fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1–2 minutes until spinach is wilted.
- Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Swap chicken for shrimp or mushrooms for a different variation.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
