Go Back
Creamy Chicken Ricotta Pasta
Pin Recipe Print Recipe

Creamy Chicken Ricotta Pasta

A creamy, cheesy pasta dish with tender chicken and fresh greens, this ricotta-based sauce adds a lighter yet rich flavor to your favorite pasta. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Keyword: creamy chicken pasta, easy pasta recipe, ricotta pasta, weeknight dinner
Servings: 4
Calories: 500kcal

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz whole wheat pasta penne or tortiglioni
  • For the Chicken:
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
  • ½ cup heavy cream optional
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale optional

For Garnish:

  • Fresh basil or parsley

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
  • Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Prepare the Chicken:

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
  • Sauté for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

  • In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the ricotta, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream (if using).
  • Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Combine Ingredients:

  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
  • Add the cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated in the sauce.
  • Stir in the spinach or kale and cook until wilted.
  • Adjust the sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.

Serve & Enjoy:

  • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
  • Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Customization: Add cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions: Pair with garlic bread or a side salad.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.