Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
If you’re craving a rich and comforting meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dish without the fuss, look no further than this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 45 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying dinner that’s creamy, cheesy, and full of savory goodness. This recipe has quickly become a favorite in our household, and it’s so versatile that you can easily make it your own by adding or swapping in your favorite ingredients.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing for a weekend meal with friends or family, this creamy ricotta chicken pasta is a surefire winner that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe, what you’ll need to make it, and how to make it step by step!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Cheesy: Ricotta and mozzarella combine in a luscious sauce that’s smooth and rich, perfectly complementing the savory chicken.
- Packed with Flavor: A delicate balance of Italian seasoning, fresh basil, and a hint of Parmesan elevates this dish.
- Quick and Easy: You can have this delicious dinner ready in under 45 minutes. Perfect for busy nights!
- Comfort Food at Its Best: This pasta is satisfying without being overly heavy. It’s creamy, comforting, and just the right balance of textures.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The pasta and sauce keep well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep.
Required Kitchen Tools
To make this creamy ricotta chicken pasta, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- Large Pot: To cook your pasta to al dente perfection.
- Skillet or Large Pan: To cook the chicken and make the creamy ricotta sauce.
- Large Spoon or Tongs: For stirring and tossing the pasta and sauce together.
- Strainer: To drain the cooked pasta.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the chicken, spinach, and basil.
Ingredients for Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
This recipe calls for a blend of ingredients that come together to create a luscious, creamy, and comforting pasta dish. Here’s what you’ll need (exact measurements are listed below):
- Cooked Chicken: I recommend using rotisserie chicken for convenience, but grilled or pan-seared chicken breasts work just as well.
- Ricotta Cheese: This is the star of the sauce. It’s creamy, light, and adds a lovely smooth texture.
- Baby Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and some greens to the dish.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella adds a delightful gooey texture and a subtle creamy flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle of Parmesan gives the sauce a sharp, nutty finish that balances the richness of the ricotta.
- Penne Pasta: Any medium-sized pasta will work, but I love using penne for this dish as it holds the sauce perfectly. You can also use fusilli, rigatoni, or ziti.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend of dried herbs adds depth and aroma to the sauce. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can substitute it with a mix of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course. Always season your dish to bring out the full flavor.
- Marinara Sauce: This adds a subtle sweetness and tomato base to balance the creaminess of the ricotta sauce. You can use store-bought or homemade marinara.
- Fresh Basil: This is optional, but a little garnish of fresh basil adds a burst of flavor and color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta (penne works best for this dish) and cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
While your pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet or pan over medium heat. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re starting with fresh chicken breasts, season them with a bit of salt and pepper, then cook them through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Once cooked, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or shred it.
3. Make the Creamy Ricotta Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the marinara sauce. Stir in the ricotta cheese, ensuring that it blends smoothly with the sauce. You want to create a thick but creamy sauce.
Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses to the mixture, stirring until both are fully melted and combined. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of pasta cooking water or a little bit of milk to adjust the consistency.
4. Add Spinach and Seasonings
Add the chopped spinach to the creamy sauce. Stir it in until it wilts down and becomes tender, about 1-2 minutes. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of extra flavor, feel free to add some garlic powder or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the drained pasta to the creamy ricotta sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until each piece is generously coated. Add the cooked chicken into the pan and mix everything well.
If the sauce looks too thick, you can add a little bit more marinara sauce or pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once everything is mixed and the dish is heated through, garnish with fresh basil if desired. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for added flavor. Serve this creamy ricotta chicken pasta with a side of garlic bread and a crisp salad for a complete meal!
Variations for Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
This recipe is highly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to make it your own! Here are some variations to consider:
- Swap the Chicken for Shrimp: If you’re a seafood lover, shrimp can easily replace the chicken in this dish. Cook the shrimp until pink and tender, then toss them in the creamy ricotta sauce.
- Add More Veggies: If you want to load up on vegetables, feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Sauté them with the spinach to infuse even more flavor.
- Use Different Cheeses: While ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese or mascarpone for a different flavor profile.
- Make It Spicy: For those who love a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
Serving Ideas
Creamy ricotta chicken pasta is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking for side dish ideas, here are a few that pair perfectly with it:
- Garlic Bread: Serve this dish with some crispy, buttery garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Caesar Salad: The crisp, tangy flavors of a Caesar salad complement the richness of the pasta.
- Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed broccoli or asparagus adds a nutritious and refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though this dish is often gone in one sitting!), here’s how to store and reheat:
- Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened up.
Nutrition Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition for this creamy ricotta chicken pasta per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
Please note that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used.
Conclusion
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is everything you could want in a dinner: creamy, cheesy, flavorful, and so easy to make. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve gone out for a special dinner, but in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, making it ahead for meal prep, or serving it for a family gathering, it’s sure to be a hit.
With its creamy ricotta cheese sauce, tender chicken, and a mix of flavorful cheeses, this dish is perfect for any occasion. So grab your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy the comforting deliciousness that is creamy ricotta chicken pasta!
Recipe Card
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
- 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cups penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to
taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Fresh basil, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked chicken and stir.
- Add the marinara sauce and ricotta cheese to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the spinach wilts.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve!
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, comforting dinner!
