Description
This creamy ricotta chicken pasta is an indulgent yet easy-to-make dish. Tender chicken breast is seasoned with smoky paprika and Italian herbs, then combined with a rich ricotta sauce for a satisfying meal. Perfectly paired with rotini pasta, crispy bacon, and a hint of lemon, this recipe will become a family favorite!
Ingredients
-
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
-
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
-
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
1 tsp smoked paprika (for color)
-
2 tsp Italian seasoning
-
4 garlic cloves, crushed
-
1–2 tbsp olive oil
-
1 lb rotini pasta (or your choice of pasta)
-
2 cups reserved pasta water
-
2 tbsp lemon juice
-
1 tbsp lemon zest
-
4 strips bacon, chopped
-
2 cups spinach (optional)
-
Fresh parsley, basil, or oregano for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted water. Reserve 2 cups of pasta water before draining.
-
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
-
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside to rest.
-
In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving a little bacon grease in the pan.
-
In the same pan, add the crushed garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and reserved pasta water. Stir until the sauce becomes creamy.
-
Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it to the sauce. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and spinach (if using), and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water as needed.
-
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
-
Serve the pasta with the crispy bacon on top and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano.
Notes
-
If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the bacon with grilled chicken or omit it altogether.
-
The spinach is optional, but it adds a great color and flavor to the dish.
-
You can adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to suit your taste for a tangier flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: creamy, ricotta, chicken, pasta, bacon, lemon, Italian seasoning, spinach