This quick and easy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh herbs, creamy ricotta, and parmesan cheese! Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family. The ricotta creates a rich and flavorful sauce that’s high in protein and low in fat—no heavy cream needed! This delicious dish is sure to become a new favorite!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 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 preferred 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
- Prepare the Bacon: Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Chop into small pieces and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to about 1-inch thickness for even cooking. Season with paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Using the same skillet, sear the chicken over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente. Reserve 2 cups of pasta water before draining.
- Make the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of reserved pasta water, ricotta cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, and 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese until smooth. Add fresh herbs and black pepper to taste. For an extra-smooth sauce, use a blender.
- Combine the Flavors: Reduce the skillet heat to low. Add the crushed garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the ricotta mixture, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate the chicken’s flavor. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, becoming creamy and able to coat the back of a spoon.
- Assemble the Dish: Add the cooked pasta and bacon to the sauce, stirring to combine. If needed, add more reserved pasta water for a thinner consistency. Slice or chop the chicken and either mix it in or serve it on top of the pasta when plating.
- Serve: Garnish with additional parmesan, fresh herbs, and extra bacon if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
NOTES
- Best when fresh: This dish is ideal for same-day enjoyment. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Note that the ricotta sauce may thicken or appear clumpy after refrigeration.
- For extra greens, stir in spinach just before serving, allowing it to wilt slightly from the heat.
