If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying, and restaurant-quality pasta dish, this Ricotta Chicken Pasta with Bacon is the answer. It combines tender, pan-seared chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ricotta cheese, and fresh herbs, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a hearty and indulgent meal.
Unlike traditional creamy pasta dishes that rely on heavy cream, this recipe uses ricotta cheese to create a lighter yet equally luscious sauce. The result? A high-protein, flavorful, and easy-to-make pasta dish that feels indulgent while still offering a balanced meal.
Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner, a meal for guests, or simply craving comfort food, this quick and easy recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Rich and Creamy Without Heavy Cream
Many creamy pasta dishes use heavy cream, which can feel heavy and calorie-dense. This recipe swaps it out for ricotta cheese, which creates a light yet creamy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
2. A Protein-Packed Meal
With lean chicken breast, bacon, and ricotta cheese, this pasta dish is high in protein, making it a great option for muscle recovery, satiety, and a balanced diet.
3. Quick and Easy—Perfect for Weeknights
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need something flavorful and filling without spending hours in the kitchen.
4. Bacon Adds a Crunchy, Savory Kick
The crispy bacon pieces add an irresistible salty, smoky bite, balancing the creaminess of the ricotta and the tenderness of the chicken.
5. Customizable with Your Favorite Ingredients
Whether you want to add veggies, swap proteins, or adjust seasonings, this recipe is highly adaptable. Try it with spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients: A Flavorful Fusion
- Chicken Breast – Tender and juicy, seasoned with smoked paprika and Italian seasoning.
- Rotini Pasta – Holds the creamy sauce beautifully, but any pasta shape works.
- Ricotta Cheese – Creates a luscious, high-protein sauce without the need for heavy cream.
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated for extra richness and depth.
- Bacon – Crispy and savory, adding texture and flavor.
- Garlic – Crushed and fragrant for a bold taste.
- Lemon Juice & Zest – Adds brightness and balance to the dish.
- Olive Oil – For searing the chicken and enhancing the sauce.
- Reserved Pasta Water – Helps create a silky, restaurant-quality sauce.
- Fresh Herbs – Basil, oregano, or parsley for garnish and freshness.
- Spinach (Optional) – Adds a healthy green touch.
- Salt & Black Pepper – To season to perfection.
Directions: From Kitchen to Table in Under 30 Minutes
- Crisp the Bacon & Cook the Chicken – Cook bacon until crispy, then set aside. Season and sear chicken until fully cooked, then slice.
- Boil the Pasta – Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, reserving two cups of pasta water before draining.
- Make the Creamy Sauce – In a bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, parmesan, lemon juice, zest, and reserved pasta water for a smooth, velvety texture.
- Infuse Flavor in the Pan – Cook garlic in the same pan used for the chicken, then stir in the ricotta sauce to absorb all the rich flavors.
- Combine Everything – Toss in the cooked pasta, crispy bacon, and chicken, stirring to coat everything in the sauce. Adjust thickness with additional pasta water if needed.
- Garnish & Serve – Top with fresh herbs, extra cheese, and more bacon for a delicious finish. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Nutritional Breakdown: A Balanced Indulgence
- Calories: ~520 per serving
- Protein: ~42g
- Carbohydrates: ~48g
- Fat: ~18g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
- Fiber: ~4g
- Calcium: Rich source for bone health
Pro Tips for Making the Best Ricotta Chicken Pasta
1. Use Fresh Parmesan for the Best Sauce
Avoid pre-grated parmesan cheese, as it contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated parmesan ensures a silky, lump-free sauce.
2. Reserve Pasta Water to Perfect the Sauce
Pasta water is the secret ingredient to restaurant-quality pasta sauces. The starch in the water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, creating a rich and velvety consistency.
3. Cook Bacon Until Extra Crispy
For the best texture, cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then drain it on a paper towel. This prevents the pasta from becoming too greasy while still delivering that smoky crunch.
4. Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Chicken breast is lean, meaning it can dry out quickly. Sear it over medium-high heat until golden brown and just cooked through, ensuring it stays juicy and tender.
5. Adjust the Sauce Thickness to Your Liking
If the sauce feels too thick, add more pasta water until you reach the perfect creamy consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a minute to thicken.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About This Recipe
1. Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breast?
Yes! Chicken thighs are a great alternative, offering more flavor and juiciness than chicken breast. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
2. What Other Pasta Shapes Work Well in This Recipe?
While rotini pasta holds the sauce well, you can substitute with:
- Penne – A classic option that works beautifully with creamy sauces.
- Fettuccine – Adds a touch of elegance to the dish.
- Rigatoni – Great for holding onto thick sauces.
- Orzo – If you want a more risotto-like texture.
3. Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your parmesan and bacon are gluten-free.
4. How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love a little heat, try adding:
- Red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
- Cayenne pepper for a deeper spice.
- Diced jalapeños for a bold, fresh heat.
5. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tip: Since the ricotta sauce thickens over time, add a splash of pasta water or chicken broth when reheating to bring back the creamy texture.
6. Can I Freeze This Pasta?
It’s best to eat this dish fresh, as the ricotta sauce may become grainy when frozen. However, if you must freeze it, store in an airtight container for up to 1 month and reheat gently on the stovetop with extra liquid.
7. What Vegetables Can I Add to This Pasta?
For extra nutrients and flavor, try adding:
- Spinach – Wilts beautifully into the sauce.
- Mushrooms – Adds a rich umami taste.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Offers a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Zucchini – A light, fresh addition.
8. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken and bacon ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready to eat, cook the pasta fresh and assemble the dish in minutes.
Health Benefits of Ricotta Chicken Pasta with Bacon
1. High in Protein
With chicken, ricotta, and bacon, this dish packs over 40g of protein per serving, making it excellent for muscle recovery and satiety.
2. Lower in Fat Than Traditional Cream-Based Pastas
Since ricotta cheese replaces heavy cream, this pasta dish is lighter and lower in saturated fats while still delivering creaminess.
3. Provides Essential Nutrients
- Calcium & Phosphorus (from ricotta and parmesan) support bone health.
- Iron & B Vitamins (from chicken and bacon) help with energy production and brain function.
- Antioxidants & Fiber (if adding spinach or veggies) contribute to overall wellness.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Pasta Dish for Any Occasion
Ricotta Chicken Pasta with Bacon is a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and satisfying. It’s a quick and easy meal that feels indulgent without being overly heavy, thanks to the light yet rich ricotta-based sauce.
Whether you’re making this for a family dinner, meal prep, or a date night meal, it’s a foolproof recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavors in under 30 minutes.
So next time you’re craving comfort food with a gourmet twist, grab some ricotta, chicken, and bacon, and make this irresistible pasta dish. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular in your meal rotation!
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Ricotta Chicken Pasta with Bacon: A Creamy, High-Protein Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Ricotta Chicken Pasta with Bacon is creamy, savory, and packed with protein, all without using heavy cream! Tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a light ricotta sauce come together in a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or indulgent weekends.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or penne, fettuccine)
- 1 cup reserved pasta water (for the sauce)
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk for best texture)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Add-Ins
- 4 strips cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional, for extra greens)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional, for tangy sweetness)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
- Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
3. Make the Ricotta Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together ricotta, Parmesan, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
- Slowly stir in ½ cup of reserved pasta water to create a smooth sauce.
4. Assemble the Pasta
- In the same skillet, add the cooked pasta, ricotta sauce, chicken, and bacon.
- Toss everything together, adding more pasta water if needed for a silky consistency.
- Stir in spinach and sun-dried tomatoes (if using) and cook for 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts.
5. Serve & Garnish
- Plate the pasta and top with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and black pepper.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Reserve pasta water—it helps emulsify the sauce, making it silky.
- Crisp the bacon well for extra crunch in every bite.
- Adjust the sauce thickness with more pasta water or an extra spoonful of ricotta.
- Make it spicy! Add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne for a kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
