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

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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