Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. With tender chicken, rich ricotta cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish offers a smooth and creamy texture that will leave you craving more. The addition of garlic, herbs, and Parmesan adds layers of flavor, making every bite utterly irresistible. It’s a quick and easy recipe that combines creamy richness with savory goodness, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests.

The star ingredient in this dish is ricotta cheese, which adds a luxurious creaminess without being overly heavy. The chicken breast is seared to golden perfection, and when combined with the pasta and creamy ricotta sauce, the result is a well-balanced, satisfying meal. You’ll also find that this dish is easily customizable—whether you add extra vegetables like spinach or swap in a different type of pasta, it’s adaptable to your preferences. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that feels elegant but is still quick and easy to make.

Serve this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad, and you’ve got yourself a complete meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy

The ricotta cheese creates a smooth, velvety sauce that perfectly coats the pasta and chicken, giving you a creamy texture without being too heavy.

2. Quick and Easy

This recipe is simple to make and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a last-minute dinner party.

3. Flavorful

Garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese elevate the flavor profile of this dish, ensuring every bite is packed with savory goodness.

4. Customizable

You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste—add extra vegetables, use different pasta shapes, or swap chicken for another protein like shrimp or tofu.

5. Kid-Friendly

With its creamy texture and mild flavor, this pasta is a hit with kids and picky eaters, making it a great family dinner option.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Ricotta cheese
• Heavy cream
• Garlic
• Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
• Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
• Lemon juice (optional)

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables for a flavorful vegetarian version.
• Add Greens: For extra nutrition, toss in some spinach, kale, or arugula into the pasta before mixing with the sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat that complements the creamy ricotta.
• Different Protein: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a protein-packed vegetarian alternative.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing it into thin strips.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Ricotta Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil (if needed) and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the ricotta cheese and heavy cream, stirring to combine until smooth. Cook the sauce for a few minutes over low heat, letting it thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy ricotta sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, making sure every piece is coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Add the Chicken

Add the sliced chicken on top of the pasta and toss gently to combine everything. If desired, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the top for brightness.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the creamy ricotta chicken pasta with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy while warm!

this RECIPE

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: For the juiciest chicken, be sure not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
• Pasta Cooking Tip: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed in the sauce.
• Adjust Creaminess: If you like a creamier sauce, add more ricotta cheese or heavy cream to suit your preference.
• Herbs and Seasoning: Fresh basil or parsley adds a refreshing touch, but you can also use thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning to customize the flavor.

How to Serve

This creamy ricotta chicken pasta is perfect as a standalone main dish, but you can pair it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. Garlic bread or crusty bread would also be a great accompaniment to help scoop up any leftover creamy sauce. For a lighter meal, serve the pasta with a side of steamed or sautéed greens like spinach or broccoli.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover creamy ricotta chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove, adding a little cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta over low heat in a skillet, adding a little extra cream or milk as needed to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes! You can use mascarpone or cream cheese for a different creamy texture, though the flavor will change slightly.

2. Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work well, though they may take a bit longer to cook. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

3. Can I use a dairy-free version of this dish?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives, like vegan ricotta and coconut cream or almond milk.

4. How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Feel free to sauté spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini in the same pan after cooking the chicken, then add them to the pasta for more texture and nutrition.

5. Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe itself is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat if desired.

6. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.

7. Can I substitute the pasta with a gluten-free option?

Yes, gluten-free pasta will work in this recipe. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package and adjust the cooking time as needed.

8. How can I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, you can simmer it longer or add an extra spoonful of ricotta. If it’s too thick, add a bit of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

9. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Definitely! You can use penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, or any pasta shape you prefer for this dish.

10. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce in advance, but it’s best to add the chicken just before serving to avoid it drying out. Reheat the pasta on low heat and add a splash of cream to refresh the sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a satisfying and comforting dish that’s both simple to make and full of flavor. The combination of creamy ricotta, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta makes it a winner for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s customizable, easy to prepare, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So go ahead and give it a try—you’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds!

Print