Cozy Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe for Dinner Bliss

Crafting a delightful ricotta chicken pasta can turn an ordinary weeknight into a memorable culinary adventure.

Soft cheese blends seamlessly with tender chicken pieces, creating a luxurious sauce that hugs each pasta strand.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your plate, promising comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

Herbs sprinkled generously add a fresh dimension to this classic dish.

Fresh ingredients elevate simple components into something extraordinary.

Weeknight cooking becomes effortless with this streamlined approach that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Anticipate a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Store Ricotta Chicken Pasta And Reheat Lightly

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Before storing, add a splash of reserved pasta water or olive oil to maintain moisture and prevent clumping.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a little extra cream or pasta water to restore creamy texture.
• Microwaving can make the sauce separate and pasta become rubbery, so stovetop reheating works best for maintaining quality.

Side Companions for Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc perfectly cuts through the creamy pasta's richness, offering a light, refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate with each sip.
• Create Mediterranean Salad Side: Toss together a fresh Greek-style salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and feta cheese, dressed in olive oil and lemon juice to complement the pasta's creamy texture and herbs.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Companion: Prepare crusty garlic bread with herb-infused butter to soak up the delicious sauce, adding a crunchy texture that enhances the overall dining experience and provides a delightful side.
• Select Sparkling Water Refreshment: Choose a lemon-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites, offering a light, effervescent touch that balances the rich, creamy chicken pasta.

Ricotta Chicken Pasta with Creamy Comfort Layers

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace ricotta and Parmesan with cashew cream and nutritional yeast. Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a vegan-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta made from quinoa or rice. Ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Protein Power Boost: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu cubes, or plant-based chicken alternatives. Add extra protein-rich ingredients like white beans or chickpeas.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and swap Italian seasoning for za'atar spice blend. Top with crumbled feta cheese for added Mediterranean flavor.

FAQs

• What makes ricotta a good cheese for this pasta dish?

Ricotta provides a creamy, silky texture that coats the pasta beautifully. Its mild flavor allows other ingredients like garlic and seasonings to shine while creating a luxurious, smooth sauce.

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breast, or leftover roasted chicken. The key is using pre-cooked chicken that’s already seasoned or can be easily seasoned with Italian herbs.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes to increase heat. You can also include diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to customize the spice level according to your preference.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This creamy chicken pasta reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of pasta water or cream to restore the sauce’s smooth consistency.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta: Smooth, Cheesy, And Totally Worth It

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up this creamy chicken pasta in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families needing a delicious dinner fast.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Loaded with rich ricotta, savory chicken, and aromatic herbs, this dish satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its creamy, flavorful profile.
• Versatile One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing the entire meal in a single pan, making cooking and washing up a breeze for home cooks seeking convenience.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping chicken for shrimp, adding vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients In Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Penne, Fettuccine: Classic pasta shapes that hold creamy sauce well, choose dried or fresh varieties.

• Chicken: Tender protein that adds substance to the dish, pre-cooked and easy to shred or dice.
• Parmesan Cheese: Rich, salty cheese that provides depth and umami flavor, freshly grated recommended.

• Ricotta Cheese: Soft, mild cheese creating smooth and luxurious sauce texture, whole milk variety preferred.
• Heavy Cream: Provides rich, velvety consistency to the sauce, full-fat version ensures best results.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté garlic and adds subtle fruity undertone, extra virgin type recommended.

• Garlic: Aromatic base that adds sharp, intense flavor, fresh cloves preferred over pre-minced.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend bringing traditional Mediterranean notes, dried mix works perfectly.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for subtle heat, adjust according to spice preference.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall dish flavors.

• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid helps bind sauce and pasta, reserved from cooking process.
• Fresh Basil, Parsley: Bright herb garnish that adds color and fresh herbal notes, either can be used.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Simple Steps

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water following package directions.

Once done, carefully scoop out some pasta water and set aside.

Drain the pasta in a colander, giving it a gentle shake to remove excess water.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

Grab a large skillet and drizzle olive oil across the surface.

Heat the pan over medium flame.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around, releasing its aromatic magic until it becomes wonderfully fragrant and slightly golden.

Step 3: Spice Up the Chicken

Introduce the cooked chicken to the skillet.

• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together, allowing the chicken to warm up and soak in the spicy flavors for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Create the Dreamy Sauce

Reduce the heat to low.

• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream

Whisk and blend until the mixture transforms into a smooth, creamy sauce that looks absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Combine and Coat

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet.

Pour in the reserved pasta water.

Toss everything together, ensuring each pasta strand gets completely embraced by the luscious sauce.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Let the pasta simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Watch as the sauce thickens and clings beautifully to every piece of pasta.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top.

Serve immediately while the pasta is warm and the sauce is at its creamy best.

Smart Tips for Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Success

• Select creamy, fresh ricotta for the smoothest, most luxurious sauce texture.
• Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce thickness, adding gradually for perfect coating.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, from mild to fiery hot.
• Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, turkey, or plant-based protein for versatile meal variations.
• Add fresh basil or parsley just before serving to boost bright, aromatic flavors and visual appeal.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this creamy ricotta chicken pasta, blending Italian-inspired flavors with home-style charm. Silky ricotta and tender chicken create a luxurious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or fettuccine)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

Cheese and Cream:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta in a pot of boiling water until perfectly al dente, carefully setting aside a portion of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet, introducing minced garlic and allowing it to release its aromatic essence until golden and fragrant.
3. Incorporate pre-cooked chicken into the skillet, sprinkling Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to enhance the protein’s flavor profile.
4. Reduce cooking temperature and gently fold ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and heavy cream into the pan, whisking until a velvety, uniform sauce develops.
5. Introduce the cooked pasta to the creamy mixture, gradually integrating the reserved pasta water to create a silky, luxurious coating.
6. Allow the sauce to gently simmer, thickening and melding flavors for approximately 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Elevate the dish’s presentation by scattering freshly chopped basil or parsley across the top, serving immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Reserve extra pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, ensuring a creamy and silky texture that clings perfectly to each pasta strand.
• Experiment with gluten-free pasta options like chickpea or zucchini noodles for a low-carb or celiac-friendly version of this comforting dish.
• Toast garlic briefly to release deeper flavors without burning, creating a more complex and aromatic base for the creamy sauce.
• Swap chicken with plant-based protein like grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian alternative that maintains the recipe’s rich, satisfying profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 675
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg