Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe for Cozy Dinner Nights

Have you ever stumbled upon a ricotta chicken pasta recipe that makes weeknight dinners feel like a gourmet experience?

Comfort meets elegance in this simple yet stunning dish.

Creamy ricotta adds a luxurious touch to tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each forkful, promising a meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Fresh herbs can elevate the entire composition with their bright, aromatic notes.

Seasonal ingredients make this recipe adaptable and endlessly delicious.

I bet you’ll want to savor every single bite of this crowd-pleasing culinary creation.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Must-Haves

• Chicken Breasts: Tender protein that adds substance and meaty flavor to the dish.
• Pasta: Serves as the hearty base of the recipe, perfect for catching the creamy sauce.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, smooth cheese that creates a velvety texture for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a luxurious sauce consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, salty flavor that enhances the overall taste.

• Garlic: Provides a deep, aromatic base flavor for the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the chicken and sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the dish.
• Basil: Fresh herb that brings a bright, aromatic note.
• Oregano: Herbal seasoning that complements the other flavors.
• Fresh Parsley: Garnish that adds a fresh, green finish.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking chicken and preventing sticking.
• Chicken Broth: Helps to thin and flavor the sauce.
• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid that helps bind the sauce to the pasta.

Ricotta Chicken Pasta Creamy Prep

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta in salted water until al dente.

Drain and set aside, carefully keeping a splash of pasta water for later magic.

This water will help create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to every noodle.

Step 2: Season and Sear Chicken

Generously sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame.

Cook chicken until it develops a gorgeous golden-brown exterior and is completely cooked through.

Transfer to a cutting board and slice into mouth-watering strips or cubes.

Step 3: Awaken Garlic’s Flavor

In the same skillet, drop minced garlic and let it dance around for about 30 seconds.

The kitchen will instantly fill with an irresistible aroma that promises deliciousness ahead.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Sauce

• Ricotta cheese
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Fresh basil
• Dried oregano

Let the mixture simmer and transform into a velvety sauce that’s pure comfort in liquid form.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Introduce cooked pasta to the creamy sauce.

• Chicken broth
• Reserved pasta water

Gently toss everything together, allowing the pasta to absorb all those incredible flavors.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Return sliced chicken to the skillet.

Stir everything together until heated through and perfectly combined.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Plate the pasta and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.

Dive into a bowl of pure culinary joy that’s guaranteed to make taste buds dance.

Creamy Pasta Tips for Ricotta Chicken Recipes

• Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking and better sauce absorption, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned and tender.
• Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency, helping create a silky, smooth texture that clings beautifully to noodles.
• Stir ricotta and Parmesan slowly to prevent clumping, allowing cheeses to melt smoothly and create a luxurious, creamy sauce.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley just before serving to add brightness, color, and a burst of aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to personal heat preference, making the recipe adaptable for mild or spicy palates.

Ricotta Chicken Pasta Reheat Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months, preventing freezer burn.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Sides That Fit With Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Savor Wine Harmony: Crisp Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the creamy ricotta sauce, cutting through richness while complementing the chicken's delicate flavor.
• Herbal Beverage Boost: Fresh basil-infused iced tea provides a refreshing counterpoint, enhancing the dish's Mediterranean-inspired herbal notes without overwhelming the palate.
• Textural Salad Companion: Crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a peppery, tangy contrast to the pasta's smooth, velvety texture, creating a balanced dining experience.
• Bread Pairing Magic: Toasted garlic focaccia with olive oil drizzle serves as the perfect side, allowing diners to soak up the luxurious ricotta sauce and add delightful crunch.

Ricotta Chicken Pasta Creamy Takes

• Gluten-Free Ricotta Chicken Pasta: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace ricotta and heavy cream with cashew cream or coconut milk, using nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor and almond-based Parmesan substitute.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the dish's creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with roasted white beans, grilled portobello mushrooms, or plant-based chicken alternatives to create a protein-rich meatless option.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They cook quickly, absorb flavors well, and provide lean protein for the dish.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

• How can I add more vegetables to this pasta?

Sauté spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers with the garlic before adding the sauce. These vegetables will blend seamlessly and boost the nutritional value of the dish.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes provide a mild heat. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preference.

Ricotta Chicken Pasta That’s Creamy and Satisfying

• Speedy Weeknight Winner: Whip up this delectable pasta dish in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious home-cooked meal.
• Creamy Comfort in a Skillet: The velvety ricotta sauce creates a luxurious, rich texture that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dinner everyone will adore.
• Minimal Cleanup Hero: Using a single skillet for the entire recipe means less washing up, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time at the sink.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping chicken for shrimp, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ricotta chicken pasta weaves Italian culinary magic into a smooth, luxurious dinner that whispers comfort. Silky cheese embraces tender chicken, creating a harmonious blend of flavors you’ll savor with pure Mediterranean joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

Pasta and Primary Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
• 1 cup (240 grams) ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring al dente texture. Carefully drain, preserving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid for later use.
2. Season chicken breasts generously with salt and cracked black pepper, creating a flavorful exterior.
3. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into elegant strips or bite-sized cubes.
4. Utilize the same skillet to sauté minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence for roughly 30 seconds.
5. Introduce ricotta, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, dried basil, and oregano into the skillet. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, thickening into a luxurious sauce.
6. Incorporate cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, adding chicken broth and reserved pasta water. Stir thoroughly to ensure even coating and let the ingredients meld for 2-3 minutes.
7. Fold sliced chicken back into the pasta, creating a harmonious blend of protein and creamy sauce.
8. Plate the dish immediately, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer for food safety.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version without compromising creamy texture.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Quickly pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a golden-brown sear and enhance flavor development.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg