Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy ricotta chicken pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that comes together quickly. Tender chicken and al dente pasta are enveloped in a rich ricotta sauce, brightened with fresh herbs and Parmesan. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that feels special.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced thin
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water (plus extra as needed)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Slice the chicken breasts into thin, bite-sized pieces for quick cooking. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.
2. Step 2: While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet with the chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Reduce the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese with a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat all the pasta and chicken pieces. If the sauce feels too thick, add additional reserved pasta water to loosen it.
5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped basil and parsley. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and toss once more. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh herbs like basil and parsley for a bright contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Substitute spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and flavor.
• For a lighter option, swap some ricotta with plain Greek yogurt.
• Reserve pasta water carefully; it helps to adjust the sauce consistency without thinning the flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, farfalle, or even shells works well with this creamy sauce.

Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and pasta separately ahead of time and combine them with the sauce just before serving to keep everything fresh and creamy.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 130 reviews

This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a garlicky, creamy ricotta sauce. Tossed with al dente pasta and fresh herbs, this recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet homemade.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced thin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Pasta

• 8 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle)

Sauce

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water (plus extra as needed)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice your chicken breasts into thin, bite-sized pieces to ensure quick cooking. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, then cook the chicken over medium heat until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper but hold off on herbs until later for maximum flavor layering.
2. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to use later for adjusting sauce consistency.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet with the chicken, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Lower the heat and stir in ricotta cheese along with a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy, coating the chicken evenly.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently to ensure each piece of pasta is generously coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add more reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
5. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in freshly chopped basil and parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and toss once more before serving hot.

Notes

• Use fresh herbs for best flavor, but dried can be substituted if needed (use 1 tablespoon dried basil and parsley).
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for a creamier texture.
• Chicken broth can be substituted with more pasta water or a splash of white wine for added depth.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy sauce at its best.
• For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta cheese.

Keywords: Creamy ricotta chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, Italian pasta with chicken, creamy chicken pasta, quick weeknight dinner