If you are craving a meal that’s comforting, rich, and downright delicious, the Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender chicken cooked to perfection, enveloped in a luscious ricotta and Parmesan-infused creamy sauce, tossed with your favorite pasta for that perfect bite every time. This dish is a wonderful balance of creamy texture and aromatic herbs, creating a family-friendly dinner that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s so simple yet so flavorful, making it an absolute joy to prepare and savor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the magic of the Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe begins with a few simple ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the tender chicken pieces providing hearty protein, to the creamy ricotta giving velvety richness, every item is essential for a perfectly balanced dish.
- Chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity, smooth base for sautéing the chicken and garlic.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to give the sauce a wonderful aromatic punch.
- Heavy cream: Provides the luscious, silky texture of the sauce.
- Ricotta cheese: The star ingredient that adds light creaminess without heaviness.
- Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty depth that enriches the flavor profile.
- Dried basil: A fragrant herb that brightens every bite.
- Dried oregano: Adds subtle earthiness for extra complexity.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Pasta: Penne or fettuccine work beautifully to hold the creamy sauce.
- Chicken broth or pasta water: Used to loosen the sauce slightly and add more flavor.
- Butter (optional): For an extra touch of richness and silky smoothness.
How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Sauté until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. This step ensures your chicken is flavorful and juicy, forming the hearty base of the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Once the chicken is cooked, add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Garlic is a small ingredient but it packs a big punch, elevating the entire sauce with its warm, inviting aroma.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic and chicken. Add the ricotta cheese and Parmesan, stirring gently until smooth and creamy. Then sprinkle in the dried basil and oregano for that classic Italian flavor. If you choose, stir in a tablespoon of butter now to make the sauce even more indulgent. Adding chicken broth or reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While preparing the sauce, cook your pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente according to package directions. Drain the pasta, reserving a half cup of pasta water if you need to adjust the sauce later. Toss the pasta into the skillet with your creamy ricotta chicken mixture, stirring so every piece is coated beautifully.
Step 5: Final Touches
Give everything a final stir to make sure the sauce clings to the pasta and chicken perfectly. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Your Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe is now ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top not only adds a pop of lively green color but also a fresh, herby brightness that balances the richness of the creamy sauce. For an extra touch, consider grating a little more Parmesan cheese right before serving to amp up the savory goodness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a warm side of garlic roasted vegetables. The freshness and crunch of the sides complement the creamy pasta perfectly, making for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with a little more parsley and a twist of cracked black pepper. You can also add a few roasted cherry tomatoes atop to introduce a burst of color and mild sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it chills, so don’t worry if it looks a little dense—just reheat gently when ready to enjoy again.
Freezing
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe freezes well when stored properly. Transfer cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Allow to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover pasta gently over low heat on the stove or in a microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and bring back that luscious silky texture that makes this dish so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?
Absolutely! While ricotta gives a light creaminess, substituting with cream cheese or mascarpone can work as well, though the texture and flavor will be slightly richer and denser.
What kind of pasta works best in this recipe?
Penne and fettuccine are ideal because their shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully, but feel free to use any pasta you love—spaghetti or rigatoni would be great too!
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This pasta reheats well and makes fantastic leftovers, perfect for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Can I add vegetables to the pasta?
Definitely! Fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms mix well into this creamy pasta and add extra flavor and nutrients.
How can I make this dish lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and lighten the amount of cheese slightly. You can also increase the amount of chicken and add lots of vegetables to bulk it up healthily.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those comforting meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day. The combination of creamy ricotta, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta is truly mouthwatering. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a staple in your home, bringing joy and deliciousness to your dinner table time and again.
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Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy ricotta chicken pasta recipe combines tender, bite-sized chicken pieces with a luscious ricotta and Parmesan cheese sauce infused with garlic and herbs. Cooked in just 30 minutes, it makes a satisfying and comforting dinner perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The pasta is tossed in a rich, creamy sauce enhanced by chicken broth for extra flavor and garnished with fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for added richness)
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and dried oregano. Mix well until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add the chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Optionally, stir in the butter for extra richness.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and gently mix everything together until the pasta is well coated and heated through.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the creamy ricotta chicken pasta among serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with pasta water to keep the sauce naturally flavorful.
- Use any pasta shape you prefer; penne, fettuccine, or even rigatoni work well.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Adding butter at the end gives the sauce a silkier texture but is optional.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs for enhanced flavor and presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
