Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

If you’re in the mood for a cozy, indulgent dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is exactly what you need. Picture this: tender pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luxuriously creamy ricotta sauce that ties everything together with flavor. The ricotta adds a smooth richness that’s both comforting and surprisingly light. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser and will become your go-to when you want something creamy, savory, and just a little bit special.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Velvety and Luscious Sauce

The star of this dish is definitely the creamy ricotta sauce. It’s light but incredibly rich, giving you the perfect balance of smoothness without being too heavy. When combined with a bit of garlic, Parmesan, and some fresh herbs, the sauce becomes a flavor powerhouse.

Easy and Quick

This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a busy weeknight when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a one-pan wonder, so there’s minimal cleanup too!

Perfectly Tender Chicken

The chicken is cooked to golden perfection, juicy on the inside and crisp on the outside. Paired with the creamy ricotta sauce, every bite is the perfect combination of savory and satisfying.

Customizable to Your Taste

This dish is a great base for customization. Love veggies? Add some spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even peas. Prefer a little more zest? Toss in some red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon. You can make it your own with simple tweaks!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this creamy, flavorful dish:

Chicken Breasts or Thighs

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. The chicken is seared and then simmered in the sauce for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Ricotta Cheese

This is the key ingredient that gives the sauce its creamy texture. Ricotta is light, slightly sweet, and pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and pasta.

Pasta

Choose your favorite pasta! Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti all work great, but anything that can hold onto the creamy sauce will do the trick.

Garlic

Fresh garlic brings a lovely aromatic flavor to the sauce, making the whole dish smell irresistible while it’s cooking.

Parmesan Cheese

A little freshly grated Parmesan adds richness and depth to the sauce. It’s the finishing touch that makes the dish feel extra special.

Olive Oil

You’ll need olive oil to sear the chicken to golden perfection. It also helps bring out the flavors in the garlic.

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth adds a savory depth to the sauce and helps to create the perfect consistency. It helps balance out the richness of the ricotta.

Salt and Pepper

Basic seasonings like salt and pepper are a must to bring out the natural flavors in this dish.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make your creamy, flavorful pasta:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add a little more olive oil if needed, and sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant. You want the garlic to infuse the oil and become soft, not browned.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Ricotta Sauce

Add the chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to deglaze the pan and pick up any flavorful bits left behind from the chicken. Bring it to a simmer, then stir in the ricotta cheese, mixing until smooth and creamy. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s fully incorporated, creating a thick and luscious sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s cooked al dente, reserve a little bit of pasta water before draining. This water will help thin out the sauce if needed and help it cling to the pasta.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Once the pasta is drained, add it directly to the creamy ricotta sauce, tossing to coat the noodles. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up and create a silky texture.

Step 6: Slice the Chicken

Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips and arrange it on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh herbs, additional Parmesan, and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the creamy ricotta chicken pasta warm, and enjoy the comforting flavors with every bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 550
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 40g
Sodium: 600mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

This dish is wonderful on its own, but here are a few sides that complement it perfectly:

Garlic Bread

Warm, buttery garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to this creamy pasta. You can dip it into the extra sauce, making every bite even more satisfying.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers are a great way to balance out the richness of the pasta with some fresh, crispy texture.

Side Salad

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette would add a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. Try arugula, spinach, or mixed greens for the perfect salad pairing.

Steamed Veggies

Steamed veggies like green beans or peas are simple but effective sides to pair with this dish, offering a burst of color and extra nutrients.

Additional Tips

Add Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme will elevate the flavors in this dish. Just sprinkle them on top before serving for an extra pop of freshness.

Use Whole Wheat Pasta

If you want a healthier twist, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. It’ll still pair beautifully with the creamy ricotta sauce.

Customize the Chicken

If you love extra flavor, marinate the chicken in garlic, lemon, and herbs before cooking for an added burst of taste.

Make It Spicy

For a little kick, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce or season the chicken with paprika or cayenne pepper.

Reheat with Care

If you have leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little bit of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Yes! You can use mascarpone for an even creamier texture or swap the ricotta for cream cheese for a tangier twist.

Q2: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A2: Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes would all be great additions. Simply sauté them in the skillet before making the sauce.

Q3: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A3: Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables, or you can add some plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: It’s best served fresh, but you can freeze the pasta and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat on the stove, adding a bit of chicken broth or milk to bring it back to life.

Q5: How can I make this dish lighter?
A5: Use a lower-fat ricotta or swap half the cream with milk to make the sauce lighter while still keeping it creamy.

Q6: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A6: Yes! Chicken thighs would add more flavor and tenderness to the dish, so feel free to use them instead of breasts.

Q7: How can I make the sauce spicier?
A7: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a little extra heat.

Q8: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A8: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached 165°F internally. This ensures it’s fully cooked without being dry.

Q9: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
A9: Yes! If you don’t have fresh herbs, use about 1/3 of the amount for dried herbs. Just add them to the sauce along with the ricotta.

Q10: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A10: Yes! You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Just assemble everything when you’re ready to eat, and cook the pasta fresh.

Conclusion

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is everything you want in a comforting meal: creamy, savory, and totally satisfying. With its smooth ricotta sauce and tender chicken, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but delicious enough to serve for special occasions. Go ahead and give it a try—you’re going to love every creamy, cheesy bite!

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