Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, cheesy sauce. This easy-to-make pasta is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying but quick to prepare.

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 your chicken breasts into thin, bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Step 3: 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.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet with the cooked chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Lower the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese along with a splash of chicken broth or the reserved pasta water. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy, coating the chicken evenly.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta well. If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
7. Step 7: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and parsley for a bright, fresh flavor.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and toss once more before serving hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic for a subtle spicy kick.
• Swap fresh herbs for dried if needed, but add them earlier during cooking to release their flavors.
• For a lighter version, substitute half the ricotta with Greek yogurt.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle work best to hold the creamy sauce, but feel free to use any pasta you prefer.

Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?

Reserving pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency and allows the sauce to cling better to the pasta, making your dish creamier and more cohesive.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 103 reviews

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender sautéed chicken breasts combined with a luscious ricotta and Parmesan cheese sauce, fresh herbs, and perfectly cooked pasta. This easy one-pan pasta meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that delivers creamy texture and vibrant flavors.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Cheese

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced thin
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta

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

Vegetables and Herbs

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Liquids and Oils

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water (plus extra as needed)

Seasoning

• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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 over medium heat, then cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, but save the fresh herbs for later to maintain their bright flavor.
2. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve about one cup of the pasta water to help adjust the sauce later.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet with the cooked chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Lower the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese along with a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Mix thoroughly until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and evenly coats the chicken.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently toss everything together to ensure each piece of pasta is well coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add more reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
5. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and parsley for a fresh herbal brightness. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss once more before serving hot.

Notes

• Use fresh herbs for the best flavor and add them at the end to preserve their vibrant taste.
• Reserve some pasta water before draining to help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
• This recipe works well with any short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle.
• Cook chicken pieces evenly by slicing thin and bite-sized to ensure quick cooking through.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute ricotta and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.

Keywords: Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta, Chicken Pasta Recipe, Italian Pasta, One Pan Chicken Pasta, Easy Dinner Recipe, Weeknight Pasta