If you’re craving a dish that’s both indulgently creamy and incredibly satisfying, this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. It brings together tender chicken, luscious ricotta, and rich Parmesan cheese in a sauce so silky you’ll want to savor every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without fuss, this pasta hits all the right notes with simple ingredients that transform into a truly comforting meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is charmingly straightforward, relying on a handful of quality ingredients that each play a crucial role in flavor, texture, and color. From the juicy chicken to the aromatic herbs, every element complements the creamy sauce to create a dish that feels homemade yet special.
- Chicken breasts: Tender and lean, cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy bites.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the sauce with warm, aromatic depth.
- Heavy cream: Creates the rich, silky base of the sauce that envelops the pasta.
- Ricotta cheese: The star of the dish, providing a creamy tanginess and smooth texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated to add salty, nutty notes and help thicken the sauce.
- Dried basil and oregano: Classic Italian herbs that bring fragrant earthiness to the mix.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for a burst of color and fresh brightness at the end.
- Pasta: Choose penne, fettuccine, or your favorite type to carry the luscious sauce.
- Chicken broth or pasta water: Used to loosen the sauce and add a subtle savory undertone.
- Butter (optional): Added for extra richness and a velvety finish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces — this ensures they cook quickly and evenly. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then season the chicken with salt and pepper before adding it to the pan. Sear the chicken pieces until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside to keep it juicy and tender.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic, letting it cook gently until fragrant but not browned—this takes just about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine and pick up all those flavorful browned bits left from the chicken. Add the ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring until everything melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Sprinkle in the dried basil and oregano to bring that herby Italian vibe into your dish.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Cook your chosen pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta cooking water before draining. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, along with the chicken broth or the reserved pasta water. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly, letting the sauce cling to each piece beautifully. For an extra touch of indulgence, stir in a tablespoon of butter here to enhance the silkiness of the sauce.
Step 4: Final Touches
Once everything is combined and heated through, taste and adjust seasonings with a little more salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a pop of green and fresh aroma that finishes the dish perfectly.
How to Serve Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is the classic choice, adding bright flavor and a lovely contrast to the creamy sauce. You can also grate a little extra Parmesan on top for an added salty kick and delightful texture.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, which cuts through the richness with refreshing acidity. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also make great companions, offering a pleasant earthy crunch alongside the creamy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, plate the pasta in wide shallow bowls and garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh basil or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. If you’re entertaining, serve alongside a basket of warm garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that lush sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, but a quick reheat with a splash of pasta water will bring back its creamy texture.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. For best results, slightly undercook the pasta the first time so it doesn’t become mushy upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to revive the creamy consistency that makes this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of ricotta?
Ricotta’s mild creaminess is key to the sauce’s texture, but if you’re in a pinch, cottage cheese (drained well) or mascarpone can be suitable substitutes. Each will bring a slightly different flavor and texture, but the dish will still be delicious.
What pasta shape works best with Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Penne and fettuccine are fantastic because they hold the sauce well, but feel free to use any pasta you love. Shapes with ridges or tubes trap more sauce, giving you more flavor in every bite.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe stores well and can be portioned out for quick lunches or dinners during the week. Just remember to reheat gently to keep that luscious texture.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms make excellent additions. Add them when cooking the garlic so they cook down nicely and blend into the sauce.
How can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten it up, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter. You can also load up on fresh veggies to balance the richness while still enjoying the creamy flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those foolproof dishes that feels like a little hug on a plate. With its elegant, creamy sauce and tender chicken, it hits all the marks for comfort food without any fuss. I promise once you try it, this will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen just like it is in mine. So grab those simple ingredients and get ready to indulge in pure pasta bliss!
Print
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a luscious and comforting meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, creamy sauce made with ricotta, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Blended with aromatic garlic and Italian herbs, this pasta dish comes together quickly in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 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 pasta water)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for added richness)
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and sauté until fully cooked and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the creamy sauce: Add heavy cream, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, and chicken broth (or pasta water) to the skillet. Stir continuously to combine all ingredients and let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Optionally, stir in butter for extra richness.
- Combine pasta and chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half and reduce the amount of butter used.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Chicken can be replaced with shrimp or sausage to vary the dish.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you require a gluten-free meal.
