Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is the perfect balance of rich, cheesy flavors and tender chicken combined with your favorite pasta. This easy-to-make dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.

Whether you’re a fan of penne, fettuccine, or another pasta type, this recipe is versatile and pairs well with fresh herbs and greens for a deliciously satisfying meal.

What Is Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta?

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a hearty dish made with al dente pasta tossed in a smooth ricotta and Parmesan cheese sauce, infused with garlic, herbs, and tender pieces of chicken. A touch of chicken broth and optional greens like spinach or arugula make it light yet indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: Works with different types of pasta and greens.
• Rich and Creamy: The ricotta and Parmesan sauce is irresistibly smooth.
• Customizable: Add more herbs, spice, or veggies to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup spinach or arugula
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
2. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the chicken in the skillet until golden and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Stir the mixture until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the reserved pasta water gradually to achieve your desired sauce consistency.

4. Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet.
2. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
3. If using spinach or arugula, stir it in and cook until wilted.

5. Serve and Garnish

1. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Enjoy with garlic bread or a slice of crusty artisan bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Complement with a glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store 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 chicken broth or water to restore creaminess.

Freezing Instructions

• While freezing is not ideal due to the creamy sauce, you can freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately, then prepare the sauce fresh when ready to serve.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
• Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Lighter Version: Use low-fat ricotta and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Cream cheese or mascarpone can be used as a substitute for ricotta, and Pecorino Romano can replace Parmesan for a sharper flavor.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or the reserved pasta water as a replacement.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the chicken and sauce a day ahead, storing them separately. Cook the pasta and combine everything just before serving.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is an irresistible dish that combines the comfort of pasta with the indulgence of a rich and flavorful sauce. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a household favorite.

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