Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy ricotta chicken pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that comes together quickly on busy nights. Tender chicken combines with a rich, cheesy sauce and fresh herbs for a satisfying meal everyone will love.

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. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet with the chicken, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Lower the heat, then stir in ricotta cheese and a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Add more reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in chopped basil and parsley. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and toss once more before serving hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
• Swap fresh herbs for dried if needed, but use about one-third the amount.
• Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.

Storage

Store leftover pasta 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 pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cream cheese or mascarpone for a slightly different texture, and Parmesan can be replaced with Pecorino Romano if you prefer a sharper flavor.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers in a suitable container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove with added liquid to restore creaminess.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 126 reviews

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a delightful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection and tossed with al dente pasta in a luscious ricotta and Parmesan cheese sauce. Enhanced with fresh garlic, basil, and parsley, this creamy pasta offers a fresh and comforting flavor profile ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Sauce

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced thin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water (plus extra as needed)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Pasta

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

Herbs

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. Avoid adding herbs at this stage to maximize flavor layering.
3. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
4. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet used for cooking chicken, add minced garlic and sauté over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to low and stir in ricotta cheese along with a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and creamy, coating the chicken evenly.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the ricotta sauce and chicken. Toss gently to coat each pasta piece generously. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
6. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in freshly chopped basil and parsley to brighten the dish. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and toss once more before serving immediately while hot.

Notes

• For a richer sauce, you may add a splash of heavy cream along with the ricotta cheese.
• If chicken breasts are thick, pound them to even thickness before slicing for more consistent cooking.
• Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency, so do not discard it.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
• Fresh herbs add brightness; avoid dried herbs for this recipe.

Keywords: ricotta chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, Italian pasta recipe, quick chicken pasta, easy dinner recipes