Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://savorandsimmer.com/creamy-ricotta-chicken-pasta-recipe/
