Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Heavenly Comfort Dish

Crafting a delightful ricotta chicken pasta brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Soft cheese melts into a silky sauce that hugs each tender noodle.

Weeknight cooking becomes a breeze with this simple yet elegant dish.

Mediterranean flavors dance through the ingredients, creating a memorable meal.

Fresh herbs add a bright, aromatic touch to the creamy layers.

You’ll savor every forkful of this satisfying combination.

Grab your apron and let’s make magic happen in the kitchen.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Reasons to Crave

• Quick Comfort Meal: Whip up a deliciously creamy pasta dish that satisfies hunger in minutes with minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with familiar flavors like chicken, cheese, and pasta that appeal to both kids and adults, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.
• Customizable Kitchen Hack: Easily adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes, swap proteins, or add extra vegetables to suit individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Creamy Texture Magic: Combines ricotta and heavy cream for an incredibly smooth, luxurious sauce that clings perfectly to pasta, creating a restaurant-quality meal at home.

What You’ll Need for Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Pasta: A staple that serves as the base of this creamy chicken dish.
• Chicken: Protein that adds substance and flavor to the recipe.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ingredient that creates a rich and smooth sauce.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Ingredients that enhance the sauce's richness and depth of flavor.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Spices and herbs that bring warmth, complexity, and a subtle kick to the dish.

• Fresh Basil: Herb that adds a bright, fresh finish to the pasta.

• Olive Oil, Pasta Water: Components that help with cooking and creating the perfect sauce consistency.

Step-by-Step Guide for Creamy Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta following package directions.

Save a portion of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sizzle Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature.

Add minced garlic and cook until aromatic and golden.

Step 3: Blend Protein and Spices

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Stir ingredients thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 4: Create Silky Sauce

• Ricotta cheese
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese

Stir until sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked pasta to the skillet.

Gently toss to ensure every pasta strand gets coated with the luxurious sauce.

Add reserved pasta water if sauce needs thinning.

Step 6: Final Warming

Continue cooking for two additional minutes to meld flavors and heat through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top.

Serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Insider Tips for Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Save that starchy liquid gold to thin out the sauce and create a silky, luxurious coating for your pasta.
• Stir ricotta and Parmesan slowly over low heat to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, from a mild hint to a spicy kick.
• Chop fresh basil right before serving to maximize its aromatic flavor and vibrant green color.
• Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, turkey, or roasted vegetables for a versatile meal that suits different dietary needs.

Ricotta Chicken Pasta Remix Options

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace ricotta and heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a creamy, vegan-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Herb Blend: Substitute Italian seasoning with a mix of fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary for an enhanced flavor profile.
• Protein Powerhouse: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp or crispy tofu for a different protein source and texture variation.

Ways to Serve Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Pasta Night Perfection: Pair this creamy ricotta chicken pasta with a crisp side salad dressed in light vinaigrette for fresh contrast.
• Bread Lover's Dream: Serve alongside warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture.
• Wine Companion: Choose a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich, creamy pasta flavors and cut through the richness.
• Green Veggie Boost: Add a quick sautéed green vegetable like asparagus or broccoli on the side to balance the dish's creaminess and increase nutritional value.

Keeping Chicken Pasta Fresh and Tasty

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra cream to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken are perfect. They’re pre-cooked, tender, and save you time preparing fresh chicken.

• Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference. More flakes mean more heat, less flakes mean milder flavor.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! It keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The creamy sauce helps maintain moisture when reheating.

• How can I make this dish lighter?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and choose part-skim ricotta. These substitutions reduce calories without losing rich flavor.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Ricotta chicken pasta delivers comfort on a plate, blending Italian-inspired flavors with creamy textures. Rich, cheesy sauce mingles with tender chicken, creating a satisfying meal that draws diners into a delightful culinary experience.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

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

Pasta and Liquid Components:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne or fettuccine)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions, preserving 1/2 cup of cooking liquid before draining.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic.
3. Incorporate precooked chicken pieces, blending with Italian seasoning, salt, ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, ensuring thorough integration.
4. Lower heat setting and fold in ricotta cheese, rich cream, and grated Parmesan, stirring continuously until achieving a velvety, uniform consistency.
5. Transfer cooked pasta into the skillet, gently rotating to ensure complete sauce coverage, utilizing reserved pasta water if necessary to create a more luxurious texture.
6. Continue cooking for an additional two minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.
7. Eliminate from heat and embellish with freshly chopped basil leaves, presenting the dish while still steaming hot.

Notes

• Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to make this dish more diet-friendly and nutritious.
• Save pasta water before draining, as the starchy liquid helps create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats every noodle.
• Control the heat carefully when adding dairy to prevent curdling and maintain a luxurious, creamy consistency.
• Experiment with protein variations like shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled turkey, or plant-based alternatives to customize the recipe to your taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 670 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 490 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 44 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg