Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of creamy ricotta chicken pasta to satisfy your cravings. With its rich, velvety sauce and tender chicken pieces, this dish is a true weeknight winner.

this Recipe

I first discovered this recipe on a particularly hectic evening when I needed to throw together something quick and delicious. What started as a simple combination of pantry staples quickly became a family favorite. Now, it’s a regular feature on our dinner table, and I guarantee it’ll become a staple in your home too!

Why You'll Love This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with this creamy ricotta chicken pasta! It's a dish that checks all the boxes: creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare.

First, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights. No need to spend hours in the kitchen when you can whip up this indulgent meal in no time.

It’s also budget-friendly. With just a few simple ingredients like pasta, chicken, and ricotta cheese, you can create a hearty meal that won't break the bank.

Plus, this recipe is versatile. You can swap out the pasta type, use different proteins, or even add extra veggies to make it suit your personal preferences.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this creamy ricotta chicken pasta lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of creaminess, texture, and taste.

Pasta forms the base of the dish, and I recommend using penne or fettuccine. The ridges in penne help hold onto the sauce, while fettuccine creates a luscious bite with every forkful.

For the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. They cook quickly and stay tender when combined with the creamy sauce. If you prefer, you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.

Ricotta cheese is the star of the sauce. It creates a light, creamy texture that coats the pasta beautifully. I suggest using whole-milk ricotta for the best flavor and consistency.

A blend of garlic and onions adds depth to the dish, enhancing the overall savory flavor. Freshly minced garlic will give you the best results, but garlic powder works in a pinch.

You’ll also need a bit of Parmesan cheese to amp up the umami flavor and create that classic cheesy finish. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley at the end adds a burst of freshness to round out the dish.

How To Make This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Making this dish is incredibly simple, yet the flavors will make it seem like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook it until it reaches al dente perfection. Be sure to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining—this will help create the perfect sauce consistency later.

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown on the outside and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

In the same skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant. This step helps build a rich base of flavor for the sauce. Then, lower the heat and add the ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and a splash of pasta water to create a smooth and creamy sauce.

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir everything together. Toss in the drained pasta and mix well, ensuring every piece is coated in the luscious ricotta sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

Finally, remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this dish stores well! Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Freezing is not recommended, as the ricotta-based sauce can become grainy when thawed.

Variations and Substitutions

This creamy ricotta chicken pasta is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Swap the protein: Try using shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a different twist on the dish.
• Add vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes can bring extra flavor and nutrition.
• Use a different cheese: While ricotta is the star, you can mix in some cream cheese or mascarpone for an even creamier texture.
• Make it spicy: A dash of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce can add a nice kick.
• Go gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly.

The possibilities are endless! Experiment with your favorite ingredients and make this dish truly your own.

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