Quick & Creamy Chicken Ricotta Pasta Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Whipping up a delectable chicken ricotta pasta can instantly brighten your evening meal.

Tender chunks of succulent chicken blend seamlessly with silky ricotta cheese.

Herbs and spices dance across each forkful, creating a symphony of flavors.

Comfort meets elegance in this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Homemade magic happens when quality ingredients come together with minimal effort.

Mediterranean influences shine through in every creamy, satisfying bite.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite that sparks conversation around the dinner table.

Best Pairings With Creamy Chicken Ricotta Pasta

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Companion: Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the creamy chicken ricotta pasta's rich texture without overpowering its delicate flavors.
• Herbal Side Salad Pairing: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to cut through the pasta's creaminess and provide a fresh, zesty contrast that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Crusty Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, rustic Italian bread or garlic crostini to soak up the delicious sauce, adding a delightful crunch and allowing diners to enjoy every last drop of the flavorful ricotta mixture.

How To Store Creamy Chicken Ricotta Pasta Properly

• Store leftovers in a sealed container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing bacterial growth.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour pasta into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Gently stir and warm for 3-5 minutes, preventing sauce from separating or burning.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe container or ziplock bag.

Creamy Chicken Ricotta Pasta FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This pasta dish can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick meals during the week.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, reduce the cream, add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, and opt for lean chicken breast to boost nutritional value.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

Create your own blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, or simply use any dried herbs you have in your pantry.

Why Creamy Chicken Ricotta Pasta Is So Rich

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like chicken with shrimp or tofu, making this recipe adaptable for different dietary preferences and taste buds.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Requires minimal prep work and cooking steps, perfect for busy families needing a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Nutrient-Packed Delight: Incorporates protein from chicken, calcium from ricotta, and optional greens like spinach, creating a balanced and satisfying one-pan meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy sauce and familiar ingredients guarantee a universal appeal that both kids and adults will enjoy, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients Needed For Creamy Chicken Ricotta Pasta

• Chicken: Tender pieces that provide a hearty and satisfying protein for the pasta dish.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that creates a smooth and rich sauce base.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp and salty flavor to enhance the overall taste.

• Pasta: The main carbohydrate component that serves as the foundation of the dish.
• Spinach or Kale: Fresh greens that add nutritional value and a pop of color to the recipe.

• Olive Oil, Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that build depth and aromatic flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that provides a classic Mediterranean taste profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient that adds a subtle heat to the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the savory flavor of the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Optional ingredient that increases the richness and creaminess of the sauce.

• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Provides a fresh and aromatic finishing touch to the pasta.

How To Prepare Creamy Chicken Ricotta Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Cook pasta according to package directions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Carefully scoop out and save some pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside for later magic.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame. Sprinkle chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes, turning until it develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior and cooks through completely. Transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Awaken Garlic’s Flavor

In the same skillet, drop in minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until its irresistible aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 4: Create Dreamy Creamy Sauce

• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Step 5: Spice Up the Sauce

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

Stir until the sauce becomes silky smooth.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Slide the cooked chicken back into the skillet.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet. Mix everything until each pasta strand gets a luxurious sauce coating.

Step 8: Add Fresh Greens

Fold in spinach or kale. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the greens wilt and become tender.

Step 9: Adjust Sauce Consistency

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to create the perfect creamy texture.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top. Serve piping hot and enjoy your culinary creation!

Tips For Making Creamy Chicken Ricotta Pasta

• Boost Pasta Water Retention: Save ½ cup of starchy pasta water to create a silky, clingy sauce that helps ingredients adhere perfectly.
• Quick Chicken Seasoning: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure golden-brown exterior and maximum flavor absorption.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Adjust sauce thickness by adding reserved pasta water gradually, preventing it from becoming too runny or too thick.
• Customize Spice Levels: Control heat by adding red pepper flakes incrementally, allowing each person to enjoy their preferred spiciness.
• Veggie Swap Technique: Substitute spinach or kale with any leafy greens like Swiss chard or arugula for diverse nutritional profiles and flavors.

Tasty Variations Of Creamy Chicken Ricotta Pasta

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with pan-fried tofu cubes or roasted chickpeas for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains the creamy pasta's texture and flavor profile.
• Seafood Version: Substitute chicken with sautéed shrimp or flaked white fish like cod or halibut for a delicate marine protein option that complements the ricotta sauce.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta to create a lighter, gluten-free version that reduces overall carbohydrate content while keeping the dish's rich, creamy essence.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap ricotta and Parmesan with cashew cream and nutritional yeast to create a similar creamy consistency for lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.

Creamy Chicken Ricotta Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 20-25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken ricotta pasta blends Italian comfort with silky, rich flavors that dance across your palate. Delicate pasta embraces tender chicken and velvety ricotta, creating a luxurious meal that promises pure culinary satisfaction for you.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into pieces

Dairy:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Fill a generously sized pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until perfectly tender, maintaining a slight bite. Set aside ½ cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Generously season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Sizzle for 6-8 minutes until achieving a golden exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
3. Within the same skillet, introduce minced garlic and sauté briefly until aromatic, approximately 1 minute.
4. Blend ricotta, Parmesan, chicken broth, and heavy cream into a silky smooth mixture, stirring continuously.
5. Incorporate Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until ingredients merge seamlessly.
6. Reintroduce cooked chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring even distribution.
7. Gently fold pasta into the skillet, coating each strand thoroughly with the luxurious sauce.
8. Introduce leafy greens like spinach or kale, allowing them to wilt for 1-2 minutes.
9. Adjust sauce consistency by splashing reserved pasta water if needed.
10. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Customize chicken thickness by pounding it evenly before cooking to ensure uniform, tender pieces.
• Choose low-fat ricotta and Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version without compromising creamy texture.
• Experiment with protein alternatives like shredded rotisserie chicken or tofu for quick meal variations.
• Make this dish gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta options.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg