Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite

Crafting a mouthwatering creamy ricotta chicken pasta recipe sparks joy in every home cook’s kitchen.

Soft cheese and tender chicken create a delightful combination that feels like a warm embrace.

My Italian grandmother taught me this simple yet elegant dish decades ago.

Weeknight dinners demand something special without complicated steps or endless ingredients.

Rich ricotta melts beautifully into silky sauce, coating each pasta strand with incredible flavor.

Comfort arrives quickly when you blend these classic ingredients with love and minimal effort.

Hungry?

This recipe promises to become your new favorite go-to meal that impresses everyone at the table.

What Makes Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Special

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Enjoy a gourmet-style meal with minimal cooking steps that anyone can master, using just one skillet for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.
• Customize Your Comfort: Swap spinach with kale or add extra red pepper flakes to make this dish perfectly suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Protein-Packed Satisfaction: Tender chicken combined with creamy ricotta creates a filling meal that keeps you energized and full, making it ideal for busy weeknights or post-workout meals.
• Quick Family Winner: Kids and adults will love this creamy pasta that sneaks in healthy greens and offers rich, comforting flavors everyone can enjoy together.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Full Ingredient List

• Chicken: A lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the pasta dish.

• Pasta: The foundation of the recipe that provides a comforting and filling base.

• Ricotta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy cheeses that create a rich and smooth sauce with tangy undertones.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and helps create a velvety texture.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances the overall depth of flavor in the sauce.

• Garlic: Provides a robust and pungent flavor base for the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds traditional Mediterranean flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the dish's taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and slight kick to the pasta.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking chicken and creating a base for the sauce.

• Spinach or Kale: Adds nutritional value and a fresh green element to the dish.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh garnish and additional herbal notes.

Easy Steps For Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until it reaches al dente perfection, following the package instructions. Before draining, carefully scoop out and save some pasta water for later magic.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken

Season chicken with a generous sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame. Cook the chicken, turning occasionally, until it develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior and is completely cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

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

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

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the luxurious sauce. Add the cooked pasta and gently toss until every strand is gloriously coated. Fold in fresh spinach or kale, allowing it to wilt beautifully. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to reach the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. The dish is now ready to be devoured and enjoyed!

Tips To Get Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Just Right

• Boost Pasta Moisture: Use reserved pasta water to thin out sauce and achieve perfect creamy consistency without losing flavor.
• Quick Protein Swap: Replace chicken with tofu, shredded rotisserie chicken, or white fish for versatile meal options.
• Reduce Dairy Content: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for lighter, lower-fat version of the dish.
• Enhance Herb Flavor: Chop fresh basil or parsley right before adding to maximize aromatic oils and bright, fresh taste.
• Prevent Dry Chicken: Let chicken rest after cooking to retain moisture, ensuring tender and juicy protein in your pasta.

Fun Ways To Change Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Vegetarian Spinach Tofu Pasta: Replace chicken with firm tofu cubes, press and pan-fry for protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Version: Swap pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for low-carb option.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Pasta: Use coconut cream instead of ricotta and heavy cream for lactose-sensitive individuals.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and swap Italian seasoning with fresh oregano and thyme for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

Tasty Matches For Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a refreshing Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy sauce and cut through the richness of the ricotta and chicken.
• Balance with Fresh Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty contrast to the pasta's creamy texture and add a fresh, peppery element to the meal.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Prepare toasted crusty bread rubbed with garlic and olive oil to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy texture that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare roasted mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes to add color, nutrition, and a slightly charred flavor that complements the pasta's creamy profile.

Saving Leftover Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of water or chicken broth to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to prevent drying. Stir gently and frequently until heated evenly, about 5-7 minutes.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Common Questions

• What are the key flavors in this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta?

The dish combines rich ricotta, creamy Parmesan, and savory chicken with a hint of garlic and Italian seasoning, creating a comforting and flavorful meal.

• 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, though the flavor profile will slightly change.

• Is this recipe considered a balanced meal?

Absolutely! It includes protein from chicken, carbohydrates from pasta, and nutrients from leafy greens like spinach or kale, making it a well-rounded dish.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 20-22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting ricotta chicken pasta delivers a silky Italian-inspired symphony of flavors dancing through tender noodles and succulent chicken. Creamy cheese and herbs elevate this simple weeknight meal, making you crave each delightful forkful.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1 pound chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) whole wheat pasta (penne or tortiglioni)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Seasonings and Optional Additions:

• ¼ 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. Boil pasta in generously salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then carefully extract and preserve ½ cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Pat chicken pieces dry and season thoroughly with aromatic herbs and ground spices.
3. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface for perfect golden searing.
4. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes, rotating periodically to ensure uniform caramelization and complete internal cooking, then transfer to a separate plate.
5. Reduce skillet heat and introduce minced garlic, allowing its fragrance to bloom for approximately 45-60 seconds without browning.
6. Whisk together ricotta, Parmesan, chicken broth, and heavy cream, creating a luxurious, silky sauce base with complex layered flavors.
7. Incorporate Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and additional salt and pepper to enhance the sauce’s depth and complexity.
8. Reintroduce cooked chicken into the creamy mixture, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the aromatic sauce.
9. Gently fold pasta into the skillet, tossing meticulously to distribute sauce evenly and create a harmonious blend of textures.
10. Add fresh spinach or kale, allowing the greens to gently wilt and integrate into the dish, releasing their vibrant color and nutrients.
11. Adjust sauce consistency by gradually introducing reserved pasta water, creating the perfect silky texture.
12. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped basil or parsley, adding a bright, herbaceous note to the rich, creamy dish.

Notes

• Transform this dish into a protein-packed meal by adding extra chicken or swapping pasta for zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce calories and create a tangy twist while maintaining creamy texture.
• Reserve pasta water before draining to help create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats every ingredient without being too thick or thin.
• Experiment with different greens like arugula or Swiss chard for varied nutrition and flavor profiles that complement the ricotta’s richness.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg