If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe. This recipe brings together tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious ricotta-based sauce that’s both comforting and elegantly simple. The blend of creamy ricotta, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a wonderfully rich texture and bright flavors that make every bite absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing friends, this dish has that special something that makes it a guaranteed favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish shines because of a handful of essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in achieving that creamy, flavorful, and satisfying outcome. Every component adds a unique texture or flavor note, making the entire dish balanced and delightful.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides juicy, tender protein that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti): Choose your favorite shape to soak up all the delicious ricotta sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps cook the chicken to golden perfection.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic, savory depth.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: The star of the recipe, delivering that luscious, creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Enhances the sauce’s silkiness and indulgent mouthfeel.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that boosts the overall dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: For just the right amount of gentle spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a subtle kick if you like heat.
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil): Brings fresh, herbal brightness to balance the creamy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of freshness and color.
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for a fresh twist): Gives a bright, citrusy lift to cut through the richness.
How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta to Perfection
Begin by boiling your pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente—firm to the bite but cooked through. Remember to save about one cup of the pasta water before draining because this starchy treasure is perfect for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later on.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
While your pasta is working its magic, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and then cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until they hit that safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove and let them rest under foil. This rest period helps keep the chicken juicy and makes slicing easier.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet that held the chicken, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it gently for about 1 to 2 minutes until it fills your kitchen with that amazing fragrant garlic aroma but takes care not to burn it. This step builds the foundation of flavor for the sauce.
Step 4: Create Your Creamy Ricotta Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium-low and stir in the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan. Mix these ingredients well until they form a luxuriously smooth and creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, this is the moment to use that reserved pasta water, adding it little by little until you reach the perfect consistency that lightly coats the pasta.
Step 5: Toss Pasta in the Sauce
Add your drained pasta directly to the skillet and toss everything together with the creamy sauce so each piece is beautifully coated. This step ensures every bite is bursting with that rich ricotta flavor.
Step 6: Add Herbs and Final Seasoning
Fold in your fresh or dried basil and season with a little more salt and pepper to taste. If you’re feeling adventurous and like a touch of heat, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes now for a gentle spicy finish. This fresh seasoning round really brings the dish to life.
Step 7: Serve with Sliced Chicken
Slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips and arrange them effortlessly atop the pasta. For that final flourish, sprinkle fresh parsley and a zest of lemon if you want a lovely, bright contrast to the creamy sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley and basil not only add color but also freshen the palate with every bite. A zest of lemon can elevate the creaminess by introducing a lively, citrus brightness that cuts through the richness, making the dish feel lighter.
Side Dishes
This rich but balanced pasta shines beautifully alongside crisp green salads or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread or a crusty loaf can also provide that satisfying crunch and soak up any leftover sauce you don’t want to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, try plating the pasta in individual shallow bowls and layering the sliced chicken on top in a fan shape. Garnish each plate with fresh basil leaves and a lemon twist. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can add extra sheen and flavor, making your dish look as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, but that’s easy to fix when reheating.
Freezing
While you can freeze leftovers, keep in mind that creamy sauces sometimes separate after freezing and thawing. To best preserve texture, freeze in individual portions and consume within one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the pasta on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce back to its creamy perfection. Avoid microwaving straight from frozen to keep that beautiful texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of ricotta?
Ricotta is key to achieving that creamy yet light texture in this recipe, but if you don’t have it on hand, cream cheese or mascarpone can serve as alternatives—though they will slightly change the flavor and richness.
What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
Penne, fusilli, and spaghetti are all fantastic choices because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. Feel free to pick whichever you prefer or have in your pantry.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! This dish reheats wonderfully and makes for satisfying lunch or dinner options throughout the week. Just remember to store the sauce and pasta together to allow the flavors to meld nicely.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add hearty vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce. The creamy ricotta base is delicious enough to stand on its own.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love spice, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika when cooking the sauce. A finely chopped jalapeño sautéed with garlic can also bring a flavorful heat.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe is a true winner when you want an impressive meal that feels homemade and heartfelt without any fuss. Its creamy texture, fresh herbs, and juicy chicken come together in harmony, making it a comforting dish to enjoy any time. Give it a try and watch it become one of your all-time favorites to serve at the table.
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Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a deliciously comforting dish featuring tender pan-seared chicken breasts served over pasta coated in a rich and smooth ricotta-based sauce. Infused with garlic, Parmesan, fresh herbs, and optional lemon zest for brightness, it’s a quick and easy dinner perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
Garnish (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for the sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove chicken from skillet, cover with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- Sauté Garlic: Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, infusing the oil with flavor.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce: Lower heat to medium-low and add ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until all ingredients combine smoothly into a creamy sauce.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water, stirring continuously, to achieve a silky, desired consistency.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to evenly coat the pasta in the creamy ricotta sauce.
- Season and Add Herbs: Stir in chopped fresh basil and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper to taste. Add crushed red pepper flakes if desired for a mild heat.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the creamy pasta and top with the sliced chicken strips. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
- Adding lemon zest adds a fresh, citrusy note that balances the richness of the sauce.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently on the stovetop adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
