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Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe


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3.9 from 66 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water, stirring continuously, to achieve a silky, desired consistency.
  6. Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to evenly coat the pasta in the creamy ricotta sauce.
  7. 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.
  8. 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