Name: Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces); 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or preferred type); 1 tablespoon butter; 2 to 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup heavy cream or milk; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper (to taste); Optional: red pepper flakes for heat; Optional garnishes: fresh spinach or peas (cherry tomatoes, fresh basil or parsley)

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Imagine a cozy evening at home, where comfort food takes center stage. This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is exactly that — a luscious blend of tender chicken and a velvety ricotta sauce that warms your soul with every bite. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress family and friends.

Rich, creamy, and delightfully cheesy, this dish combines classic Italian flavors with an effortless cooking process. The perfect harmony of garlic, Parmesan, and Italian herbs adds layers of depth that make each forkful irresistibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The creamy ricotta sauce is both rich and light, offering comfort without heaviness.
Tender chicken bites cooked with simple seasonings create a flavor-packed protein addition.
Flexible with pasta and optional veggies, it’s customizable for your favorite twists.
Quick to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking and tender texture throughout.
Olive oil: Used to sear the chicken, providing a subtle fruity note and perfect golden crust.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially in the chicken and sauce.
Black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to the chicken’s seasoning.
Garlic powder: Brings a robust garlic flavor to the chicken without overpowering.
Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite): Sturdy shapes that hold the creamy sauce beautifully and provide satisfying bite.
Butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce and helps soften garlic flavor.
Garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic adds bright, aromatic notes to the sauce.
Ricotta cheese: Key to the sauce’s signature creamy, slightly sweet texture and mild flavor.
Heavy cream or milk: Adds luscious creaminess; heavy cream for richness, milk for a lighter touch.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Provides savory, nutty complexity to deepen the sauce flavor.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil that infuse the sauce with classic Italian flair.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For an added hint of heat and contrast to the creamy richness.
Fresh spinach, peas, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil or parsley (optional): Add these for vibrant color, texture, and freshness to the dish.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil to add seasoning directly to the pasta. Cook your choice of pasta until al dente according to package instructions, retaining a firm bite that will hold up under the sauce. Reserve half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining; this helps loosen and bind the sauce later for perfect consistency.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat to get a proper sear on the chicken pieces. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to make the flavors pop. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside to keep it tender and juicy.
Make the Creamy Ricotta Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat to capture remaining chicken flavors. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly—about 30 to 60 seconds—until fragrant, avoiding bitterness. Stir in creamy ricotta, heavy cream or milk, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until it becomes smooth and slightly thickened, creating a luscious sauce base.
Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, gently tossing to coat every piece with the creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce needs thinning; this emulsifies the sauce and helps it cling beautifully to the pasta. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if added, balancing the flavors perfectly.
Serve and Garnish: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for brightness and extra Parmesan for that irresistible cheesy finish. Optionally, add fresh spinach, peas, or cherry tomatoes for color, freshness, and a vegetable boost that complements the richness.

You Must Know

Use part-skim ricotta and milk for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.
Vegetable add-ins like spinach or peas can be stirred in at the end for added nutrition and color.
Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of lemon zest during sauce preparation for a subtle flavor lift.
The sauce can be prepared in advance; just reheat gently on the stove before tossing with pasta and chicken.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy sauce consistency without drying out.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a simple caprese salad.

Professional Tips

Searing the chicken in batches ensures even browning without overcrowding the pan.
Reserve pasta water is a classic chef’s trick to adjust sauce texture and help it cling perfectly.
The balance of ricotta and Parmesan provides creaminess and savoriness—adjust Parmesan for more bite.
Fresh herbs added just before serving retain their bright, fresh flavor and vibrant color.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of ricotta?: Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or mascarpone for different textures, but ricotta gives the best creamy and mild flavor balance.
What pasta shape works best for this dish?: Penne, rigatoni, or any ridged pasta are ideal because they trap the creamy sauce well, enhancing every bite.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?: Use dairy-free cream alternatives and a vegan ricotta substitute. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan flavor.
Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?: The sauce can be made a day in advance and gently reheated. Cook pasta fresh or store it separately to avoid sogginess.
Can I add vegetables?: Absolutely! Spinach, peas, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms add freshness, nutrition, and color.
What wine pairs well with this pasta?: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce and chicken nicely.
How to reheat this dish without drying it out?: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk, stirring frequently to maintain creaminess.