Heavenly Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe to Savor Tonight

Tucking into a delightful ricotta chicken pasta brings pure comfort on chilly evenings.

creamy textures and hearty ingredients promise a satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among silky pasta strands, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Soft ricotta cheese melts beautifully, adding luxurious depth to every forkful.

Mediterranean influences shine through with fresh herbs and simple ingredients.

Quick preparation means you can whip up this delectable dish in under thirty minutes.

Nothing beats the joy of sharing a homemade meal that looks as amazing as it tastes.

What You Need for Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Pasta: A classic base that provides texture and substance to the dish.
• Chicken: The protein that adds heartiness and flavor to the recipe.
• Ricotta Cheese: A creamy cheese that creates a smooth and rich sauce.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Pepper: A blend of aromatics and spices that enhance the overall taste profile.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Ingredients that contribute to the sauce's richness and depth of flavor.

• Fresh Basil: A fragrant herb that adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle richness to the recipe.
• Pasta Water: A starchy liquid that helps create a smooth and cohesive sauce.

How to Make Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Get a large pot of water rolling and cook your pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Before draining, scoop out some pasta water and set it aside – this liquid gold will help create a silky sauce later.

Step 2: Sizzle Garlic in Olive Oil

Grab a skillet and warm up some olive oil over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around until it releases its aromatic magic and turns slightly golden.

Step 3: Spice Up the Chicken

Slide in your pre-cooked chicken pieces and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Give everything a good mix so the flavors mingle and coat the chicken beautifully.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Cheese Sauce

• Ricotta cheese
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese

Stir continuously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, velvety sauce that looks absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Adjust Sauce Consistency

Slowly add reserved pasta water, stirring gently.

This helps thin out the sauce and create that perfect creamy texture that clings to every pasta strand.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Tumble the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing and turning until every piece is generously coated with the luxurious cheese sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Serve immediately while the pasta is still steaming hot and the sauce is gloriously creamy.

Smart Moves for Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Save the starchy pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly clings to every noodle.
• Stir ricotta and Parmesan slowly over low heat to prevent burning and ensure a creamy, even texture.
• Adjust red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning to match your heat preference, creating a personalized flavor profile.
• Easily substitute chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein for variety.
• Chop basil right before serving to maximize its aromatic flavor and add a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

Flavor Combos for Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Swap: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, gluten-free alternative that reduces carbohydrate intake and adds extra vegetables to the dish.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Version: Substitute ricotta and heavy cream with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a plant-based option that maintains the creamy texture while accommodating dairy-free diets.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Enhance the recipe by adding kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and swap Italian seasoning with za'atar spice blend for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that brings exciting new dimensions to the classic chicken pasta.

What Works Well with Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Dinner Party Delight: Serve this creamy pasta on elegant white plates with a crisp side salad for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle extra chopped basil, parsley, or chives on top to enhance the flavor and add a vibrant green touch to the dish.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, creamy sauce with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the pasta's decadent flavors.
• Quick Lunch Makeover: Pack leftovers in a sealed container for a delicious next-day lunch, easily reheated in the microwave for a satisfying midday meal.

How to Keep Ricotta Chicken Pasta Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of pasta water or milk to restore creaminess. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra cream or pasta water to prevent drying. Stir continuously to maintain sauce consistency and prevent sticking.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Is ricotta cheese easy to work with in pasta sauces?

Ricotta is super creamy and blends smoothly, making it perfect for creating rich, velvety sauces without complicated techniques.

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape like penne, fettuccine, or rotini works great – choose what you love or have in your pantry.

• How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Add reserved pasta water gradually while stirring, which helps thin the sauce and creates a silky, restaurant-quality texture.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

No worries! Simply mix dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary to create your own Italian seasoning blend at home.

Reasons to Love Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Whip Up Quickly: This pasta dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe allows flexible ingredient swaps like using different proteins or adding vegetables, so you can adapt it to your taste preferences or what's in your refrigerator.
• Comfort Food Champion: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with rich flavors, this chicken pasta delivers ultimate comfort in every single bite, guaranteed to please both adults and kids at the dinner table.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizing cleanup with a single skillet, this recipe saves time on dishes and reduces kitchen mess, letting you enjoy your delicious meal without dreading post-dinner chores.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

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

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Description

Delectable creamy ricotta chicken pasta brings Italian comfort to weeknight dinners with minimal ingredients. Cheesy, herbed sauce coats tender chicken and pasta, offering a quick meal packed with rich flavor you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
• 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package guidelines, carefully preserving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid for later use.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, gently sautéing minced garlic until aromatic and lightly golden.
3. Introduce pre-cooked chicken into the skillet, incorporating Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and ground black pepper, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
4. Lower heat setting and incorporate ricotta cheese, rich heavy cream, and grated Parmesan, whisking continuously until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform sauce.
5. Incrementally blend reserved pasta water into the sauce, adjusting liquid to achieve a creamy, velvety texture that clings delicately to the pasta.
6. Fold cooked pasta into the luxurious sauce, ensuring each strand is generously enrobed with the decadent mixture.
7. Elegantly finish the dish by scattering freshly torn basil leaves across the top, serving immediately while the pasta remains piping hot.

Notes

• Enhance the sauce’s silkiness by gradually adding reserved pasta water, creating a luxurious texture that clings perfectly to each pasta strand.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes, allowing spice-sensitive diners to enjoy a milder version or heat-lovers to kick up the intensity.
• Transform this dish into a vegetarian delight by swapping chicken with roasted zucchini, mushrooms, or plant-based protein alternatives for added nutrition and flavor.
• Maximize flavor development by letting the garlic sauté until golden and fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence into the olive oil before introducing other ingredients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 437 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 296 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 84 mg