The Ultimate Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe You’ll Adore

Whipping up a delightful ricotta chicken pasta can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

creamy textures and rich flavors promise something special for dinner tonight.

Comfort meets elegance in this straightforward yet impressive dish.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among silky pasta strands.

Soft ricotta cheese creates a luxurious sauce that hugs each noodle with delicate warmth.

Mediterranean influences shine through in this simple yet sophisticated meal.

Prepare to satisfy your hunger with a plate that feels like a warm embrace from an Italian kitchen.

Important Notes for Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Use high-quality ricotta for a smoother, richer sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
• Swap chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken to save cooking time and add extra flavor.
• Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes – start with less and add more gradually.
• Choose whole wheat pasta for a healthier version without compromising the creamy texture.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure golden-brown edges and prevent soggy meat.

Flavor Variations for Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Vegetarian Spinach Ricotta Pasta: Replace chicken with sautéed spinach and mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Option: Swap traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Variation: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of ricotta and Parmesan for a plant-based adaptation.
• Spicy Mediterranean Herb Remix: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and swap Italian seasoning with oregano and za'atar for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this pasta in large, shallow bowls with extra basil sprigs for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Weeknight Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for easy lunch options at work or school, keeping the basil separate to maintain freshness.
• Italian Potluck Star: Prepare the dish in a large casserole dish for gatherings, allowing guests to serve themselves with a rustic, family-style approach.
• Protein Power Boost: Top with grilled shrimp or crispy pancetta for added protein and a gourmet twist that elevates the classic recipe.

Storage Advice for Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Separate the chicken and pasta to prevent sogginess and maintain better texture.
• Cover the container tightly to prevent moisture loss and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.

FAQs

• Is ricotta cheese necessary for this recipe?

Ricotta adds a creamy, smooth texture and mild flavor that makes the sauce rich and delicious. If unavailable, you can substitute with cottage cheese or cream cheese.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While any pasta works, shapes like fettuccine, penne, or rotini hold the creamy sauce best and create better flavor distribution.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to boost the heat level. Adjust according to your personal spice tolerance.

• What protein alternatives work well?

Swap chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or even cooked shrimp for variety while maintaining the recipe’s core creamy texture.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

• Comfort in Every Bite: Indulge in a rich, creamy pasta that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction, perfect for those seeking a comforting meal that feels like a culinary hug.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare this delectable dish in minimal time, making it an ideal solution for busy home cooks who want a gourmet-style meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Delight everyone at the table with a crowd-pleasing recipe that combines tender chicken, smooth ricotta, and perfectly cooked pasta, sure to please both kids and adults.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the dish to your taste by adjusting spice levels, adding vegetables, or swapping ingredients, making it a versatile recipe that suits different preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Pasta: A classic base that serves as the foundation for this creamy chicken dish.
• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that adds substance and flavor to the recipe.
• Ricotta Cheese: Soft, creamy cheese that creates a luxurious sauce texture.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Dairy ingredients that enhance the richness and depth of the sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Spices and herbs that provide layers of flavor and aromatic depth to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps sauté the chicken and adds a subtle flavor.

• Fresh Basil: Herb that brings a fresh, bright finish to the pasta dish.

How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta in salted water following package directions. Drain and set aside, keeping some pasta water for later magic.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken with Flavor

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian herb blend

Cook until chicken turns golden and develops a delicious crust.

Step 3: Awaken Aromatic Spices

Toss in minced garlic and sprinkle red pepper flakes. Stir quickly for about 60 seconds to release their intense flavors.

Step 4: Create Silky Cheese Sauce

• Ricotta cheese
• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan

Stir until ingredients meld into a smooth, luxurious sauce.

Step 5: Adjust Sauce Consistency

Slowly add reserved pasta water, stirring continuously.

The liquid helps create a velvety, clingy sauce that perfectly coats the pasta.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce.

Ensure each pasta strand gets thoroughly coated with the rich, cheesy mixture.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Transfer to serving plates.

Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Luscious Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible creamy ricotta chicken pasta emerges as an Italian-inspired comfort dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs elevate this simple yet satisfying meal, giving you a delightful culinary experience.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 12 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Base:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• 12 cup heavy cream
• 12 cup pasta water (reserved)

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, carefully preserving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid for later use.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, introducing diced chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
3. Sear chicken pieces until they develop a golden-brown exterior, ensuring thorough cooking throughout.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and incorporate minced garlic and red pepper flakes, allowing aromatics to release their fragrant essence for approximately 45-60 seconds.
5. Gently fold ricotta, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan into the skillet, creating a luxurious, velvety sauce.
6. Incrementally introduce reserved pasta water, whisking continuously to achieve a silky, smooth consistency.
7. Introduce cooked pasta directly into the sauce, carefully tossing to ensure each strand is lavishly coated with the creamy mixture.
8. Transfer to serving plates, garnishing with freshly chopped basil leaves and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Swap pasta types to suit dietary needs, like whole wheat, gluten-free, or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
• Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or using mild paprika for sensitive palates.
• Reserve extra pasta water to rescue the sauce if it becomes too thick, ensuring a silky smooth texture.
• Enhance protein content by adding more chicken or incorporating vegetarian options like white beans or tofu for diverse dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg