Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy ricotta chicken pasta is a comforting and delicious meal that’s quick to prepare. Tender chicken is paired with a smooth ricotta-based sauce, fresh herbs, and al dente pasta for a satisfying dish perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced thin
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water (plus extra as needed)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Slice your chicken breasts into thin, bite-sized pieces to ensure quick cooking. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, but wait to add herbs until later.
2. Step 2: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet with the chicken, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Reduce heat and stir in ricotta cheese and a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Mix until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, coating the chicken evenly.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to ensure the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add additional reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the chopped basil and parsley for freshness. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and toss once more before serving hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, and adjust the amount of cheese to suit your taste.
• Substitute fresh spinach for the herbs if you want a different green element.
• For a lighter sauce, use part-skim ricotta cheese.
• Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish a subtle kick.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle work best to hold the creamy sauce, but feel free to use your favorite pasta.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. You can add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for added texture and flavor.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 109 reviews

This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a quick and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breast slices coated in a luscious ricotta-based sauce. Enhanced with garlic, fresh basil, parsley, and Parmesan cheese, it blends creamy textures with fresh herbaceous notes and al dente pasta for a satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced thin
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Pasta

• 8 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle)

Sauce

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water (plus extra as needed)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin, bite-sized pieces to promote quick and even cooking. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
2. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ricotta cheese along with a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Mix gently until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy and coats the chicken evenly.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy ricotta sauce. Toss gently to ensure all pasta pieces are coated. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water little by little until you reach your preferred consistency.
5. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly chopped basil and parsley, which add a bright, fresh flavor. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan on top and toss once more to incorporate evenly. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken briefly with a bit of garlic and herbs before cooking.
• Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps in adjusting sauce consistency perfectly due to its starch content.
• Fresh herbs like basil and parsley brighten the dish; add them at the end for best flavor.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to adapt this recipe for specific dietary needs.
• Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish a subtle heat if desired.

Keywords: Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta, Chicken Pasta Recipe, Easy Italian Pasta, Ricotta Cheese Pasta, Weeknight Dinner