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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/creamy-ricotta-chicken-pasta-recipe/