Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken and al dente pasta are combined in a rich, creamy ricotta sauce, brightened with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese. This recipe is simple to prepare yet impressively delicious.

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 black pepper.
2. Step 2: While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet with the chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Lower the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese along with a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the ricotta sauce and chicken. Toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and parsley for a bright, fresh flavor. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and toss once more before serving hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh pasta for an even creamier texture and quicker cooking time.
• Substitute spinach or kale for fresh herbs to add more greens to the dish.
• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
• If you prefer, swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of ricotta?

Ricotta provides a creamy, mild base, but you can substitute it with mascarpone or cottage cheese for a similar texture. Keep in mind the flavor and consistency may vary slightly.

Is it better to use chicken broth or pasta water for the sauce?

Both work well to thin the sauce. Chicken broth adds flavor, while reserved pasta water contains starch that helps the sauce cling better to the pasta. Feel free to use a combination of both for best results.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 110 reviews

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breast slices cooked in a rich and creamy ricotta sauce combined with perfectly al dente pasta. Enhanced with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese, this recipe creates a luscious, flavorful meal ideal for weeknight dinners.

• Author: Dana
• 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

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

Pasta

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

Sauce and Garnish

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice your chicken breasts into thin, bite-sized pieces to ensure quick cooking. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. Remove from heat briefly before proceeding.
2. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of short pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet with the cooked chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté over medium-low heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Lower the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese along with 1/4 cup of chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Mix thoroughly until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, coating the chicken evenly.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy chicken sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure each piece of pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly chopped basil and parsley for a burst of fresh flavor. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and toss once more to combine. Serve hot for best taste and texture.

Notes

• Use fresh herbs like basil and parsley to brighten the dish and enhance flavor.
• Reserve pasta water before draining; its starchiness helps loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
• Adjust the amount of chicken broth or pasta water to achieve your preferred sauce thickness.
• For a richer taste, use full-fat ricotta cheese.
• This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: Creamy ricotta chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, ricotta cheese pasta, Italian chicken pasta, weeknight dinner recipe