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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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