Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
Give your dinner a creamy, dreamy upgrade with this Ricotta Chicken Pasta! It’s packed with tender chicken, silky ricotta, and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish feels fancy but is super easy to make.
If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy pasta dish that feels like it’s from a Micheline-star restaurant, Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta might just be your new favorite.
This recipe is all about balance— tender chicken, velvety ricotta, and perfectly cooked pasta come together to create something that’s simple yet completely satisfying.
What’s great about this dish is how effortlessly it comes together.
With ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, you can whip up a meal that tastes like it came from a fancy Italian restaurant.
The creamy ricotta adds a luscious texture, while the chicken brings the heartiness you need for a cozy dinner.
Perfect for a weeknight meal or even a casual dinner party, this pasta is as versatile as it is delicious.
Ready to dive into creamy, cheesy goodness? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
➤ Simple Ingredients, Big Flavour – With just a few basic ingredients, you’re creating a dish that tastes like it came straight from a five-star restaurant.
➤ Perfectly Comforting – Whether it’s a cosy weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this pasta is comfort food at its finest.
➤ Quick & Easy – No need to spend hours in the kitchen. This creamy ricotta chicken pasta is ready in a flash, so you can whip it up even on the busiest of days.
➤ Customisable – Want to add some veggies? Go for it. Love a little extra cheese? Absolutely. This recipe is as flexible as you want it to be.
➤ Leftovers (If You’re Lucky!) – The best part? If you happen to have any leftovers, they taste even better the next day. Bonus!
Ingredients You’ll Need
● 12 oz whole wheat pasta (penne or Tortiglioni)
● 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
● 2 tbsp olive oil
● 3 cloves garlic, minced
● 1 cup ricotta cheese
● 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
● 1/2 cup chicken broth (or pasta cooking water)
● 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
● 1 tsp Italian seasoning
● 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
● Salt and black pepper, to taste
● 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
● Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How to Make It
1. Cook the Pasta:
● Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
● Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
● Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
● Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes).
● Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Ricotta Cream Sauce:
● In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
● Lower the heat to medium-low and add ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream (if using).
● Stir until smooth. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce:
● Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
● Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine.
● If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
5. Add Greens (Optional):
● Stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve:
● Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top.
Tips for Success:
➤ Use Fresh Ricotta for the Best Flavour – Fresh ricotta makes all the difference. It’s creamier, smoother, and adds that rich, luxurious texture that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
➤ Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Keep an eye on your chicken to avoid it becoming dry. Cook until just done, as it’ll continue to stay juicy when mixed with the creamy sauce.
➤ Reserve Some Pasta Water – Before draining your pasta, save a cup of that starchy water. It’s liquid gold for adjusting the sauce’s consistency, making it silky and smooth.
➤ Season as You Go – Layering your seasoning while cooking helps build deep, balanced flavours. Taste as you go to get that perfect savoury kick.
➤ Don’t Skip the Parmesan – A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan at the end adds an extra punch of umami and ties all the flavours together beautifully.
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● Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (30 Minutes)
● One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Recipe looks great, but is not set up in a printable format. This discourages me from trying it as I either print A LOT of paper or read thru and write it down.
I cannot see anywhere how many this serves? I’m guessing 4 servings, based on the ingredients?