Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like a bowl of Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta to bring comfort and indulgence to your dinner table. This dish combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a lusciously creamy ricotta sauce that clings to every bite, making it irresistibly delicious.

I first discovered this recipe when I needed a quick yet satisfying meal for a last-minute dinner party. The result? A creamy, flavor-packed pasta dish that impressed everyone at the table. Now, it’s a staple in my home, perfect for busy weeknights or when I want something rich and satisfying.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta – it's as easy to make as it is delicious!

First off, it's incredibly quick and simple. In just 30 minutes, you can have a rich and creamy pasta dish on your table, making it a fantastic choice for busy evenings.

Not only is it easy, but it's also budget-friendly. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home without breaking the bank.

And let’s not forget the versatility. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or want to swap in a different protein like shrimp or tofu, this dish adapts beautifully to whatever you have on hand.

Best of all, it’s a family favorite. The creamy sauce and tender pasta appeal to both kids and adults alike, making it a go-to for any occasion.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays an important role in achieving that perfect creamy consistency and rich taste.

Pasta is the foundation of this dish. I recommend using penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine – their textures help hold onto the sauce, ensuring every bite is perfectly coated.

For the protein, chicken breast or thighs work beautifully. Chicken breast stays lean and tender, while thighs bring an extra juiciness that enhances the dish’s richness.

The star of the sauce is ricotta cheese. Its mild, creamy texture creates a velvety coating on the pasta. Be sure to use whole-milk ricotta for the best results; it lends the dish a rich and luxurious mouthfeel.

A bit of Parmesan cheese adds depth and a nutty, salty kick, complementing the ricotta’s mildness and bringing balance to the dish.

Lastly, a touch of garlic, lemon zest, and fresh basil brings brightness to the creamy sauce, cutting through the richness and adding a fresh, aromatic flavor.

How To Make This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Creating this mouthwatering dish is easier than you think! Let’s walk through it step by step.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your pasta until al dente, then reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water will help achieve the perfect sauce consistency later.

Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and cook your chicken, seasoned with salt and pepper, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove it from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant, then lower the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and a splash of pasta water. Whisk gently until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add more pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Finish with fresh basil and lemon zest, giving the dish a bright, fresh flavor that balances the creamy sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce may thicken as it sits, but a splash of milk or extra pasta water when reheating will bring it back to life.

For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta for up to a month. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

When reheating, use a pan over low heat with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy. Avoid microwaving on high heat, as it may cause the sauce to separate.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is how adaptable it is!

Want to make it vegetarian? Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for a hearty, flavorful twist.

For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta and swap out some of the Parmesan for nutritional yeast to maintain the cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic to give the sauce a gentle heat.

Love extra veggies? Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for an added burst of color, flavor, and nutrition.

Feel free to experiment and make this dish your own – no matter how you tweak it, this creamy, dreamy pasta is sure to impress!

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