Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you find yourself craving a dish that’s equal parts creamy comfort and protein-packed satisfaction, look no further than this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe. Succulent bites of seasoned chicken, pillowy ricotta, and tender pasta all mingle together with a handful of simple pantry staples to create a weeknight meal that tastes like something you’d find at your favorite Italian bistro. Every forkful is rich but light, thanks to fresh spinach and aromatic basil, and the whole thing comes together in about 30 minutes. This is the kind of go-to recipe you’ll want to memorize, and trust me, after one bite, you’ll see why.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the backbone of this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe. Each ingredient here plays its own special role—think bringing flavor, texture, and color to the party—so don’t be afraid to lean into these classics. Simple, honest pantry staples truly bring out the magic in this dish.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni): These shapes are ideal for catching every bit of creamy sauce in their nooks and crannies.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Use a good-quality olive oil for both flavor and to help the chicken sear beautifully golden.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Lean chicken adds protein and soaks up all the seasonings nicely.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This aromatic blend is the shortcut to those classic Mediterranean undertones.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance every flavor in the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A subtle bite that wakes up the creaminess.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable—its fragrance transforms the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion: A touch of sweetness balances the savory notes.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Lends richness and depth to the sauce base.
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese: The secret to the sauce’s cloud-like creaminess.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty edge that sharpens the flavors.
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved): The starches here work wonders to bring everything together into a silky finish.
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional): Toss this in for a pop of color and a boost of freshness.
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional): No Italian-inspired dish is complete without a shower of fragrant fresh basil.
How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Grab your favorite large pot and fill it with generously salted water. Bring it to a boil and cook your penne or rigatoni according to the package directions until perfectly al dente. Before you drain the pasta, remember to scoop out about 1/4 cup of that starchy cooking water—it’s essential for bringing your Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe together at the end.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
As the pasta bubbles away, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced chicken, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and then let the chicken cook untouched for a few minutes so it develops those beautiful golden edges. Stir and continue cooking for about 5–7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and deliciously fragrant.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Onion
Once your chicken is golden, toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté everything together for 2–3 minutes. You’ll notice the kitchen smells incredible at this point—the onions soften and the garlic brings everything to life.
Step 4: Simmer and Make the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and give the pan a little scrape to loosen any flavorful brown bits clinging to the bottom. Let it all simmer for 2 minutes before lowering the heat. This is where the sauce base starts to come together, providing the rich foundation for the ricotta magic to come.
Step 5: Stir in Ricotta and Parmesan
With the heat on low, add the ricotta and Parmesan cheeses to the skillet. Stir well until everything is velvety smooth. The ricotta melts into the broth, creating a luscious and creamy sauce that hugs every piece of chicken. Don’t worry if it looks a bit thick—the next step takes care of that.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta and Finish
Add your drained pasta to the skillet, followed by the reserved pasta water. Give everything a good toss to ensure every morsel is coated in that gorgeous sauce. If you’re including the baby spinach, stir it in now, letting it wilt for a minute or two. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Now, you’re ready to serve the Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe while it’s piping hot.
How to Serve Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Bring this dish to restaurant-level gorgeousness with a handful of torn fresh basil and a light shower of extra Parmesan. Not only does this add a pop of color, but the fresh herbs and cheese boost each bite with more flavor and fragrance. If you’re a fan of a little zing, a pinch of crushed red pepper provides gentle warmth.
Side Dishes
Pairing this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad or classic garlic bread creates a comforting, well-rounded meal. A tangle of sautéed broccolini or roasted asparagus brightens the plate and brings a touch of freshness that complements the Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe brilliantly.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and a basil leaf on top. Or, if you’re feeding a crowd, pile it high in your prettiest serving dish and let everyone help themselves. For kids (or just for fun), sprinkle with a few cherry tomato halves for a cheerful burst of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you. Simply transfer your Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It’ll stay creamy and tasty for up to three days—perfect for lunch the next day or a no-stress second dinner.
Freezing
This dish does freeze fairly well, thanks to the ricotta’s stable creaminess. Allow the pasta to cool completely, then pack it into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, as this helps preserve the sauce’s texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen everything up. Stir gently until warmed through and creamy again. Avoid microwaving for too long at high power, as ricotta can sometimes become grainy, but short bursts will do the trick in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne and rigatoni are ideal for holding the creamy sauce, you can use fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have in your pantry. The Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe is endlessly adaptable.
Is there a way to make this vegetarian?
For a delicious vegetarian twist, simply swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a mix of your favorite vegetables. Use vegetable broth and keep everything else the same for a satisfying, meat-free Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe.
What’s the best way to save time with this recipe?
If you’re in a rush, using rotisserie chicken is a smart shortcut. Just shred the cooked chicken and add it right after you sauté the garlic and onion—dinner will be ready even faster without sacrificing any flavor.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, peas, or ribbons of kale along with the spinach. This base Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe plays well with lots of veggie extras.
How can I make the sauce even creamier?
For those who love extra indulgence, add a splash of heavy cream or a knob of butter when stirring in the ricotta. It creates an ultra-luxurious sauce that really sets the Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe apart.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe is your answer to cozy, satisfying meals without the fuss—whether you’re out to impress friends or just hungry for a feel-good dinner at home. Give it a try, experiment with your own favorite add-ins, and watch it become a new staple in your kitchen. Happy pasta making!
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Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Ricotta Chicken Pasta dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful herbs, and rich ricotta cheese for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water, reserving 1/4 cup of water before draining.
- Cook the Chicken: Sauté chicken with seasonings until golden; add garlic and onion.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, then add ricotta and Parmesan cheese until creamy.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta and reserved water with the sauce in a skillet.
- Finish: Add spinach, cook briefly, and garnish with basil before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream.
- You can use pre-cooked shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
