Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like a comforting bowl of Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta after a long day. The rich, velvety sauce coats every piece of tender chicken and pasta, creating a dish that's both indulgent and satisfying.

I first made this recipe on a whim, trying to use up some leftover ricotta cheese. To my surprise, it turned out to be one of the creamiest, most flavorful pasta dishes I'd ever had! Now, it's a staple in my household, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to pasta dish. This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is everything you need for a quick, satisfying meal.

First, it's incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a restaurant-quality dish on the table in under 30 minutes.

The flavor is out of this world. The creamy ricotta blends beautifully with garlic, parmesan, and a touch of lemon zest, creating a sauce that's both rich and fresh.

It’s also a great way to use up leftovers. Have some cooked chicken from last night’s dinner? Toss it in! Leftover spinach or cherry tomatoes? They’ll add even more depth to this dish.

Finally, it’s family-friendly and budget-conscious. Using pantry staples and affordable proteins like chicken breast, this dish delivers gourmet flavor without breaking the bank.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet high-quality ingredients. Here’s what makes each one essential:

The pasta is the backbone of the dish. I love using penne or fettuccine because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce so well. But honestly, any pasta you have on hand will work!

Chicken breast adds a lean, protein-packed element that makes the dish filling. If you prefer, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for an even juicier result.

The ricotta cheese is the star of the show. It gives the sauce its signature creaminess without being too heavy. Full-fat ricotta is best for a richer texture, but part-skim works if you're looking for a lighter option.

A touch of parmesan cheese enhances the depth of flavor, adding a nutty, umami quality that complements the ricotta perfectly.

Finally, a splash of lemon juice and zest brings brightness to the dish, cutting through the richness and adding a pop of freshness.

How To Make This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Making this delicious pasta dish is easier than you think. Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until al dente, following the package instructions. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water – you’ll need this to adjust the sauce later.

While the pasta cooks, season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of olive oil, and sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove it from the pan and let it rest before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant, then stir in the ricotta cheese, parmesan, lemon zest, and a splash of pasta water. Stir gently until the sauce becomes silky smooth.

Now, toss in the drained pasta, stirring to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Finally, add the sliced chicken back into the skillet, giving it a final mix.

Serve immediately with extra parmesan and fresh basil for garnish. The total cook time is about 25 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it sits, but you can loosen it up with a splash of warm milk or reserved pasta water when reheating.

For longer storage, you can freeze this pasta dish for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the ricotta may slightly change texture after freezing. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop over low heat.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is how versatile it is! Here are a few ways to switch things up:

Want to make it vegetarian? Swap the chicken for mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for a hearty, meat-free version.

Need more greens? Stir in spinach or kale right before serving. The warmth of the pasta will wilt the greens perfectly.

Looking for extra protein? Add crispy bacon or shrimp for an indulgent twist.

Not a fan of ricotta? Try mascarpone or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture with a slightly different flavor profile.

For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic. A little heat balances out the creaminess beautifully.

No matter how you customize it, this pasta is a foolproof, crowd-pleasing dish that will keep everyone coming back for more. Give it a try and make it your own!

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