Quick & Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe for Weeknight Magic

Comfort meets elegance in this delightful creamy ricotta chicken pasta that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among soft pasta strands, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

The ricotta sauce brings a luxurious, velvety texture that elevates every single bite.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become extraordinary with this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Each forkful delivers a creamy, savory experience that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal you can easily prepare at home.

Tips for the Best Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Save the starchy pasta water to help create a silky, perfectly coated sauce that clings beautifully to the noodles.
• Reduce heat when adding ricotta and parmesan to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, from a mild warmth to a spicy kick.
• Chop fresh basil or parsley just before serving to enhance the dish's aroma and add a vibrant, fresh flavor.
• Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or roasted vegetables for a versatile meal that suits different dietary needs.

Recipe Variations for Ricotta Pasta Fans

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap ricotta with silken tofu and use coconut milk. Replace parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free. Verify chicken is not processed with gluten-containing ingredients.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and increase red pepper flakes. Incorporate feta cheese for extra tangy flavor.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use Greek yogurt instead of milk to maintain creamy texture.

Serving Up Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Fresh Herb Sprinkle: Chop fresh basil, parsley, or chives and generously scatter over the pasta for a burst of vibrant flavor and beautiful green color.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy ricotta and chicken.
• Salad Side Kick: Prepare a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta and add a refreshing contrast to the meal.
• Crispy Texture Topper: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs on top for an extra crunch that elevates the dish's overall texture and taste experience.

Storage Tips for Chicken Pasta Dishes

• Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water or milk to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to prevent drying. Stir gently until heated through and creamy consistency returns.
• Freeze in sealed freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and prevent separation of sauce.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with other varieties like penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to keep the creamy texture and flavor.

• How can I make the sauce creamier?

Add more milk or reserved pasta water gradually while stirring. This helps achieve a smoother, silkier sauce consistency without making it too thin.

• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Prepare components separately and combine just before serving. The sauce and chicken can be made in advance, but mix with pasta right before eating to prevent the pasta from getting soggy.

What Sets Ricotta Chicken Pasta Apart

• Whip Up a Satisfying Meal: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious pasta dish that feels like restaurant-quality comfort food right at home.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken for other proteins like shrimp or tofu, and adjust spice levels to match your family's taste preferences without complicated modifications.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare this entire meal in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy households wanting a delicious dinner without extensive cooking skills or long preparation times.
• One-Pan Magic: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single pan to create a creamy, flavorful pasta that combines protein, carbs, and rich cheese in one delightful dish.

Ricotta Chicken Pasta Ingredient List

• Pasta: A classic base for creating a delightful and comforting meal.
• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that adds substance and flavor to the dish.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that provides a smooth and luxurious texture to the sauce.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Blend of herbs and spices that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Olive Oil, Garlic: Foundation for building a flavorful base in the pan.
• Parmesan Cheese, Milk: Ingredients that contribute to the rich and creamy sauce.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Aromatic herbs that add a fresh garnish and bright flavor to the final dish.

Cooking Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions.

Before draining, carefully scoop out and set aside some pasta water for later use.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and cook until it releases its delightful fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Spice Up the Chicken

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Stir and cook the mixture for a couple of minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Milk

Stir continuously until the sauce becomes silky smooth and thoroughly blended.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Pour the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce.

Gently toss and coat every single pasta strand.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency.

Step 6: Final Simmer

Allow the pasta to simmer in the sauce for 2 minutes, letting all the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped basil or parsley.

Serve piping hot and savor every delicious bite.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta weaves Italian comfort with simple, elegant flavors. Rich cheese and tender chicken merge perfectly, promising a memorable dining experience for passionate home cooks who crave restaurant-quality meals.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 12 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup milk or heavy cream

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 12 teaspoon salt
• 12 teaspoon black pepper
• 14 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Additional Ingredients:

• 12 cup pasta water (reserved)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta al dente according to package guidelines, carefully extracting and preserving half a cup of starchy cooking liquid before straining.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, introducing minced garlic and gently sautéing until aromatic and translucent.
3. Incorporate pre-cooked chicken pieces into the fragrant pan, sprinkling Italian seasoning, kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Gently stir and allow flavors to meld for approximately two minutes.
4. Reduce cooking temperature and introduce creamy ricotta, grated parmesan, and smooth milk. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform sauce.
5. Delicately fold cooked pasta into the luxurious sauce, ensuring each strand is generously coated. Gradually introduce reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a perfect, glossy consistency.
6. Allow the combined ingredients to simmer gently for two minutes, enabling flavors to harmonize and sauce to slightly thicken. Remove from heat source.
7. Elegantly garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
8. Serve immediately while piping hot, presenting a comforting and indulgent pasta experience.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by adjusting red pepper flakes to suit your heat tolerance.
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly grill fresh chicken breasts for a time-saving protein boost.
• For a lighter version, swap whole milk with skim or almond milk and use part-skim ricotta cheese.
• Transform this dish into a vegetarian option by replacing chicken with roasted zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 475 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 340 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg