Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a rich and indulgent dish that’s perfect for a comforting dinner. With tender chicken, creamy ricotta, and a touch of Parmesan, this pasta comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal. The balance of creamy texture, flavorful seasonings, and the satisfying bite of penne pasta ensures that every forkful is a delight. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

The combination of ricotta and heavy cream creates a luscious, velvety sauce that coats the pasta and chicken beautifully. This dish is full of comforting flavors and simple ingredients that you’ll likely have in your pantry. The Italian herbs add an aromatic touch, and a sprinkle of chili flakes (optional) gives it a slight kick. Serve it with a side salad and some crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce, and you’ve got a meal that will make everyone smile.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights.

2. Creamy and Flavorful

The combination of ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan creates a rich, creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken beautifully.

3. Customizable

You can add your favorite vegetables or swap the chicken for another protein, such as shrimp or tofu, to suit your taste.

4. Comforting and Satisfying

This dish is the ultimate comfort food, with tender chicken, creamy pasta, and a perfect balance of seasonings to satisfy your cravings.

5. Great for Leftovers

This dish reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers the next day.

Ingredients

• Penne pasta
• Chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
• Olive oil
• Garlic (minced)
• Ricotta cheese
• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Dried Italian herbs
• Chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Variations

• Vegetable Add-ins: You can add sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers to enhance the flavor and add some color to the dish.
• Swap the Chicken: Use shrimp, turkey, or even a plant-based protein like tofu for a different take on the dish.
• Spice it Up: If you like things a bit spicier, increase the chili flakes or add a dash of red pepper sauce to the sauce.
• Lighter Version: Use low-fat ricotta cheese and substitute the heavy cream with milk for a lighter version of this dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Pasta

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, and sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs and chili flakes (if using). Stir to combine, then add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the creamy chicken pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be sure to cook the chicken just until it’s golden and fully cooked through to keep it juicy and tender.
• Adjust the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for an extra minute or two.
• Season to Taste: Taste the sauce before adding the pasta to ensure it’s properly seasoned. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
• Pasta Cooking Tip: When draining the pasta, reserve a small cup of pasta water to help adjust the sauce’s consistency later if necessary.

How to Serve

This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is best served hot, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for added flavor and color. Pair it with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a light, tangy side like sautéed greens or a tomato salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to bring back its creamy consistency.

Freezing

While the texture may change slightly after freezing, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place the pasta in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of milk or cream if necessary.

Reheating

To reheat the pasta, place it in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or rigatoni.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving.

3. Can I use a different cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta with mascarpone, cream cheese, or even cottage cheese for a different texture and flavor.

4. Is this dish spicy?

The recipe includes chili flakes as an optional ingredient. If you prefer a milder dish, you can skip them or use a small amount.

5. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to fully cook it before slicing and adding it to the sauce.

6. Can I use heavy cream alternatives?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a lighter version like half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version.

7. Can I add vegetables to this pasta?

Yes, vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers would be great additions. Sauté them with the garlic for extra flavor.

8. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes or add a bit more grated Parmesan to thicken it.

9. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried Italian herbs?

Yes, fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme would add a lovely flavor to the dish.

10. How can I make this recipe lighter?

To lighten the recipe, you can use low-fat ricotta cheese and replace the heavy cream with milk or a lighter cream alternative.

Conclusion

This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is an easy, comforting, and flavorful meal that is perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, creamy ricotta sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal for a special occasion, this recipe will become a favorite in your cooking rotation.

Print