Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta – A Comfort Food Favorite!

A Bowl of Comfort in Every Bite

Imagine twirling a forkful of creamy, cheesy pasta, coated in a luscious ricotta sauce, with tender bites of juicy chicken and hints of garlic and fresh herbs. The first bite melts in your mouth, filling you with warmth and satisfaction. Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together rich flavors, velvety texture, and heartwarming goodness in a single dish.

This recipe is easy, quick, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Whether you’re feeding a family, preparing for a cozy date night, or just indulging in some self-care, this creamy ricotta pasta will hit the spot!

Let’s get into the step-by-step guide to making the best Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Ultra Creamy & Flavorful – The ricotta creates a rich, velvety sauce.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
✔️ High in Protein – A well-balanced meal with lean chicken and dairy.
✔️ Customizable – Use your favorite pasta, herbs, and add-ins.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta:

For the Pasta & Chicken

Ingredient	Quantity
Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)	12 oz
Chicken breast (boneless, skinless)	2 (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Olive oil	2 tablespoons
Garlic (minced)	3 cloves
Salt	½ teaspoon
Black pepper	½ teaspoon
Italian seasoning	1 teaspoon

For the Ricotta Sauce

Ingredient	Quantity
Whole milk ricotta cheese	1 cup
Parmesan cheese (grated)	½ cup
Heavy cream	½ cup
Lemon zest	1 teaspoon
Fresh basil or parsley	2 tablespoons (chopped)
Red pepper flakes (optional)	¼ teaspoon

For Garnish (Optional but Recommended!)

Ingredient	Quantity
Extra Parmesan cheese	For topping
Fresh basil leaves	For garnish
Crushed red pepper	For a little spice

Essential Kitchen Tools

To make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta, you’ll need:

• Large skillet or pan – For cooking chicken and sauce.
• Large pot – To cook pasta.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring the sauce.
• Measuring cups & spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add pasta and cook until al dente (follow package instructions).
• Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

2. Cook the Chicken

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add chicken, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes until chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.

3. Make the Ricotta Sauce

• In a small bowl, mix together ricotta, Parmesan, heavy cream, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes.
• Stir until smooth and well combined.

4. Combine Everything

• Reduce the heat to medium-low.
• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken.
• Pour in the ricotta sauce and stir to coat everything evenly.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until creamy.

5. Garnish & Serve

• Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.
• Serve hot and enjoy your Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta!

The Secret to a Perfectly Creamy Ricotta Sauce

✔️ Use Whole Milk Ricotta – It’s richer and creamier.
✔️ Mix Before Adding to Pasta – Ensures a smooth sauce.
✔️ Add Reserved Pasta Water – Makes the sauce silky and light.

How to Cook the Juiciest Chicken

✔️ Use Medium-High Heat – Helps get a golden crust.
✔️ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Ensures even cooking.
✔️ Let It Rest Before Slicing – Locks in juices.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Ingredient	Substitutes
Ricotta Cheese	Cream cheese or cottage cheese
Heavy Cream	Half-and-half or Greek yogurt
Chicken	Shrimp, tofu, or sausage
Parmesan	Pecorino Romano or Asiago

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

🥗 Garlic Bread – Crispy and perfect for scooping up sauce.
🥦 Roasted Vegetables – Adds a healthy, flavorful touch.
🍷 A Glass of White Wine – Complements the creamy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

Yes! Just reheat with extra cream or milk before serving.

2. Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta for a GF version.

3. Can I freeze this pasta?

Yes, but the sauce may change texture slightly.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Now that you know how to make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta, it’s time to try it! This rich, flavorful, and comforting dish is perfect for any occasion.

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