Description

Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly comforting, this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is the ultimate easy dinner! Tender chicken, velvety ricotta sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together for a meal that’s both rich and satisfying. With hints of garlic, fresh basil, and Parmesan, every bite is packed with flavor. This dish is quick, easy, and perfect for any night of the week!

Ingredients

For the Pasta & Chicken

12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Ricotta Sauce

1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley (chopped)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Garnish (Optional, But Recommended!)

Extra Parmesan cheese for topping
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Crushed red pepper flakes for spice

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Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

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

2️⃣ Cook the Chicken

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

3️⃣ Prepare the Ricotta Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together ricotta, Parmesan, heavy cream, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes until smooth.

4️⃣ Combine Everything

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

5️⃣ Garnish & Serve

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

Notes

✔️ Use Whole Milk Ricotta – It makes the sauce extra creamy and rich.
✔️ Mix the Sauce Before Adding – Ensures an even, smooth consistency.
✔️ Don’t Skip the Pasta Water – Helps bind the sauce to the pasta.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American