Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like a comforting bowl of creamy ricotta chicken pasta after a long day. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, velvety ricotta sauce makes this dish an instant favorite. With its simple ingredients and quick prep time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a cozy meal without the hassle.

I first discovered this recipe while looking for a way to use up leftover ricotta cheese, and it quickly became a staple in our home. The creamy texture, balanced by a hint of garlic and Parmesan, makes every bite irresistibly delicious. Plus, it's a fantastic way to elevate an everyday pasta dish into something truly special.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite pasta dish! This creamy ricotta chicken pasta is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make.

First off, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for those nights when you need something quick yet satisfying. No need to spend hours in the kitchen—this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

It’s also budget-friendly. Using simple ingredients like ricotta cheese, chicken, and pasta, you can feed a family without breaking the bank. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken.

Versatility is another reason to love this recipe. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables, swapping out the protein, or even making it vegetarian by omitting the chicken.

Lastly, the creamy, cheesy goodness is simply irresistible. The ricotta adds a unique richness that pairs perfectly with garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of lemon, making every bite a delight.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of taste and texture.

Pasta: Choose a sturdy pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine. These shapes hold onto the creamy sauce well, ensuring every bite is coated in rich, cheesy goodness.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, that’s an excellent shortcut to make this meal even quicker.

Ricotta Cheese: This is the star ingredient, giving the sauce its creamy and slightly tangy flavor. Use whole milk ricotta for the best texture and taste.

Garlic and Parmesan: Freshly minced garlic adds depth to the sauce, while Parmesan provides a salty, umami-rich boost. Together, they enhance the creaminess of the ricotta.

Lemon Zest: A bit of lemon zest brightens up the dish, balancing out the richness of the cheese and adding a fresh twist.

If you have a large skillet and a good whisk, you're all set for making this creamy ricotta chicken pasta with ease!

How To Make This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Creating this dish is as simple as cooking your pasta, sautéing the chicken, and whisking together the creamy sauce. Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture, then drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later.

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. This should take about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, lower the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese, freshly grated Parmesan, and a splash of pasta water to create a silky-smooth sauce.

Next, return the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss everything together with the cooked pasta. Stir well, ensuring each piece of pasta is coated in the creamy ricotta mixture. If the sauce feels too thick, add more pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Finish the dish with a sprinkle of lemon zest and extra Parmesan on top. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this creamy ricotta chicken pasta stores well!

For the best freshness, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

This dish isn’t ideal for freezing since ricotta-based sauces can become grainy when thawed. However, if you do freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and reheat gently on the stove with additional liquid.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes for a veggie-packed version.

Try a different protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even crispy pancetta for a unique twist.

Add more greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale at the end of cooking for added nutrition and color.

Use a different cheese: Mix in some mozzarella for extra stretchiness or replace ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option.

No matter how you customize it, this creamy ricotta chicken pasta is sure to be a hit. Experiment with flavors and make it your own!

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