If you’re craving a comforting yet elegant dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. Silky ricotta and Parmesan cheese blend into a luscious sauce that coats perfectly cooked pasta, while tender slices of seasoned chicken bring protein and punch. It’s the kind of dish that’s both simple to whip up and full of layers of flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests without stress. Let me take you through every step to create this irresistible, creamy delight in your own kitchen!

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet each plays a vital role in building the creamy, flavorful, and satisfying profile of this dish. From tender chicken to fresh herbs and cheeses, everything works in harmony.

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, juicy and perfect for slicing after a quick sear.
8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti): Choose your favorite shape to soak up that creamy sauce.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For cooking the chicken and garlic, adds richness without overpowering flavors.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant aroma and sharp depth of flavor to the sauce.
1 cup ricotta cheese: The base of the creamy sauce, light yet decadently smooth.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and silkiness to the sauce’s texture.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a savory umami kick to deepen the taste.
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides subtle heat and balances the creaminess.
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Enhances every ingredient’s natural flavor.
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect if you want a little gentle spice glow.
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil): Adds bright herbal notes that lift the whole dish.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): Gives a fresh, vibrant finish and pretty presentation.
Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for a fresh twist): A zingy pop that cuts through the richness beautifully.

How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your pasta according to the package’s directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining, since you’ll use it to adjust the sauce’s creaminess later. This simple step lays the foundation for the dish’s luscious texture.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then carefully place them in the skillet. Cook each side for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Removing it and letting it rest covered with foil keeps it juicy and tender, ready to be sliced thinly for serving.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet (saving all those great leftover flavors), add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and golden. This step infuses the base of your sauce with that instantly comforting aroma that hints at the deliciousness to come.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Ricotta Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the ricotta, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well to create a smooth, rich sauce that perfectly envelops the pasta. It’s the heart of the Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe—so luscious and dreamy you’ll want to savor every bite.

Step 5: Adjust Sauce Consistency

If the sauce feels too thick to your liking, gradually add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, stirring gently until it reaches your desired texture. This trick makes the sauce silky and helps it cling deliciously to every noodle.

Step 6: Toss Pasta in Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss everything together so every piece is covered with that creamy heaven. This ensures your pasta doesn’t just sit in the sauce but becomes one with it, making each forkful a flavor-packed experience.

Step 7: Season and Add Herbs

Stir in the fresh basil and season with extra salt and pepper to taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes here for a gentle spicy kick that complements the creaminess beautifully.

Step 8: Plate and Top with Chicken

Serve the pasta hot, topped with the thin slices of rested chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest if you like a little brightness and color on your plate. This final touch transforms the dish from delicious to absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley and lemon zest are wonderful garnishes that introduce freshness and a pop of color. The herbaceous parsley adds a mild crisp contrast while the lemon zest cuts through the richness, balancing each bite perfectly. Don’t skip them if you want to brighten up your plate visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

The creamy depth of this pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli. These add a textural contrast and keep your meal well-rounded and vibrant without overshadowing the main star.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls and layering the sliced chicken on top like a crown. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or chili flakes can add flair, and a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil at the end makes it feel restaurant-worthy. You might even layer some fresh basil leaves between the pasta and chicken for a fragrant surprise in every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days and makes a fantastic quick lunch or dinner the next day without losing its richness or flavor.

Freezing

While this dish can be frozen, keep in mind that the texture of the ricotta cream sauce might slightly change, becoming less creamy upon thawing. If you plan to freeze, separate the chicken and pasta if possible, freeze in airtight containers, and thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water to refresh the sauce.

Reheating

Gently reheat the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a little milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir often to avoid sticking and maintain that creamy consistency. Avoid the microwave if possible for best texture and flavor retention.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?

Ricotta is key for the creamy, mild texture, but you can substitute with mascarpone or cottage cheese if needed. Just keep in mind flavors and creaminess will vary slightly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is traditionally made with wheat-based pasta, but you can easily swap in gluten-free pasta varieties to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet without sacrificing taste.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the chicken and add roasted mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version that still has plenty of protein and flavor.

How spicy is the recipe with crushed red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth rather than overwhelming heat. You can adjust the amount or omit completely depending on your spice preference.

What pasta shape works best for this recipe?

Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti all work wonderfully. The key is to have a shape that holds onto the creamy sauce well so every bite is flavorful.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe is truly a keeper offering the perfect balance of comfort, sophistication, and ease. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it delivers creamy goodness and satisfying flavors that hit all the right notes. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and enjoy every luscious forkful!

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.1 from 81 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a deliciously rich and comforting dish combining tender pan-seared chicken breasts with a luscious ricotta cheese-based sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner, this recipe features al dente pasta tossed in a creamy, garlicky sauce infused with parmesan, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon zest for a fresh finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

Pasta

8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)

Sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)

Garnish (Optional)

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Zest of 1 lemon

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Instructions

Cook the pasta. Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use in the sauce.
Cook the chicken. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet, cover with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
Sauté garlic. In the same skillet over medium heat, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Make the creamy sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
Adjust sauce consistency. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, stirring until the desired consistency is reached.
Combine pasta and sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy ricotta sauce.
Season and add herbs. Mix in fresh basil and season with additional salt and black pepper to taste. If desired, stir in crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
Serve. Plate the creamy pasta and top with the sliced chicken breasts. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest if using, and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness and help it cling better to the pasta.
Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to retain juiciness before slicing.
Use fresh herbs for best aroma and flavor, but dried basil works as a substitute.
Lemon zest adds a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy sauce but can be omitted if preferred.
Use a cooking thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

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