Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you are searching for a comforting yet elegant meal that can be whipped up in under an hour, this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe is destined to become your new favorite. Tender chicken pieces mingle with a luscious ricotta-based sauce, brightened by fresh herbs and a hint of lemon, all tossed with perfectly al dente pasta. Every bite offers a beautiful balance of creamy texture, subtle tanginess, and savory notes that will keep you reaching for seconds. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into a cozy, flavorful celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is surprisingly straightforward, relying on simple yet essential ingredients that each play a key role in crafting a rich, flavorful dish. From the succulent chicken to the creamy ricotta and fresh greens, every element contributes to the sauce’s texture, the protein’s tenderness, and the pasta’s perfect finish.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky base for sautéing chicken and garlic while enhancing overall richness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender chunks of protein that absorb the seasonings beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Fundamental seasoning that enhances every flavor in the dish.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Pantry staples that infuse the chicken with a warm, savory depth.
- Pasta (penne or fettuccine): Your choice of pasta shape offers a satisfying bite and holds the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Ricotta cheese: Creates a wonderfully creamy and slightly tangy base for the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty richness that complements the ricotta.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and a subtle savory backdrop, thinning the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Lemon juice: Lifts and brightens the whole dish with a fresh, tangy note.
- Minced garlic: Adds aromatic punch, cooking quickly to release its flavor without bitterness.
- Dried Italian herbs: A blend that infuses the sauce with familiar Mediterranean warmth.
- Fresh spinach leaves: Offers a pop of color and gentle earthiness, wilting softly in the sauce.
- Fresh basil: Adds a sweet, fragrant finish that elevates the pasta’s flavor.
- Optional red pepper flakes: Provides a subtle heat contrast if you love a little spice.
How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking the pasta until it is al dente is crucial—it should be tender but still have a slight firmness to hold its shape well when tossed in the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain it and set aside, ready to soak up all that delicious flavor later.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season your bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sauté the chicken until it’s cooked through and boasts a beautiful golden crust, around 6 to 8 minutes. This step locks in juiciness while developing savory notes that make the dish so irresistible. Remove the chicken and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Foundation
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant, which takes about 30 seconds—this ensures the garlic stays bright without burning. Then reduce the heat to low and add ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, lemon juice, and dried Italian herbs. Stir gently as the mixture warms, allowing the cheeses to melt and the sauce to thicken to a smooth, creamy consistency over the next 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to your sauce and stir to coat each piece in that irresistible creamy blend. This reunifies the ingredients so every bite features perfectly seasoned chicken enveloped in the cheesy, herb-infused sauce.
Step 5: Add the Greens and Pasta
Next, toss in fresh spinach leaves and let them wilt gently into the warmth of the skillet, adding a vibrant green color and subtle freshness. Then add your cooked pasta, stirring thoroughly so that every strand or piece is coated evenly with the sauce and flecked with tender spinach.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Basil
Turn off the heat and gently fold in chopped fresh basil. This final touch gives the dish a beautiful burst of sweet, fragrant flavor that pairs brilliantly with the creamy sauce and savory chicken. Your Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick that contrasts perfectly with the mellow creaminess of the sauce. For an extra touch of elegance and texture, freshly grated Parmesan on top never disappoints. You can also add a little drizzle of good quality olive oil or a few torn basil leaves for visual appeal and aromatic charm.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to complement the rich pasta. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is always a fantastic side, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. For those looking to boost the veggie quotient, a side of roasted asparagus or sautéed zucchini will add wonderful balance and color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta family-style in a large shallow bowl or on individual plates with basil leaves scattered on top for that restaurant-quality look. For an informal gathering, present it in a beautifully garnished casserole dish so everyone can help themselves. If you like, add roasted cherry tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of sweetness and extra dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining much of its creamy texture and vibrant flavors, which makes it a great option for next-day meals or quick lunches.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes nicely. Place portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that fresh herbs and spinach might lose some brightness after freezing, so it’s best to add fresh basil when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick. This will help restore the creamy texture and prevent the pasta from drying out, making your leftovers taste delicious all over again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While ricotta and Parmesan form the base of the sauce for this recipe, you can experiment by adding a little mozzarella for extra creaminess or even some goat cheese for a tangy twist. Just be mindful of balancing flavors so the sauce doesn’t become too heavy or overpowering.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Penne, fettuccine, and rigatoni all work wonderfully because their shapes hold the creamy sauce well. However, feel free to use any pasta you love, since this sauce is quite versatile and clings nicely to noodles of all kinds.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, to make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or artichokes for substance. You can also add chickpeas or white beans to boost the protein content while keeping the creamy ricotta sauce as the star.
How can I add more vegetables to the Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Feel free to toss in any quick-cooking vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or peas during the last few minutes of cooking. These add brightness, texture, and nutrition without compromising the creamy texture.
Does the sauce thicken after resting?
Yes, the creamy ricotta sauce tends to thicken as it cools, so if you plan to make this ahead or have leftovers, you might need to stir in a little chicken broth or milk when reheating to loosen it up and restore that delightful creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe is a genuine crowd-pleaser that feels indulgent without being complicated. Its quick preparation, lush textures, and harmonious flavors make it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners alike. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it soon—there’s something magical about creamy pasta and tender chicken paired with fresh herbs that just makes every meal feel special.
Print
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender sautéed chicken breast pieces combined with a luscious ricotta and Parmesan cheese sauce. Enhanced with garlic, lemon juice, and Italian herbs, then tossed with fresh spinach and basil, this pasta dish comes together quickly in just 45 minutes for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta of your choice (such as penne or fettuccine)
Sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
Greens and Garnish
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sauté until cooked through and golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare Sauce: Reduce heat to low, then add ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, lemon juice, and dried Italian herbs to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and slightly thickened.
- Add Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat the pieces in the creamy sauce.
- Add Greens and Pasta: Toss in fresh spinach and let it wilt slightly. Add the cooked pasta and stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Finish with Basil: Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh chopped basil for a fresh, aromatic finish.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless thighs for a juicier option.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more chicken broth to loosen it.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or oregano can be added along with or instead of basil.
- To add extra veggies, consider adding mushrooms or cherry tomatoes along with the spinach.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
