Get ready to fall in love with your new weeknight hero: Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta. This dish takes tender chicken, tosses it with al dente pasta, and envelopes it all in a dreamy ricotta-Parmesan sauce with bright notes of lemon and herby Italian seasoning. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or want to impress guests with minimal effort, this creamy, comforting pasta brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen table with just the right mix of indulgence and freshness.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta works double duty – simple, everyday staples come together to create a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Let’s walk through what you’ll need and why each element makes a difference:

Pasta (12 ounces): Penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work equally well, providing the perfect vehicle for all that creamy sauce.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Adds depth and richness to both the chicken and sauce – use a good-quality oil for best flavor.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 pound): Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and juicy bites in every forkful.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the whole dish with irresistible aroma and savory flavor – don’t skip it!
Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle kick of heat; adjust to taste or leave out for milder palates.
Ricotta Cheese (1 cup): The creamy backbone of the sauce – whole-milk ricotta delivers the silkiest texture.
Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Adds salty, nutty complexity and helps thicken the sauce.
Pasta Cooking Water (1/2 cup, reserved): This starchy water brings everything together for a glossy, cohesive sauce.
Heavy Cream or Milk (1/4 cup): Rounds out the creaminess; use cream for extra decadence or milk for a lighter touch.
Lemon (juice and zest of 1): Brightens up every bite with citrusy freshness that keeps the sauce from feeling heavy.
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Layers in classic herby notes that complement the creamy, cheesy flavors.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish – taste as you go and adjust if needed.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just enough warmth to balance all the creamy elements.
Fresh Spinach (2 cups, optional): Wilts into the hot pasta for a pop of color and extra nutrition.
Fresh Basil or Parsley (for garnish): Finishes your bowl with a touch of bright green and a burst of fresh flavor.

How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your choice of pasta – penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti – according to package directions until just al dente. Before draining, be sure to scoop out half a cup of that nutrient-rich, starchy pasta water. You’ll use this magic ingredient to help your ricotta sauce glide luxuriously over every noodle. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you move on to the next step.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta boils, heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, then cook them for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should be juicy and just beginning to caramelize around the edges for maximum flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan – give those pieces some space to really develop
color.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Spice

Once your chicken is just about ready, stir in the minced garlic and, if you like a kick, the red pepper flakes. Let everything sizzle together for about a minute, just until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This quick step infuses the entire skillet with flavor and sets the base for the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Build the Ricotta Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and start building that signature Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta sauce. Fold in the ricotta, grated Parmesan, heavy cream or milk, the reserved pasta water, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything gently together – you’ll watch the cheeses melt, the sauce turn silky, and the whole pan begin to smell like pure comfort. Don’t forget to taste and adjust with extra salt or pepper if needed!

Step 5: Combine and Wilt Spinach

Add your drained pasta directly into the sauce, tossing gently to coat every piece. This is the perfect time to fold in fresh spinach if you’re using it. The heat from the pasta and sauce will wilt the greens in just a minute or two, adding pops of color and a nutritional boost to your Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Spoon generous helpings into bowls while everything’s still piping hot. Top each serving with lots of fresh basil or parsley and a little extra Parmesan if you have it. The creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta are now ready to steal the show at your dinner table.

How to Serve Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Finish each bowl with a shower of chopped fresh basil or parsley – it brings a fresh, aromatic lift that balances the richness beautifully. For extra decadence, add an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan or even a drizzle of good olive oil across the top. Lemon zest also looks gorgeous and amps up the citrusy brightness in every bite.

Side Dishes

While this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a complete meal, you can always round things out with a simple, crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. The acidity cuts through the creamy sauce, making every forkful feel lighter. Add some crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia to soak up that luscious leftover sauce for a truly comforting spread.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to elevate presentation, try serving your Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta in shallow pasta bowls with fresh basil leaves artfully arranged on top. For a family-style meal, pile everything into a large serving platter and let everyone help themselves. You can even use the leftovers to fill halved peppers or stuff tomatoes for a reinvented lunch the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The ricotta sauce will thicken as it chills, but don’t worry – it bounces right back when reheated with a little extra splash of milk or water. This makes Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta a dream for meal prepping or easy weekday lunches.

Freezing

While you can freeze this pasta, ricotta-based sauces sometimes change texture after thawing. If you do freeze, make sure to cool the pasta completely, then store individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for the best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen up the sauce. Stir frequently to restore the creamy texture. If you’re in a rush, microwaving works too, but keep power at medium and stop to stir every 30-60 seconds to prevent uneven reheating.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a quick shortcut – simply skip the chicken cooking step and toss the cooked meat in with the sauce before combining with the pasta.

Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?

If you’re out of ricotta, you can use cottage cheese (blended until very smooth), mascarpone, or cream cheese for a similar creamy effect – although each substitution will slightly change the flavor profile.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply leave out the chicken and add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes for heartiness and more color. This keeps your Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta luxuriously meatless yet satisfying.

Will gluten-free pasta work in this dish?

Yes, you can easily swap in your favorite gluten-free penne or spaghetti. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as gluten-free varieties can go from al dente to overcooked quickly.

Can I use light or low-fat ricotta and milk?

You can, but remember: full-fat versions offer the creamiest, richest sauce. If you opt for lighter dairy, the sauce will still be delicious, just a bit less decadent in texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to treat yourself to a feel-good meal that’s both comforting and effortlessly elegant, give Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta a spot on your weekly menu. Each forkful is creamy, tangy, and full of heart – once you taste how easy and delicious it is, you’ll want to make it again and again. Go ahead, grab your skillet and get stirring – your new favorite pasta night awaits!

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a creamy and flavorful dish with this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta recipe. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich ricotta sauce come together to create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti),
2 tablespoons olive oil,
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces,
3 cloves garlic, minced,
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional),
1 cup ricotta cheese,
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese,
1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved),
1/4 cup heavy cream or milk,
juice and zest of 1 lemon,
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning,
1/2 teaspoon salt,
1/4 teaspoon black pepper,
2 cups fresh spinach (optional),
fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook seasoned chicken until golden and cooked through. Add garlic and red pepper flakes.
Make the Sauce: Reduce heat, stir in ricotta, Parmesan, cream, lemon juice, zest, Italian seasoning, and reserved pasta water. Mix until smooth.
Combine and Serve: Add drained pasta and spinach to the sauce, toss to coat. Adjust seasoning and serve hot, garnished with herbs and Parmesan.