Easy Homemade Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delectable solutions that satisfy hunger and comfort the soul.

This easy creamy ricotta chicken pasta delivers a rich, velvety experience that blends tender chicken with silky pasta strands.

Smooth ricotta cheese creates a luxurious sauce that clings perfectly to each noodle.

Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan elevate the dish with bright, aromatic notes.

The recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy households.

Simple ingredients transform into a restaurant-worthy meal that feels both elegant and homey.

What Makes Ricotta Chicken Pasta So Creamy and Comforting

• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for families, date nights, or casual gatherings, this recipe adapts easily to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Elevate classic chicken pasta with a luxurious ricotta cream sauce that delivers rich, creamy textures and bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
• One-Pan Dish: Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking steps make this recipe a go-to solution for busy home cooks seeking delicious, stress-free meals.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken and Ricotta Pasta

• Whole Wheat Pasta: A hearty and nutritious pasta option with rich whole grain goodness.

• Chicken Pieces: Tender and juicy protein that makes the dish satisfying.

• Ricotta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy cheeses that add luxurious texture and rich flavor.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic herbs and spices that enhance the overall taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy sprinkle for those who enjoy a little heat.

• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Smooth liquids that create a velvety sauce.
• Olive Oil: Golden cooking oil for sautéing.

• Garlic: Fragrant ingredient that adds depth to the dish.

• Fresh Spinach, Kale: Nutritious green vegetables that add color and freshness.

• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Bright herbs that provide a final fresh touch.

How to Cook This Velvety Chicken Pasta Dish

Step 1: Boil Delicious Pasta

Grab a big pot and fill it with water.

Sprinkle in some salt to make the pasta extra tasty.

Toss in whole wheat pasta and cook it until it’s perfectly tender.

Save a splash of pasta water before draining – this liquid gold will help make your sauce super creamy later.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Warm up some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Drop in chicken pieces and season them with salt and pepper.

Let the chicken cook until it turns a beautiful golden brown and is completely cooked through.

Once done, scoop the chicken out and set it aside.

Step 3: Create Magical Ricotta Sauce

In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add minced garlic and let it dance around for a minute until it becomes wonderfully fragrant.

• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Stir everything until the sauce becomes smooth and dreamy.

Sprinkle in some Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if you want a little kick.

Taste and adjust the salt and pepper to make it perfect.

Step 4: Marry the Ingredients Together

Bring the cooked chicken back to the skillet and coat it in the luscious sauce.

Add the pasta and gently toss everything together.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to create the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Add Some Green Goodness

Toss in fresh spinach or kale and let it wilt for a couple of minutes.

This adds a nutritious and colorful touch to your dish.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Plate your pasta and make it look gorgeous.

Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top, and add an extra shower of Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately while it’s warm and incredibly creamy.

Tips to Make It Extra Creamy and Rich

• Adjust sauce thickness by gradually adding reserved pasta water for your ideal creamy consistency.
• Swap chicken with tofu, shredded rotisserie chicken, or plant-based protein alternatives for diverse dietary needs.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of Italian seasoning to transform the dish's taste.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk to reduce calories without compromising the sauce's richness.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, gently reheating with a splash of broth to maintain sauce smoothness.

How to Store and Reheat This Pasta Easily

• Store leftover creamy ricotta chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and flavor absorption.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce's creamy texture, stirring gently until heated through.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
• Skip freezing this dish, as the ricotta and cream sauce tend to separate and lose their smooth consistency when thawed, compromising the pasta's original delicious quality.

Best Pairings for Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Elevate Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta with These Perfect Pairings
• Uncork a Crisp White Wine: Select a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc with bright acidity that cuts through the rich, creamy sauce and complements the chicken's delicate flavor.
• Craft a Fresh Side Salad: Toss together a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan to balance the pasta's richness and add a zesty contrast.
• Create Garlic Herb Bread: Prepare a crusty baguette brushed with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy texture alongside the creamy pasta.
• Serve Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: Prepare quick roasted zucchini or asparagus with olive oil, sea salt, and cracked pepper to introduce a healthy, light element that brightens the entire dish.

Pasta Combo Ideas for Ricotta and Chicken

• Protein-Packed Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, cubed and pan-fried until golden. Season with same spices for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap whole wheat pasta with gluten-free rice pasta or chickpea pasta. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Use full-fat ricotta and increase cream content to maintain ketogenic macronutrient ratios.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and fresh oregano into the sauce. Add crumbled feta cheese for an extra Mediterranean flavor profile.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Whole wheat pasta is recommended, but you can use other short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle that hold sauce well and are easy to eat.

• Can I make this dish healthier?

Yes, you can use low-fat ricotta, reduce cream, add more vegetables like spinach or kale, and choose lean chicken breast for a lighter version.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This pasta dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to restore the creamy consistency.

• How can I add more protein to the dish?

Consider adding grilled shrimp, crispy pancetta, or white beans to increase the protein content and add extra flavor to the creamy chicken pasta.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy ricotta chicken pasta brings Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with silky smooth sauce and tender chicken. Hearty ingredients blend effortlessly, creating a restaurant-worthy meal you’ll savor with each delightful forkful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 1/2 oz (14 grams) whole wheat pasta (penne or tortiglioni)
• Water for boiling
• Salt for pasta water

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)

Garnish:

• Fresh basil or parsley
• Additional Parmesan cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook whole wheat pasta until it reaches the perfect al dente texture, following package guidelines.
2. Carefully extract and preserve a measured portion of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside for later incorporation.
3. Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over medium heat, creating an ideal cooking environment for the chicken.
4. Introduce seasoned chicken pieces to the heated skillet, allowing them to transform into a golden-brown delicacy through careful cooking for 6-8 minutes.
5. Transfer the expertly cooked chicken to a separate plate, maintaining its warmth and flavor integrity.
6. Utilize the same skillet to gently toast minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence in about one minute.
7. Reduce cooking temperature to medium-low and introduce a harmonious blend of ricotta, Parmesan, chicken broth, and optional heavy cream.
8. Whisk the ingredients until they merge into a velvety, smooth sauce, incorporating Italian seasoning and a hint of red pepper flakes for complexity.
9. Reintroduce the previously cooked chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring complete coverage and flavor integration.
10. Gently fold the prepared pasta into the skillet, coating each strand with the luxurious sauce.
11. Adjust the sauce consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water, creating the perfect texture.
12. For added nutrition, incorporate fresh spinach or kale, allowing the greens to gently wilt into the dish.
13. Present the pasta on individual plates, elevating the visual appeal with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and an additional dusting of Parmesan cheese.
14. Serve immediately, capturing the dish’s peak warmth and creamy perfection.

Notes

• Swap whole wheat pasta with gluten-free alternatives like chickpea or zucchini noodles for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce calories and boost protein content while maintaining creamy texture.
• Choose skinless chicken breasts for leaner protein and faster cooking time without compromising flavor.
• Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to increase nutritional value and create more complex taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 576
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg