Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like a bowl of creamy ricotta chicken pasta to turn an ordinary evening into something special. The way the rich, velvety sauce clings to each bite of tender pasta, combined with juicy chicken and just the right touch of garlic, makes this dish a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food.

I first made this dish on a whim, trying to use up some ricotta leftover from a lasagna night. What started as a simple experiment quickly became a family favorite, earning a permanent spot in our dinner rotation. It's creamy, satisfying, and—best of all—easy enough for a busy weeknight.

If you're looking for a meal that's both indulgent and effortless, this is it. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this creamy ricotta chicken pasta!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with a pasta dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. This recipe checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight meal.

First, it's incredibly quick. You can have this pasta ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you need something fast but homemade.

It’s also budget-friendly. With simple, readily available ingredients, you can feed the whole family without spending a fortune.

The creamy ricotta sauce is a game-changer. Unlike heavier Alfredo sauces, ricotta keeps it light yet indulgent, giving you the best of both worlds.

And let’s not forget how versatile it is. Whether you want to add some extra veggies, swap the protein, or spice it up with red pepper flakes, this dish is easy to customize.

Now, let’s talk about the simple ingredients that make this dish so incredible.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this creamy ricotta chicken pasta lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making this dish perfectly balanced and satisfying.

The pasta is the heart of this dish, and I recommend using rigatoni, penne, or fettuccine. These shapes hold onto the creamy ricotta sauce beautifully, ensuring you get a perfect bite every time. If you're using spaghetti or angel hair, be sure to toss well so the sauce coats evenly.

For the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. They cook up quickly and stay tender when sliced thin. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs add even more flavor and stay extra juicy.

Ricotta cheese is the star of the sauce. Opt for whole-milk ricotta for a rich and creamy texture. If you only have part-skim ricotta, it will still work but won’t be quite as luxurious. To enhance the flavor, mix the ricotta with a little Parmesan for an extra savory kick.

A touch of garlic and onion adds depth to the dish. Fresh garlic makes all the difference here, giving the sauce a fragrant, slightly sweet undertone. A finely diced onion cooked until golden brings out natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy ricotta.

To bring everything together, you’ll need chicken broth and pasta water. These help loosen the ricotta, creating a smooth, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. Don’t forget a final sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil for the perfect finishing touch!

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking.

How To Make This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Making this dish is surprisingly simple, yet the result feels like something from a fancy Italian restaurant. Follow these steps for a perfectly creamy, flavorful pasta dish.

Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Make sure to reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining—it’s key for getting the perfect sauce consistency later.

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then cook your sliced chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove it from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the onion until soft and translucent, then add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. These aromatics build a rich base for the sauce.

Now, it’s time to make the creamy ricotta sauce. Lower the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese, followed by chicken broth and a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir until smooth, adding more pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency. The goal is a creamy but not overly thick sauce.

Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the pan, tossing everything together until the chicken is well coated. Finally, add the drained pasta and gently stir until every piece is coated in that dreamy ricotta sauce.

Give it a final taste, adjusting with salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan and fresh basil for a restaurant-worthy finish.

In just about 30 minutes, you have a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious pasta dish ready to enjoy!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you’ll be happy to know that this pasta stores well.

For refrigeration, store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The ricotta sauce may thicken as it sits, but a splash of water or milk when reheating will bring it back to its creamy consistency.

Freezing is possible, though ricotta-based sauces can become slightly grainy after thawing. If you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of liquid (milk, broth, or pasta water) to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the ricotta to separate.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this creamy ricotta chicken pasta is how easy it is to customize.

If you’re looking to add more veggies, spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms make fantastic additions. Stir them into the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

Want to switch up the protein? Try using shrimp or Italian sausage instead of chicken. Both pair beautifully with the creamy ricotta sauce.

For a lighter version, swap whole-milk ricotta for part-skim ricotta and use zucchini noodles or whole-wheat pasta instead of traditional pasta.

If you love a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for a subtle kick.

And for a fun twist, mix in a spoonful of pesto for an herby, garlicky depth of flavor. It adds an extra layer of richness that’s simply irresistible.

No matter how you customize it, this pasta is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a bowl of creamy, dreamy goodness!

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