Heavenly Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a delightful ricotta chicken pasta brings pure comfort to your kitchen table.

Soft, pillowy cheese blends seamlessly with tender chicken pieces.

Mediterranean flavors dance across each forkful, creating a rich and satisfying meal.

Home cooks adore this simple yet elegant dish that comes together quickly.

creamy textures and subtle herb notes make every bite irresistible.

Fresh ingredients transform ordinary ingredients into something truly spectacular.

Let me show you how to create magic on your dinner plate.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with similar shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni that hold sauce well.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.

• Can I use low-fat alternatives in this recipe?

You can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, and use part-skim ricotta, but the sauce might be less creamy and rich.

• How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?

Red pepper flakes add a mild heat that’s easily adjustable. Start with a small pinch and add more to taste if you prefer more spice.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta: What Sets It Apart

• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Dive into a delicious one-pan meal that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish everyone will love.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: With just a single skillet, you'll create a mouthwatering meal while keeping kitchen mess to an absolute minimum.
• Comfort Food Champion: This recipe combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy sauce that delivers pure comfort in every single bite.
• Flexible Flavor Booster: Easily customize by adding spinach or swapping ingredients to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.

Essential Ingredients For Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Pasta: A versatile base that creates the foundation of this creamy chicken dish.

• Chicken: The main source of protein that adds heartiness and flavor to the recipe.

• Ricotta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Heavy Cream: Creamy ingredients that provide rich texture and depth of flavor to the sauce.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential flavor enhancers that bring out the savory notes of the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice that adds a subtle heat and extra kick.

• Spinach: A nutritious green that adds color, freshness, and additional nutrients to the pasta.

• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté ingredients and develop flavor.
• Pasta Water: A starchy liquid that helps create a silky, smooth sauce consistency.

Stepwise Preparation For Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta in salted water until it reaches al dente texture. Before draining, carefully scoop out and set aside some pasta water for later use.

Step 2: Sizzle Garlic in Olive Oil

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame. Add minced garlic and cook until it becomes wonderfully aromatic and slightly golden.

Step 3: Introduce Seasoned Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Stir and cook until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.

Step 4: Create Velvety Cheese Sauce

• Ricotta cheese
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese

Whisk continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add drained pasta directly into the cheese mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure every pasta strand is beautifully coated.

If the sauce seems thick, splash in reserved pasta water to achieve a silky consistency.

Step 6: Wilt Fresh Spinach

Fold in fresh spinach leaves and cook for 1-2 minutes until they become tender and slightly wilted.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for an extra flavor kick. Enjoy immediately while hot and creamy.

Helpful Tips For Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas to create a delightful vegetarian version of this creamy pasta dish.
• Reserve pasta water strategically to control sauce consistency, adding splash by splash for perfect creaminess.
• Experiment with different leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for varied nutritional profiles.
• Enhance flavor depth by roasting garlic beforehand or adding a splash of white wine during sauce preparation.
• For low-carb alternatives, replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash without compromising taste.

Creative Alternatives For Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Pasta: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced jalapeños, and top with chopped cilantro for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves for a Greek-style flavor profile.
• Pesto Chicken Pasta: Swap ricotta and cream with homemade or store-bought pesto sauce, adding toasted pine nuts and extra Parmesan for richness.
• Roasted Vegetable Chicken Pasta: Mix in roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes to boost vegetable content and add caramelized depth.

Complementary Foods For Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Rustic Family Dinner Night

• Serve this comforting pasta in large ceramic bowls for a homey feel.
• Pair with crusty garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal.
• Let everyone sprinkle extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes at the table.

Weekend Meal Prep Solution

• Package individual portions in glass containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
• Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently with a splash of pasta water.
• Perfect for busy professionals wanting delicious homemade meals.

Italian-Inspired Gathering

• Create a beautiful pasta platter with fresh basil leaves scattered on top.
• Serve family-style in a large wooden serving dish for interactive dining.
• Complement with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio for an authentic experience.

Best Storage Practices For Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Store leftover creamy ricotta chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the container sealed to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish's flavor.
• Transfer the pasta to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or cream to restore the creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Alternatively, use the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful ricotta chicken pasta brings Italian comfort to weeknight dinners with minimal ingredients. Fresh herbs and silky sauce make this meal something you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or fettuccine)
• 2 cups (480 ml) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta water (reserved)
• 1 cup (240 ml) spinach (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta in boiling water according to package directions, carefully extracting and preserving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic and lightly golden.
3. Incorporate cooked chicken pieces into the fragrant garlic base, seasoning thoroughly with salt, ground black pepper, and Italian herb blend to enhance flavor profile.
4. Reduce heat to low, gently folding ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan into the pan, stirring continuously until sauce transforms into a luxurious, creamy consistency.
5. Transfer drained pasta directly into the velvety sauce, meticulously coating each strand by gently tossing and rotating the mixture.
6. Adjust sauce consistency by incrementally introducing reserved pasta water, creating a silkier, more fluid texture as needed.
7. If desired, integrate fresh spinach leaves into the mixture, allowing them to wilt naturally and infuse additional color and nutritional value for 1-2 minutes.
8. Plate immediately while piping hot, embellishing with additional Parmesan shavings and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a zesty finish.

Notes

• Swap chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that maintains the creamy protein-packed profile.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish completely gluten-free without compromising texture or taste.
• Reserve pasta water strategically; the starchy liquid helps create a smoother, more cohesive sauce that clings perfectly to noodles.
• Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the dish’s brightness and add an extra layer of fresh flavor complexity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 493 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 390 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg