Irresistibly Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Whipping up a delightful ricotta chicken pasta can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into a memorable culinary adventure.

Smooth cheese and tender chicken create a luxurious combination that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Comfort meets elegance in this simple yet sophisticated dish that comes together faster than you might expect.

Home cooks adore how effortlessly these ingredients blend into a harmonious meal.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each forkful, promising satisfaction with every bite.

creamy textures and rich seasonings will make you the star of dinner, impressing everyone around the table.

Get ready to fall in love with this irresistible pasta that brings joy to your kitchen.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Comfort

• Boost Flavor Fast: Packed with Italian seasonings, garlic, and red pepper flakes, this chicken pasta delivers a punch of delicious taste in every bite.
• Customize with Ease: Swap spinach for other greens, adjust spice levels, or add extra protein to make this recipe perfectly suited to your family's preferences.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Simple step-by-step instructions mean even novice cooks can create a restaurant-quality meal without stress or complicated techniques.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward preparation make this recipe a dream for busy home cooks looking for a quick and satisfying dinner solution.

Ingredients for Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Pasta: The foundation of the dish that provides hearty texture and substance.
• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that adds savory flavor and makes the dish filling.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy Italian cheese that creates a smooth and luxurious sauce base.

• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Classic spices that enhance the overall taste profile of the chicken.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and complexity to the dish.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor to the creamy sauce.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Liquids that help create a silky and rich sauce consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Spinach, Fresh Basil: Optional green ingredients that provide freshness and additional nutrition.

Cooking Ricotta Chicken Pasta Guide

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta according to package directions. Save half a cup of pasta water before draining the rest.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Cook until the chicken turns golden brown and is fully cooked through.

Step 3: Boost Flavor with Aromatics

Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for one minute until fragrant and releasing their amazing aroma.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Creamy Sauce

• Ricotta cheese
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth

Mix until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 5: Melt in Cheesy Goodness

Add Parmesan cheese and stir until completely melted and combined.

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

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring every strand is beautifully coated.

If desired, add spinach and cook until it wilts.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Plate the pasta hot, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your restaurant-worthy meal!

Tips for Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Swap chicken with tofu or white beans for a vegetarian version that maintains the creamy texture and protein content.
• Reserve pasta water strategically, as it helps create a silky sauce by adding starch and moisture to bind ingredients smoothly.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on spice preference, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing for desired heat level.
• Choose full-fat ricotta for maximum creaminess and richness, which enhances the overall sauce's smooth consistency.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown searing and prevent excess moisture during cooking.

Flavorful Twists on Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace ricotta and heavy cream with cashew cream and coconut milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan-friendly version.
• Protein Power Swap: Substitute chicken with shredded rotisserie turkey or ground turkey for a different protein profile. Season similarly for consistent flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta like chickpea or brown rice pasta. Ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free to maintain dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and swap red pepper flakes for harissa paste. Incorporate fresh oregano for an authentic Mediterranean feel.

Pairing Ideas for Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Rustic Family Dinner Platter: Arrange the creamy pasta on a large wooden board, surrounded by fresh herb sprigs and crusty garlic bread, creating a family-style serving experience that invites everyone to dig in together.
• Elegant Date Night Presentation: Plate the pasta in shallow white bowls, carefully twirling the noodles, and garnish with a delicate sprinkle of fresh basil and extra Parmesan, perfect for an intimate dinner at home.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion the pasta into sealed containers for a delicious lunch option, keeping the sauce and pasta separate to maintain optimal texture when reheating during busy workdays.
• Garden Party Side Dish: Serve the pasta in small appetizer portions on individual small plates, accompanied by a light salad and crisp white wine, making it an excellent contribution to a summer gathering.

Storage Advice for Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Refrigerate leftover Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store the pasta separately from additional garnishes like fresh basil to keep ingredients crisp and prevent wilting.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to storage containers to prevent condensation and potential soggy texture.
• Freeze the pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

• Is this pasta dish healthy?

While delicious, it’s a moderately rich meal with protein from chicken and calcium from ricotta. Use whole wheat pasta and lean chicken for a healthier version.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta options like brown rice or chickpea pasta. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

Create a quick substitute by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions. Most home cooks already have these spices in their pantry.

• How spicy is this recipe with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild warmth, not intense heat. You can reduce or completely omit them if you prefer a non-spicy version or have sensitive taste buds.

Simple Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful creamy ricotta chicken pasta showcases Italian culinary traditions with rich, comforting flavors. Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly to create a memorable meal you’ll savor with enthusiasm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup chicken broth

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup heavy cream

Pasta and Additional Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup spinach (optional)
• Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, saving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté chicken pieces seasoned with Italian herbs until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and incorporate minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for 30-45 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
4. Gently fold ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth into the skillet, creating a smooth, velvety sauce by whisking continuously.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and integrated; adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if sauce appears too thick.
6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to ensure each strand is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
7. If desired, mix in fresh spinach leaves and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until they wilt and become tender.
8. Transfer to serving plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for spice-sensitive diners.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for those with gluten restrictions.
• Choose chicken breast for leaner protein or swap with rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
• Enhance nutrition by adding roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers directly into the sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg