If you’re craving a dish that brings comfort, elegance, and a burst of fresh flavors all in one bowl, this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. It beautifully combines tender chicken pieces with a velvety ricotta-based sauce, zesty lemon notes, and vibrant greens, creating a harmonious melody of taste and texture that feels as cozy as a warm embrace. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, this pasta is sure to become a favorite you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe relies on simple, straightforward ingredients that deliver big on flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role, from the juicy chicken to the creamy ricotta and fresh herbs, making the cooking process accessible and the final dish unforgettable.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): The perfect foundation for sautéing chicken, adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound): Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors throughout the dish.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle, savory depth to the chicken.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Brings a hint of sweetness and complexity to the seasoning.
- Pasta (8 ounces): Penne or fettuccine work beautifully to hold the creamy sauce.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): The star ingredient that creates that luscious, creamy texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Provides sharpness and richness to the sauce.
- Chicken broth (3/4 cup): Adds moisture and subtle savory notes.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the dish with a fresh, zesty punch.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Offers a fragrant foundation to the sauce.
- Dried Italian herbs (1 teaspoon): A blend that infuses every bite with a classic Mediterranean flair.
- Fresh spinach leaves (1 cup): Adds color, nutrition, and a delicate earthiness.
- Chopped fresh basil (1/4 cup): Introduces a sweet, aromatic freshness to finish.
- Optional: Red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat and color when serving.
How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your choice of pasta—penne or fettuccine work perfectly—until al dente, which means it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Once cooked, drain and set aside. This step builds the foundation of your dish, so don’t overcook the pasta as it will finish cooking slightly when combined with the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to infuse them with depth of flavor. Add the chicken to the pan and sauté until cooked through and golden brown on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes. This caramelization adds a beautiful savory note that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for later.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Lower the heat to low, then stir in the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chicken broth, lemon juice, and dried Italian herbs. Mix well and let the sauce cook gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it’s warmed through and starts to thicken slightly. This combination creates the silky, luscious sauce that defines this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the sautéed chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring to coat every bite in the rich ricotta sauce. This ensures the chicken remains tender and flavorful, soaking in all those beautiful saucy notes.
Step 5: Add Greens and Pasta
Now it’s time to toss in fresh spinach, stirring gently until it wilts just enough to add a pop of color and subtle earthiness without losing its vibrancy. Then fold in your cooked pasta, making sure every strand or piece is lovingly wrapped in that creamy, garlicky sauce.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Basil
Turn off the heat and sprinkle in the chopped fresh basil. This final touch brings an aromatic lift that complements the richness of the cheese and the brightness of the lemon beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes on top for some unexpected heat and vibrant red specks that contrast nicely with the creamy sauce. You can also add an extra dusting of freshly grated Parmesan for a sharp, cheesy finish.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to echo the citrus in the pasta. Garlic bread is another fantastic companion—it soaks up any leftover sauce and adds a delightful crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the pasta in shallow bowls rather than on plates, allowing the sauce to pool invitingly beneath the pasta and chicken. Garnish with whole basil leaves and a lemon wedge so guests can add an extra splash of brightness to their liking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any remaining Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld wonderfully overnight, making for a tasty next-day meal.
Freezing
While freezing creamy pasta dishes can sometimes affect texture, you can freeze this dish in a well-sealed container for up to one month. Use a gentle thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve the sauce’s creaminess as much as possible.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much, to bring back that silky, luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese besides ricotta?
Ricotta’s creamy but mild flavor is key to this recipe’s signature texture, but you could experiment with mascarpone or cream cheese for a richer taste. Just be mindful that sharper cheeses might overpower the delicate balance.
What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
Penne and fettuccine are ideal because their shapes hold the sauce well. However, feel free to use your favorite pasta; even shells or fusilli will trap that wonderful creamy sauce beautifully.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety. The sauce and chicken remain the same, so the dish’s deliciousness is fully intact.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Adding sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers before combining the chicken with the sauce adds both color and nutrition, blending perfectly with the creamy ricotta base.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?
You can cook most components ahead and assemble just before serving. Keep the sauce and chicken warm separately, then combine with freshly cooked pasta to ensure that perfect creamy texture at the table.
Final Thoughts
Embracing the delightful blend of creamy ricotta, tender chicken, and fresh herbs, this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that feels both special and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a room full of hungry friends, give this recipe a try—you’ll fall in love with every luscious, satisfying bite.
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Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a delicious and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts sautéed to golden perfection and enveloped in a luscious ricotta and Parmesan cheese sauce. Combined with fresh spinach and herbs, and tossed with your favorite pasta, this recipe makes for a satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Protein and Dairy
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
Pasta and Liquids
- 8 ounces pasta of your choice (such as penne or fettuccine)
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and sauté until cooked through and golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chicken broth, lemon juice, and dried Italian herbs. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and slightly thickened, stirring frequently to blend flavors.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir well to coat the pieces evenly with the creamy ricotta sauce.
- Add Greens and Pasta: Toss fresh spinach into the skillet and allow it to wilt slightly. Then add the cooked pasta and stir gently to mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Finish with Basil: Turn off the heat and fold in the fresh chopped basil, allowing its aroma to infuse the dish.
- Serve: Plate the creamy ricotta chicken pasta immediately, garnishing with red pepper flakes if desired for a touch of heat.
Notes
- You can use any pasta shape you like, but penne or fettuccine work best to hold the creamy sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute part of the ricotta with part-skim ricotta or Greek yogurt.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Fresh basil adds a bright herbal finish—avoid substituting with dried basil for best flavor.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the sauce.
