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Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 104 reviews

This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts sautéed to perfection, combined with al dente pasta and enveloped in a luscious ricotta cheese sauce. Fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese add brightness and a savory finish, making it a perfect easy weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce

  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced thin
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water (plus extra as needed)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Pasta

  • 8 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice your chicken breasts into thin, bite-sized pieces to ensure quick cooking. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper but hold off on adding herbs until later to maximize flavor layering.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining; this will be used later to adjust the sauce consistency.
  3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet with the cooked chicken, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ricotta cheese along with a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Mix until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, coating the chicken evenly.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy ricotta sauce. Gently toss everything together to ensure each piece of pasta is well coated. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add more reserved pasta water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in freshly chopped basil and parsley to add a bright, fresh flavor. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and toss once more before serving hot.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness as needed without diluting flavor.
  • Fresh herbs like basil and parsley brighten the dish—don’t skip them!
  • Chicken breasts can be substituted with thighs if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
  • For a lighter version, substitute part of the ricotta with low-fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt.

Keywords: ricotta chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, quick chicken pasta, Italian pasta recipe, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://familyfavplates.com/creamy-ricotta-chicken-pasta-recipe/