Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is the kind of comforting, satisfying dish that turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into something special with minimal effort. Combining tender pieces of seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, velvety ricotta-based sauce, this dish strikes the perfect balance between hearty and light.
The mild, creamy flavor of ricotta pairs beautifully with garlic, parmesan, and a hint of lemon zest, creating a sauce that’s both luxurious and fresh. Add a handful of baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy meal in under 30 minutes.
This recipe is a go-to for busy cooks because it’s so versatile—whether you use penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine, it’s hard to go wrong. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie meat.
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is also a great canvas for customization, accommodating different herbs, vegetables, or even a dash of chili flakes for heat. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.
CREAMY RICOTTA CHICKEN PASTA
Description
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a rich, comforting dish that blends tender pasta with juicy chicken and a velvety ricotta-based sauce.
Enhanced with garlic, Parmesan, and herbs, this recipe delivers a balanced, creamy texture and savory depth.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, it’s both indulgent and easy to prepare. The ricotta adds a light, fluffy creaminess without overwhelming the other flavors, while spinach or sun-dried tomatoes can add color and brightness.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with gourmet flair, ideal for anyone craving a satisfying pasta dish that feels homemade and hearty.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
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While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
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In the same pan, lower heat to medium and add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute, then stir in the ricotta, cream, and Parmesan. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
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Stir in lemon zest (if using), then add the cooked chicken and spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes, just until spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through.
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Toss in the cooked pasta. Add reserved pasta water a bit at a time to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency. Season with more salt and pepper, if needed.
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Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 600kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30g47%
- Saturated Fat 12g60%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Protein 40g80%
- Calcium 250 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a comforting and satisfying dish that blends tender pasta, juicy chicken, and the silky smoothness of ricotta cheese into one irresistible meal.
While the recipe itself is straightforward, a few expert tips and clever serving tricks can elevate your dish from simple to sensational.
Below is a complete guide to mastering this meal, ensuring it’s delicious, visually appealing, and perfect for family dinners or elegant entertaining.
Tips for Perfecting Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
- Use Fresh Ricotta: The creaminess and flavor of the dish hinge on the quality of the ricotta. Opt for fresh, whole-milk ricotta rather than the watery, pre-packaged versions. You can even make your own at home for maximum freshness.
- Sear the Chicken: Instead of boiling or poaching, sear the chicken breasts or thighs in olive oil to develop a golden crust. This not only boosts flavor but adds texture. Once cooked, let them rest before slicing to keep them juicy.
- Season in Layers: Start by seasoning your chicken well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and even a pinch of paprika or Italian herbs. As you cook, taste and adjust the seasoning in your sauce to build balanced flavors throughout the dish.
- Pasta Water is Liquid Gold: Don’t drain all your pasta water! Reserve a cup before straining. The starchy water helps emulsify the sauce and ensures a silky finish when mixed with ricotta and Parmesan.
- Add Greens: Incorporating spinach, kale, or arugula into the pasta not only adds nutrition but color and texture. Simply stir the greens into the hot pasta until wilted for a quick and healthy upgrade.
- Layer the Cheese: Don’t rely solely on ricotta. Adding a handful of shredded mozzarella or freshly grated Parmesan enhances the richness and adds gooey, cheesy goodness. Blend some in the sauce and sprinkle the rest on top before serving.
Serving Tricks for Presentation and Practicality
- Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of fresh basil, parsley, or thyme makes a big difference in presentation and aroma. A light drizzle of olive oil or a zest of lemon over the top right before serving adds brightness and contrast to the creamy base.
- Use Individual Bowls or Small Cast-Iron Skillets: For dinner parties or date nights, serve individual portions in mini cast-iron pans or colorful pasta bowls. It looks elegant and feels restaurant-worthy.
- Bread on the Side: Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up the creamy sauce. It’s both delicious and useful — no sauce left behind.
- Pair with Wine: A light white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy texture without overwhelming the delicate cheese and chicken flavors.
- Store Smartly: This pasta holds up well in the fridge for 2–3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream and stir well to revive the sauce’s creamy consistency.
Conclusion
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is the epitome of comfort food — hearty, creamy, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight meal or dressing it up for guests, attention to detail makes all the difference.
Fresh ingredients, thoughtful seasoning, and presentation tips like garnishing and plating beautifully can transform a simple pasta dish into a culinary standout.
Best of all, this meal is versatile. You can adapt it with seasonal veggies, switch the protein (try shrimp or mushrooms), or spice it up with red pepper flakes or sundried tomatoes.
It’s a flexible, family-friendly favorite that tastes like a hug in a bowl — simple enough to cook on a busy evening, but elegant enough to impress.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes ricotta a good choice for creamy pasta sauces?
Ricotta cheese is a mild, creamy cheese that blends beautifully into sauces, offering a light texture and subtle tang without overwhelming other ingredients. In Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta, it acts as the base for a velvety sauce that clings well to noodles.
Unlike heavier options like Alfredo, ricotta provides creaminess without excessive fat, making the dish feel indulgent but not too rich. For best results, use whole milk ricotta for added body and flavor.
Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken is a time-saving option that works well in this dish. Simply shred or chop the meat into bite-sized pieces and add it to the sauce near the end of cooking, just long enough to warm it through.
Since the chicken is already cooked, this method reduces prep time and prevents overcooking. Make sure the seasoning on the chicken complements the flavors of the pasta—if it’s heavily spiced, adjust the sauce accordingly.
How can I enhance the flavor of the ricotta sauce?
While ricotta provides creaminess, it’s naturally mild, so the sauce benefits from flavorful add-ins.
Sautéed garlic, onion, and herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano are great foundations. A splash of lemon juice or zest brightens the dish, while grated Parmesan adds umami and depth.
For a touch of heat, consider a pinch of red pepper flakes. Freshly ground black pepper and sea salt are essential to balance the flavors.
What pasta types work best with ricotta chicken sauce?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle are ideal, as they hold onto the sauce in their ridges and hollows.
However, long pasta such as fettuccine or tagliatelle can also work if you prefer a more traditional look.
Regardless of type, cook the pasta al dente so it maintains texture and doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
