CREAMY RICOTTA CHICKEN PASTA

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.

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 25 mins

Total Time 40 mins

Cooking Method: Baking

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Dinner, Lunch

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4

Estimated Cost: 18.00

Calories: 600

Best Season: Spring, Summer

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

12 oz pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
2 chicken breasts, cubed
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
½ cup heavy cream or whole milk
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 of Zest lemon
2 cups fresh spinach
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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.
6
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.

Keywords: ricotta, creamy pasta, chicken, comfort food, quick dinner,