Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of this Ricotta Chicken Pasta, where tender chicken meets a velvety ricotta sauce infused with garlic and herbs. The smooth blend of Parmesan and cream coats every strand of pasta, creating an irresistibly satisfying dish. The addition of spinach and cherry tomatoes adds a pop of color and freshness, balancing the richness beautifully.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal with guests, this dish is effortless yet impressive. Whether you’re a pasta lover or simply looking for a comforting, easy recipe, this creamy ricotta chicken pasta is sure to become a household favorite. Pair it with a glass of white wine and some crusty garlic bread for the ultimate dining experience.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add the chopped spinach and cherry tomatoes, stirring until the spinach wilts.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together.
- Add the drained pasta and mix well to coat it in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta – A Luxurious Yet Easy Meal
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as satisfying as a creamy, cheese-infused pasta. Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is the perfect blend of rich flavors, tender chicken, and a velvety sauce made with ricotta and Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is a go-to option. It offers a restaurant-quality meal without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Why Ricotta is the Perfect Cheese for This Dish
Many creamy pasta recipes rely on heavy cream, but ricotta cheese brings a unique texture and flavor to this dish. Unlike cream-based sauces, which can sometimes feel overly rich or heavy, ricotta provides a light yet creamy consistency that balances beautifully with the other ingredients. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs exceptionally well with chicken and Italian herbs.
Ricotta is also a healthier alternative to heavier creams or full-fat cheese sauces. It’s naturally lower in fat while still offering a creamy mouthfeel, making this dish indulgent but not overwhelming. When blended with Parmesan and a touch of heavy cream, the sauce becomes silky smooth and coats the pasta perfectly.
The Perfect Chicken for Pasta
The choice of chicken breast in this recipe keeps the dish lean and high in protein, making it a well-balanced meal. Sautéing the chicken in olive oil and butter ensures it remains juicy and flavorful. Adding minced garlic enhances the depth of flavor, giving the dish a restaurant-style appeal.
For those who prefer darker meat, chicken thighs can be an alternative. They offer a slightly richer taste and stay extra tender when cooked in the creamy sauce. The key is to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, so it cooks evenly and absorbs all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
Spinach and Tomatoes: A Burst of Freshness
A creamy dish like this benefits from the addition of fresh vegetables, both for flavor and nutrition. The spinach adds a pop of color and a subtle earthy taste that complements the ricotta sauce. Since spinach wilts quickly, it blends seamlessly into the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
Meanwhile, cherry tomatoes bring a bright, tangy contrast. Their slight acidity helps cut through the richness of the sauce, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced. The juicy texture of the tomatoes also adds a pleasant burst of freshness to the dish.
Choosing the Right Pasta
The beauty of this dish is its versatility—you can use almost any type of pasta. However, some options work better than others in holding onto the creamy ricotta sauce.
- Penne: The ridges help trap the sauce, making each bite flavorful.
- Fettuccine: The wide, flat shape allows the sauce to coat the pasta evenly.
- Rigatoni: The hollow tubes soak up the creamy sauce, adding an extra layer of indulgence.
- Tagliatelle: Perfect for a fancier touch, it works well with the velvety consistency of ricotta.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole wheat or chickpea pasta can be great alternatives. They add extra fiber and protein while maintaining a hearty texture.
Tips for Achieving the Creamiest Sauce
A creamy pasta dish can easily go wrong if the sauce is too thick, too thin, or grainy. Here are some expert tips to achieve a perfectly smooth and luscious ricotta sauce every time:
- Use high-quality ricotta cheese: The fresher the ricotta, the creamier the texture. Low-quality ricotta can be grainy, affecting the consistency of the sauce.
- Warm up the ricotta before adding it to the pasta: This helps it blend more smoothly without curdling or clumping.
- Reserve some pasta water: The starchy water helps thin out the sauce while keeping it rich and silky. Add a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Don’t overheat the sauce: Ricotta can become grainy if exposed to high heat for too long. Always keep the temperature at a gentle simmer rather than a full boil.
How to Make It Even More Flavorful
While the basic recipe is already packed with flavor, there are a few ways to elevate the dish:
- Add sun-dried tomatoes: They provide a rich, umami-packed punch that complements the ricotta sauce.
- Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts: This adds a subtle crunch, enhancing the overall texture.
- Mix in crispy bacon or pancetta: If you want an extra layer of savory goodness, crispy bacon pieces will take the dish to the next level.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley: Fresh herbs brighten up the dish and make it feel extra special.
Pairing This Dish with the Right Sides
Since Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is already rich and satisfying, it’s best to pair it with lighter sides. Here are some excellent choices:
- A fresh green salad: A simple mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic dressing balances the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic bread or focaccia: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Roasted vegetables: Asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers add a delicious smoky contrast.
- A crisp white wine: A glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc enhances the creamy, herby flavors of the dish.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the best things about Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is its versatility. It can be made in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. At the same time, it has an elegant, gourmet feel, making it a fantastic option for date nights or dinner parties.
It’s also a crowd-pleaser—picky eaters, kids, and food lovers alike will enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness. Since it’s easy to customize, you can adjust it based on dietary preferences, such as using gluten-free pasta or substituting chicken with mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a pasta dish that’s luxuriously creamy, bursting with flavor, and incredibly easy to make, this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is the perfect choice. With its velvety sauce, juicy chicken, and fresh vegetables, it offers the best of comfort food while still feeling light and fresh.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. It’s quick, satisfying, and endlessly customizable, making it a staple recipe that you’ll want to make again and again. Pair it with a simple salad and a glass of wine, and you have a restaurant-worthy meal in the comfort of your home.
So why not try it tonight? One bite of this creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious pasta, and you’ll see why it’s a favorite!