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Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 139 reviews

A comforting and delicious creamy ricotta chicken pasta recipe that combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious ricotta and Parmesan sauce, fresh herbs, and perfectly cooked pasta. This easy skillet dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced thin
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Pasta

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

Sauce

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water (plus extra as needed)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

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 add chicken. Cook until golden and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, but do not add herbs yet to preserve their fresh flavor.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve one cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
  3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Using the same skillet with the cooked chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Reduce heat to low, then stir in the ricotta cheese and add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Mix thoroughly until a smooth, creamy sauce forms coating the chicken evenly.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the ricotta sauce and chicken. Toss gently to combine, making sure every piece of pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add more reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in freshly chopped basil and parsley to add brightness and freshness to the dish. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and toss once more before serving immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture works best with this creamy sauce.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor impact and add them at the end to preserve their aroma.
  • If ricotta is too thick, loosen it with reserved pasta water or additional chicken broth.
  • For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or milk along with the ricotta.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen sauce.

Keywords: creamy ricotta chicken pasta, chicken pasta recipe, quick chicken dinner, Italian pasta, ricotta sauce pasta

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