Introduction
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe brings the ultimate comfort to your dinner table — a luscious blend of creamy ricotta cheese, juicy chicken, and tender pasta swirled in a rich, velvety sauce. Imagine that satisfying first bite: cheesy, garlicky, and perfectly balanced with herbs and lemon brightness. This restaurant-style meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you crave something extra comforting yet easy.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Whether you call it Creamy Chicken and Ricotta Pasta Recipe, Cheesy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe, or even a One-Pot Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe, this dish guarantees that creamy Italian-style satisfaction without needing heavy cream.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
Creamy yet light: The ricotta adds silkiness without being overly rich.
Protein-packed: Chicken and ricotta make a filling, nutritious combo.
Ready in 30 minutes: A weeknight hero with restaurant-level flavor.
Customizable: Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted tomatoes for variety.
Budget-friendly: Simple pantry ingredients that stretch your dollar.
Perfectly balanced: A mix of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors.
Family-approved: Kids and adults love its comforting cheesy taste.
Reheats beautifully: The sauce stays creamy even the next day.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 tablespoons olive oil – adds richness and helps brown the chicken.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts – cut into bite-size pieces.
Salt and pepper – essential for building flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic powder + 1 teaspoon onion powder – enhances depth.
For the Pasta:
8 ounces pasta of your choice (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine) – the base that holds the creamy sauce perfectly.
For the Sauce:
1 cup ricotta cheese – gives the creamy, slightly sweet flavor base.
½ cup grated Parmesan – adds sharpness and umami.
¾ cup chicken broth – thins the sauce and deepens flavor.
1 tablespoon lemon juice – balances the richness with acidity.
2 cloves garlic, minced – infuses aroma.
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs – delivers that classic Italian feel.
For Greens & Garnish:
1 cup fresh spinach leaves – optional, for a nutritious twist.
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped – bright, fragrant finishing touch.
Optional: red pepper flakes – for a light kick of heat.
How to Make the Perfect Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until golden and cooked through—about 6–8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic for Flavor
Add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
4. Create the Creamy Ricotta Sauce
Lower the heat and stir in ricotta, Parmesan, chicken broth, lemon juice, and Italian herbs. Whisk until smooth and gently simmer for 3–4 minutes. The mixture should thicken slightly into a luxurious, creamy consistency.
5. Combine Everything
Add the chicken back into the pan, toss to coat in sauce, then add spinach and let it wilt. Stir in the cooked pasta. If needed, add reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until desired creaminess is reached.
6. Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat, sprinkle with fresh basil, and serve immediately. Garnish with red pepper flakes or extra Parmesan for a touch of flair.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
How do you keep ricotta pasta creamy?
Use pasta water — it contains starch that helps emulsify the sauce, creating a smooth, cohesive texture.
Can you use part-skim ricotta?
Yes! Easy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe works beautifully with part-skim ricotta for a lighter version that still tastes indulgent.
What kind of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well, but long pasta like fettuccine offers a classic presentation for Creamy Chicken Pasta with Ricotta Sauce Recipe.
How do you make it more flavorful?
Add roasted garlic or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth, or sprinkle crushed red pepper for a bold flavor kick.
Best Ways to Serve
Pair your Italian Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe with:
A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
Garlic bread or cheesy pull-apart rolls.
A glass of chilled white wine for a restaurant-style experience.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 480
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 18g
Calcium: 25% DV
Iron: 10% DV
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended—ricotta may separate after thawing.
FAQs
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, but it will have a slightly tangier and less smooth texture.
Is this dish gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking that your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
Can I bake it?
Absolutely! For a Baked Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe, top with mozzarella and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until bubbly.
Variations
Spinach Ricotta Chicken Pasta: Add extra spinach or kale for a veggie boost.
Creamy Tomato Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe: Mix in ½ cup tomato sauce for a tangy, pink-sauce version.
One-Pot Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe: Cook the pasta directly in the sauce for easier cleanup.
Low-carb option: Use zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.
Conclusion
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe is more than just a meal — it’s comfort in a bowl. The creamy ricotta sauce hugs each piece of chicken and pasta, offering a velvety bite that feels homemade yet indulgent. Whether you’re making it for family dinner, meal prep, or a cozy date night, it’s guaranteed to impress.