Description
Creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, Ricotta Chicken Pasta is the perfect cozy dinner. Tender chicken is tossed with a velvety ricotta sauce, garlic, and fresh herbs in this quick and easy meal, ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup milk or reserved pasta water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Ricotta Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Reduce heat to low and stir in ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, milk (or pasta water), lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth and heated through.
- Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust consistency with extra pasta water if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the pasta. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.
Notes
- Add Vegetables: Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Swap the Protein: Use shrimp, turkey, or tofu for variety.
- Make it Spicier: Increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
- Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: italian inspired
Keywords: Ricotta Chicken Pasta, creamy pasta recipe, easy chicken pasta, weeknight dinner, Italian-inspired pasta.