Easy Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

The aroma of garlic sizzling in olive oil fills your kitchen as you prepare to whip up a glorious bowl of creamy ricotta chicken pasta. Imagine the rich flavors melding together with tender chicken and luscious cheese—a dish that’s not just food but an experience that warms the soul and tantalizes the taste buds.

Picture this: it’s a cozy Sunday evening, and your family gathers around the dinner table. As you serve up heaping plates of this creamy delight, their eyes light up with anticipation. It’s one of those meals that brings smiles and happy chatter—perfect for celebrating life’s little moments or simply enjoying a weeknight treat.

I still remember the first time I made this dish; my friends were so impressed they thought I had taken a cooking class!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts will do nicely; adjust based on appetite and company size.
• Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm garlic cloves for robust flavor; nothing beats fresh!
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it adds depth and richness.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta is the star here; choose whole milk for the best texture.
• Pasta of Choice: I prefer penne or fettuccine; they hold onto that creamy sauce perfectly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty kick; freshly grated is always better than pre-packaged.
• Spinach or Kale (optional): Adds nutrition and color; feel free to toss in any greens you have on hand.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all flavors beautifully.
• Lemon Zest (optional): A sprinkle of zest brightens the dish like sunshine on a plate!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on the counter. Chop garlic finely and dice your chicken into bite-sized pieces—this helps with even cooking.

Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper until golden brown—about 5-7 minutes should do.

Add Garlic and Greens: Toss in minced garlic along with spinach or kale if using. Sauté until fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing within seconds!

Cook Your Pasta: Meanwhile, bring salted water to a boil in another pot. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente—about 8-10 minutes usually works well.

Create the Sauce: Stir in ricotta cheese into the skillet once the greens wilt down. Combine until smooth—if too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Toss Together: Drain your pasta and add it directly into the skillet with the sauce. Mix everything well until coated beautifully—finish off with Parmesan cheese!

Remember to serve hot! The combination of flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that keeps everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds).

Enjoy diving into this creamy delight with your loved ones!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to lock in flavors, then cook the pasta while preparing your luscious sauce. This ensures everything comes together seamlessly and you avoid overcooked noodles.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the ricotta for mascarpone or add fresh herbs like basil for extra flavor. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can give it a delightful kick!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to maintain that creamy texture without drying it out.

Cooking this creamy ricotta chicken pasta brought back memories of family gatherings where laughter and delicious food filled the air, making it a cherished recipe.

FAQ

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape works well; just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How can I make this dish lighter?

Substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce option.

What can I serve with creamy ricotta chicken pasta?

Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

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Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

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• Author: platesdaily
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in this easy creamy ricotta chicken pasta, a luxurious yet simple dish that your family will love, perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

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Instructions

1. 1. Prep Ingredients: Dice chicken and mince garlic. Gather all ingredients.
2. 2. Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
3. 3. Add Garlic and Greens: Stir in minced garlic and optional spinach/kale; sauté until fragrant.
4. 4. Cook Pasta: Boil salted water in a pot; add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
5. 5. Create Sauce: Stir ricotta into the skillet with chicken until smooth. If too thick, add reserved pasta water.
6. 6. Combine: Drain pasta and mix it into the skillet, coating well with sauce. Finish with Parmesan cheese.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 560mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 85mg