Name: Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 300g (10 oz) penne pasta; 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs; 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped

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Get ready to fall in love with pasta night all over again! Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is one of those irresistible dishes that brings together silky ricotta, juicy chicken, and the satisfying bite of penne in a rich, velvety sauce. Every forkful offers a comforting blend of cheesy goodness, gentle herbs, and just a touch of heat, making it a family favorite and go-to recipe for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or savoring a solo treat, this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta proves that a few everyday ingredients can work magic together when you cook with a little heart.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about simple ingredients coming together in the most delicious way. Each one plays an important role—bringing flavor, texture, or a pop of color—so don’t skip any of these if you’re after that signature Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta experience!

Penne pasta: Holds the creamy sauce perfectly and gives each bite a satisfying chew.
Chicken breasts: Thinly slicing the chicken ensures every piece cooks up juicy and tender.
Olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity base flavor and helps caramelize the chicken beautifully.
Garlic cloves: Minced garlic adds depth and that classic Italian aroma everyone loves.
Ricotta cheese: The star for ultimate creaminess—fresh or full-fat ricotta works best.
Heavy cream: Enriches the sauce, making it lusciously smooth.
Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty richness with a wonderful melt-in sauce.
Dried Italian herbs: Balances the creamy flavors with herby, earthy notes.
Chili flakes (optional): For a gentle kick that elevates the sauce—skip if you prefer mild.
Salt and pepper: Vital for seasoning every layer; taste as you go!
Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top, it brightens the dish with color and freshness.

How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil—this is the foundation for your pasta’s flavor! Boil the penne just until it’s al dente, so it holds up beautifully when mingled with the creamy sauce later. Drain and set it aside while you get things sizzling on the stove.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add those thinly sliced chicken pieces, season generously with salt and pepper, and let them cook for 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll want each piece to be golden on the outside and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate so it stays juicy while you work on the next steps.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic

Time for the kitchen to really start smelling amazing—toss the minced garlic into the same skillet and sauté it for about a minute, stirring constantly. You’re looking for just-softened garlic that releases its flavor without burning.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and stir in your ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan all at once. Mix and whisk until the sauce turns irresistibly smooth and creamy. The cheese trio melts together, creating a lush, slightly tangy sauce that’s the soul of Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta.

Step 5: Return Chicken and Add Seasonings

Add your cooked chicken back to the skillet and scoop it through the sauce so every piece gets coated. This is the moment to sprinkle in the Italian herbs and, if you want a little warmth, the chili flakes. Let the chicken soak up those cheesy, herby flavors.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained penne right into the skillet and toss everything together until the sauce hugs every noodle and piece of chicken. Don’t be shy here—a thorough mix means every bite will be creamy and flavorful.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer your finished Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta to plates or a serving bowl, then shower it with fresh parsley and a bonus sprinkle of Parmesan if you’d like. Serve immediately to enjoy all that creamy perfection at its best!

How to Serve Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

For a finish that feels restaurant-worthy, use plenty of chopped fresh parsley—it wakes up the whole dish and gives it a pop of effortless color. A final dusting of Parmesan brings more savory, nutty notes, while a few extra chili flakes cater to anyone who loves a little extra bite.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette, some garlic bread for swiping up every last bit of sauce, or even steamed broccoli for a lighter side. These accompaniments let the Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta shine while rounding out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve individual portions in shallow pasta bowls and swirl the pasta for that “chef’s kiss” look, or present the whole skillet family-style right on the table with a big serving spoon. For a dinner party, top each portion with microgreens or lemon zest for a fresh twist and a splash of visual flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days, making it perfect for easy grab-and-go lunches or a fuss-free second dinner.

Freezing

While ricotta-based sauces can sometimes change texture after freezing, you can still freeze portions of this dish if needed. Place the cooled pasta in freezer-safe bags or containers, trying to squeeze out as much air as possible. It’s best eaten within a month to capture its creamy charm.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a covered skillet with a splash of milk or extra cream to loosen the sauce and revive its silkiness. The microwave works in a pinch, just use a lower power setting to avoid drying everything out—stir halfway through for even, creamy reheating.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta for Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta?

Absolutely! Penne is great because it captures the sauce, but rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti will work beautifully with all that creamy goodness. Use your favorite shape, and enjoy!

What’s the best way to make this dish vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, simply leave out the chicken and add extra veggies like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. The creamy ricotta sauce is delicious enough to carry the dish on its own.

Can I make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

You can prep the components—cook the chicken and pasta, and even mix the sauce ahead of time. When ready to serve, simply reheat everything gently in a skillet and combine. This way, it’s fresh and creamy rather than dry or overcooked.

How do I keep the sauce from becoming grainy?

Make sure to add the ricotta and other dairy ingredients over low heat and stir gently. Avoid boiling the sauce, as high heat can cause the cheese to separate. A slow and gentle melt makes for the smoothest, creamiest result!

Is there a lighter way to make this dish?

If you’d like a lighter version, try using part-skim ricotta and swap out the heavy cream for whole milk or half-and-half. The pasta will still turn out creamy, just with a bit less richness.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about coming together over a plate of Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta. It’s a dish that’s as comforting as it is impressive, and one you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to dinner favorite!

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 29 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a decadent and creamy pasta dish with this recipe for Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta. Tender chicken slices are smothered in a rich ricotta and Parmesan cheese sauce, tossed with penne pasta, and garnished with fresh parsley. A comforting and satisfying meal for any day of the week!

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook chicken slices seasoned with salt and pepper until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic. Lower heat and add ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add Italian herbs and chili flakes. Mix well.
Finish Dish: Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to combine all ingredients.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy hot!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian