Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Pasta dishes are timeless, loved by many, and offer endless opportunities for creativity. One of the most comforting and creamy pasta recipes is Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta, a dish that combines the richness of ricotta cheese with the juiciness of chicken and the tenderness of perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re making dinner for your family, hosting a gathering, or preparing a date night meal, this creamy pasta dish is sure to be a hit.

In this recipe, the chicken is seasoned with a blend of herbs, then pan-seared to perfection, creating a crispy outer crust while maintaining a tender and juicy interior. The creamy sauce, enriched by ricotta cheese, adds a silky, velvety texture that envelops the pasta. This recipe combines traditional Italian flavors with a modern twist, ensuring a balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.

By following this recipe in its entirety, you will master the art of creating a rich, creamy pasta dish that is not only decadent but also easy to make and can be prepared in under an hour.

Preparation

With the ingredients and equipment in place, it’s time to prep. Proper preparation ensures the dish goes smoothly and efficiently.

1. Chicken Preparation:

• Tenderize the Chicken: To ensure the chicken breasts cook evenly, it’s a good idea to tenderize them slightly using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This will help the chicken cook uniformly.

• Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts. If you want a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.

• Rest: Once the chicken is seasoned, let it rest for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

2. Preparing the Pasta:

• Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. For every 4 cups of water, add about 1 tablespoon of salt to help season the pasta.

• Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8–10 minutes, until it reaches al dente consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.

• Drain and Reserve Pasta Water: Once cooked, drain the pasta and reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water to add to the sauce later for a smoother consistency.

3. Prep the Garlic and Herbs:

• Mince the garlic cloves and chop any fresh herbs, such as parsley and basil, for garnish. Set them aside.

Cooking Instructions

Now that everything is prepped, it’s time to cook. Follow these steps carefully for the perfect creamy ricotta chicken pasta.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

2. Sear the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear for about 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken—it should be 165°F (74°C).

3. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a cutting board to rest. This helps retain the juices and ensures a tender chicken breast.

4. Slice the Chicken: After resting for a few minutes, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

2. Make the Creamy Sauce: Add the ricotta cheese to the skillet, followed by the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

3. Add Seasonings: Add salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some added heat if desired.

4. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the Pasta: Once the sauce is creamy and smooth, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce, ensuring that it’s evenly coated. If the sauce needs to be loosened further, add more pasta water as needed.

2. Add Chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the pasta and stir to combine. Let everything cook together for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Serving and Garnishing

Once your creamy ricotta chicken pasta is ready, it’s time to plate and garnish. Here are some tips for making your dish look as delicious as it tastes:

1. Plate the Pasta: Use tongs or a large spoon to serve a generous portion of the creamy pasta onto each plate.

2. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and basil for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

3. Add Lemon Zest: For an extra burst of freshness, zest some lemon over the top of the dish just before serving.

4. Grated Parmesan: Top each serving with a little extra grated Parmesan for added richness.

Tips for Perfection

To make sure your creamy ricotta chicken pasta turns out just right every time, keep these tips in mind:

1. Use Fresh Ricotta: Fresh ricotta cheese is key to achieving the perfect creamy texture. Avoid using low-fat ricotta, as it won’t give you the same rich, creamy sauce.

2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding the pasta and chicken. If it needs more seasoning, don’t hesitate to add more salt, pepper, or herbs.

3. Pasta Cooking Tip: If you’re planning to make this dish in advance, undercook the pasta by about 1–2 minutes, as it will continue cooking when combined with the hot sauce.

4. Herb Substitutions: Feel free to switch up the herbs based on your personal preferences. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or tarragon would all complement the creamy chicken pasta wonderfully.

Conclusion

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a beautiful marriage of simplicity and indulgence. This dish offers a flavorful, creamy experience that is satisfying yet not overly heavy, thanks to the balanced use of ricotta cheese and the light seasoning of chicken. The pasta absorbs the rich sauce, creating a comforting and well-rounded meal perfect for any occasion.

By following this guide, you’ll master the technique and create a dish that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is a guaranteed success. Happy cooking, and enjoy your homemade creamy ricotta chicken pasta!