Ricotta Cheese Pasta with Chicken Recipe

Ricotta Cheese Pasta with Chicken is a comforting and indulgent dish combining the creamy richness of ricotta with tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is not only hearty and satisfying but also versatile enough for a casual family dinner or an elegant gathering. The balance of creamy ricotta, savory chicken, and al dente pasta creates a harmonious medley of flavors that will keep you coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Creamy and Delicious: The ricotta cheese creates a rich and velvety sauce that clings to every piece of pasta.
2. Protein-Packed: Lean chicken breast adds a nutritious boost, making it a complete meal.
3. Customizable: Easily adaptable with different vegetables, herbs, or even a swap of proteins.
4. Easy to Make: Requires minimal prep and comes together in less than an hour.
5. Perfect for Any Occasion: Elegant enough for entertaining yet simple for weeknight dinners.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken
   • Rub both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil.
   • Season evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken
   • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
   • Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
   • Remove from the skillet and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Water
   • Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to season the water.
2. Cook the Pasta
   • Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
3. Set Aside
   • Drain the pasta and toss lightly with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic
   • In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
2. Mix the Ricotta Base
   • Reduce the heat to low and add the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
3. Season the Sauce
   • Add the red pepper flakes (if using), lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Thin the Sauce
   • Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, to achieve your desired sauce consistency.

Step 4: Combine the Dish

1. Add the Pasta
   • Transfer the cooked pasta to the saucepan with the ricotta sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
2. Incorporate the Chicken
   • Add the sliced chicken to the pasta and sauce, gently folding it in to combine.
3. Optional Add-Ins
   • Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh basil for additional flavor and texture.
4. Warm It All Together
   • Cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes, just until everything is warmed through.

Tips for Success

1. Choose Quality Ricotta
   • Use high-quality ricotta cheese for the best texture and flavor. Look for creamy, not grainy, ricotta.
2. Cook Pasta Al Dente
   • Slightly undercook the pasta before tossing it with the sauce, as it will continue cooking in the pan.
3. Use Reserved Pasta Water
   • The starchy water helps the sauce adhere to the pasta and adds a silky texture.
4. Slice Chicken Thinly
   • Thin, even slices ensure every bite is perfectly balanced.
5. Taste and Adjust
   • Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Version
   • Omit the chicken and add roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
2. Gluten-Free Option
   • Substitute gluten-free pasta for regular pasta.
3. Spicy Twist
   • Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
4. Herbaceous Addition
   • Add fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano for more flavor.

Serving Suggestions

1. Garnish
   • Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan and a few basil leaves on top before serving.
2. Side Dishes
   • Serve with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
3. Wine Pairing
   • Pair with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay for a perfect complement to the creamy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of pasta?
   • Yes! This recipe works well with long pasta like spaghetti or short pasta like farfalle and fusilli.
2. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
   • Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   • You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Cook the pasta fresh before serving for the best texture.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
   • The sauce may separate upon reheating after freezing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If freezing, add more cream or pasta water during reheating.
5. Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?
   • Cottage cheese or mascarpone can be used as substitutes, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Conclusion

Ricotta Cheese Pasta with Chicken is a luxurious, comforting dish that’s simple to make yet full of flavor. Its creamy ricotta sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta create a harmony that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re preparing this for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish ready to impress. Enjoy!

Yield: 4

Ricotta Cheese Pasta with Chicken Recipe

Print

Ricotta Cheese Pasta with Chicken is a comforting and indulgent dish combining the creamy richness of ricotta with tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is not only hearty and satisfying but also versatile enough for a casual family dinner or an elegant gathering. The balance of creamy ricotta, savory chicken, and al dente pasta creates a harmonious medley of flavors that will keep you coming back for seconds.

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Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, plus extra for garnish
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest. Set pasta aside.
   
2. Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
   Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Step 3: Make the Sauce
   In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
   Lower the heat and add the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and creamy.
   If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
   
4. Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy ricotta sauce.
   Stir in the cooked chicken, baby spinach (if using), and chopped fresh basil. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is warmed through.
   
5. Step 5: Serve
   Divide the pasta among plates or bowls. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• Ricotta Substitutes: For a tangier flavor, swap ricotta with a blend of cream cheese and Greek yogurt.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add roasted vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers.