Simple, Quick and Delicious Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta You’ll Love

Creamy ricotta chicken pasta is a quick, comforting, and flavorful dinner. Tender chicken breasts meet a silky ricotta sauce that perfectly coats pasta, creating a dish that’s indulgent yet easy to make. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s perfect for weeknights, family meals, or entertaining.

Ricotta provides a light, creamy texture without heaviness. Combined with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan, it creates a sauce that’s versatile and easy to customize with vegetables or different pasta shapes. This recipe proves you don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients to enjoy a restaurant-style dish at home.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

This dish is creamy, flavorful, and satisfying. The ricotta sauce clings to tender chicken and pasta, offering a perfect balance of richness and lightness. It’s versatile—you can add vegetables, swap pasta types, or experiment with herbs for fresh flavor.

It’s also easy and quick to prepare. Even beginners can achieve a delicious, restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. Every bite is comforting, making it a dish the whole family will love again and again.

What You’ll Need

To make creamy ricotta chicken pasta, you only need simple, easy-to-find ingredients that deliver big flavor. Using fresh, high-quality items will make a noticeable difference in taste and texture. Here’s what you’ll need for about 4 servings:

• 12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup chicken broth (or low-sodium for lighter flavor)
• ½ cup milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based alternative)
• Optional add-ins: fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley

These ingredients combine to create a creamy, flavorful sauce that complements tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. No complicated or hard-to-find items are required, making it a practical choice for weeknight meals.

How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook 12 ounces of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 1 pound of chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1 cup ricotta cheese, ½ cup Parmesan, 1 cup chicken broth, and ½ cup milk. Stir until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and gently fold in the drained pasta. Cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
5. Optional finishing touches: Fold in fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or chopped herbs for added flavor and color. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Your creamy ricotta chicken pasta is now ready to serve—rich, comforting, and full of flavor.

You Must Know

To get perfect creamy ricotta chicken pasta, avoid overcooking the chicken—it should stay tender and juicy. Choose pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine that hold sauce well, and slightly undercook them so they don’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.

Let the ricotta come to room temperature or whisk it with milk before adding to the pan to avoid clumps. Season gradually: salt and pepper the chicken and taste the sauce before combining everything. Lastly, feel free to add vegetables or fresh herbs for extra flavor and color. These simple tips make a big difference in the final dish.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Cook chicken over medium-high heat, leaving space in the pan to brown properly. When making the sauce, use gentle heat to keep the ricotta smooth, and whisk it with milk or broth before adding.

Combine pasta and sauce while hot, tossing gently so every piece is coated. Let it sit for a minute to absorb the flavors. Finish with vegetables, herbs, or a sprinkle of Parmesan for color, texture, and a burst of flavor. Following these steps ensures your pasta is creamy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.

Add Your Touch Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

One of the best things about creamy ricotta chicken pasta is how easy it is to personalize. You can add vegetables like fresh spinach, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra color, flavor, and nutrients. Fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or thyme bring brightness that balances the richness of the ricotta sauce.

For added texture, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or crispy breadcrumbs on top before serving. You can also experiment with different cheeses—try a bit of mozzarella or fontina for a melty twist, or extra Parmesan for a sharper, nuttier flavor. Adjusting spices like crushed red pepper or smoked paprika can give the dish a subtle kick without overpowering the creamy sauce.

These simple additions let you make the recipe your own, ensuring it suits your taste and impresses your family or guests every time.

Storing & Reheating

Creamy ricotta chicken pasta stores well and makes excellent leftovers. Place cooled pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months, though the sauce may thicken slightly upon thawing.

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To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Avoid high heat, which can cause the ricotta to separate.

With proper storage and reheating, this dish stays just as creamy and flavorful, making it perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.

Chef’s Helpful Tips for Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

To make your creamy ricotta chicken pasta even better, follow a few expert tips. First, cut chicken into uniform pieces so it cooks evenly. Browning the chicken properly adds extra flavor, so don’t overcrowd the pan.

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Second, warm the ricotta before adding it to the skillet or whisk it with milk to prevent clumping. Season in layers: salt and pepper the chicken, then taste the sauce before combining everything. This ensures balanced flavor.

Third, finish with fresh ingredients. Toss in herbs, vegetables, or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for brightness. If you want a richer flavor, add a small knob of butter or extra Parmesan at the end.

Finally, choose pasta that holds sauce well—penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine are best. Slightly undercook the pasta to allow it to absorb the creamy sauce without becoming mushy. Following these tips guarantees a smooth, flavorful, and perfectly balanced dish every time.

FAQ for Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Thighs are juicier and add more flavor. Cook slightly longer to ensure they’re fully done.

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Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free. The dish will taste just as creamy and delicious.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.

Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Definitely. Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or roasted peppers work beautifully and boost nutrition and color.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, for up to 2 months. Reheat slowly on low heat, adding a little milk or broth to restore creaminess.

Conclusion

Creamy ricotta chicken pasta is the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and simplicity. Tender chicken, a velvety ricotta sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta create a dish that feels indulgent yet is easy enough for weeknight dinners. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.

This recipe is versatile and customizable. You can add vegetables, fresh herbs, or extra cheese to suit your taste, making it a dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It also stores well, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep without losing its creamy texture or flavor.

By following the steps, tips, and tricks outlined in this guide, you’ll consistently achieve a perfectly balanced, flavorful pasta that’s satisfying and memorable. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, creamy ricotta chicken pasta is a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and joy to the table.