Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Here's a delicious and comforting Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta recipe that's perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, velvety ricotta sauce creates a dish that's both satisfying and easy to make.

I first discovered this recipe when I had leftover ricotta from a lasagna night and needed a way to use it up. What started as a spontaneous kitchen experiment has now become one of my family's most requested dinners. It's creamy, flavorful, and incredibly simple to throw together.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s as easy as it is delicious. This pasta is packed with flavor while remaining light and creamy, making it a go-to comfort meal.

First off, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. From start to finish, this meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights.

It’s also budget-friendly. Using simple pantry staples like pasta, chicken, and ricotta cheese, you can create a gourmet-style meal without breaking the bank.

Another reason to love this dish is its versatility. You can easily swap the protein, add extra veggies, or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Whether you're craving something classic or want to get creative, this pasta adapts beautifully.

Lastly, the creamy ricotta sauce sets this dish apart. Unlike traditional heavy cream sauces, ricotta gives it a smooth, luscious texture without feeling overly rich. It's the perfect balance of indulgence and freshness.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each element plays a key role in bringing out the creamy, savory goodness of this pasta.

Chicken is the star protein here, adding a hearty and satisfying bite. I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option, but chicken thighs work just as well if you want a juicier result.

Pasta is the foundation of the dish. Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best because they hold onto the creamy sauce, ensuring each bite is coated in flavor. If you only have spaghetti or fettuccine on hand, they’ll work too.

Ricotta cheese is what makes this dish so special. It creates a light yet creamy texture without the heaviness of traditional cream sauces. For extra richness, use whole-milk ricotta, but if you're watching calories, part-skim works well too.

Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor with its nutty, salty bite. Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce, giving it an added depth of flavor.

Garlic and olive oil bring a subtle warmth and aroma to the dish. The garlic infuses the oil, creating a simple but flavorful base for the sauce.

A large skillet and a good pasta pot are all you need to bring this dish together. Having a fine-mesh strainer or slotted spoon is helpful for reserving some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.

How To Make This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Making this pasta is a straightforward process that comes together quickly, so it's best to have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking.

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. While waiting for the water to come to a boil, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season it generously with salt and pepper to enhance its flavor.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a golden-brown crust before flipping. Cook for another few minutes until the chicken is fully cooked, then transfer it to a plate and set aside.

Meanwhile, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve about a cup of pasta water—this will help create a silky sauce later.

In the same skillet used for the chicken, add a little more olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Reduce the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese, followed by a bit of pasta water to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully combined.

Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together until coated in the creamy ricotta sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add more reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.

This entire process takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, making it an effortless yet impressive meal for any night of the week.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, this pasta stores beautifully in the refrigerator. Transfer any extra portions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the dish, though the texture of the ricotta sauce may change slightly upon reheating. Place in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months.

To reheat, add a splash of water or milk to loosen up the sauce before warming it in a pan over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

This dish is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it based on what you have on hand.

For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. These veggies complement the creamy ricotta sauce perfectly.

If you love spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or stir in a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste for a subtle heat that balances the richness of the sauce.

Swap out ricotta cheese for creamy goat cheese or mascarpone for a different flavor profile. Goat cheese adds a tangy bite, while mascarpone brings extra richness.

Want more protein? Add cooked shrimp, Italian sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for an easy variation.

For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free, making it an easy dish to adapt.

No matter how you customize it, this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a delicious, foolproof recipe that’s sure to become a favorite. Experiment with flavors, swap ingredients, and make it your own—you really can't go wrong!

Print