Description
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a luscious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken breast pieces with a rich and velvety sauce made from ricotta, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Enhanced with garlic and Italian herbs, this pasta recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal. It’s quick to prepare, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish, and uses simple ingredients that deliver incredible flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for added richness)
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water), stirring to combine. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, and butter if using. Stir continuously over medium heat until the cheeses melt and the sauce is creamy and smooth, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce and the chicken is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the pasta for a touch of freshness and color. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with pasta cooking water to enhance the flavor and maintain sauce consistency.
- Using fresh herbs instead of dried will intensify the flavor if available.
- To lighten the dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad.
