Description
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich ricotta-based sauce infused with garlic, parmesan, and fresh herbs. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 12 oz pasta of your choice (penne, fettuccine, etc.)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach or arugula (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
. Prepare the Pasta
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F/75°C internal temp).
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
3. Make the Sauce
- Add remaining olive oil to the skillet and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (30 seconds).
- Stir in ricotta, parmesan, and heavy cream until smooth.
- Gradually add chicken broth, mixing well.
4. Combine Ingredients
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water, if needed.
- Stir in spinach or arugula to wilt.
- Add sliced chicken, tossing to coat evenly.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with lemon zest, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream, or microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between intervals.
- Customization: Add veggies like broccoli, peas, or roasted tomatoes for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dinner pasta
- Method: Stove-top
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Creamy ricotta chicken pasta Chicken pasta recipes Easy ricotta pasta One-pan chicken pasta Comfort food pasta