Your New Favorite: Quick and Delicious Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Ingredients for Quick Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces: The star protein, providing tender texture to this quick creamy ricotta chicken pasta. Slice thinly for quick cooking and even browning.
• 12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni): The essential foundation of our creamy pasta dish. Choose penne or rigatoni, as their ridges hold the rich ricotta sauce beautifully.
• 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese: The key to the incredibly creamy and rich sauce. Use whole milk ricotta for the best texture and flavor in your creamy ricotta chicken pasta.
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base of the sauce. Low-sodium chicken broth allows precise seasoning control, preventing an overly salty dish.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for sautéing the chicken and aromatics, building initial flavor. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for best taste.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving: Adds a salty, umami depth and helps thicken the sauce. Freshly grate Parmesan for superior flavor, avoiding pre-shredded varieties.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: A foundational aromatic, infusing the dish with warmth and classic Italian flavor. Mince finely for even distribution; avoid burning for best taste.
• 1 large shallot, minced: Provides a milder, sweeter onion flavor than a traditional onion. Sauté until translucent to release its delicate sweetness into the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the rich sauce, cutting through the creaminess with a zesty finish. Freshly squeeze for best results; bottled juice lacks vibrancy.
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor and vibrant color. Stir in at the very end to preserve its delicate taste and appearance.
• ¼ cup heavy cream: Elevates the sauce to ultimate richness and silkiness, making this creamy ricotta chicken pasta truly indulgent. A little goes a long way.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish, enhancing all the flavors. Always taste and adjust as you build the sauce.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground: Adds a subtle warmth and peppery kick. Freshly grind black pepper for the most potent flavor and aroma in your dish.
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Introduces a gentle warmth and subtle heat, balancing the richness of the ricotta sauce. Adjust amount to your preferred spice level.
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped: Aromatic garnish that adds a final layer of fresh, sweet, peppery flavor. Stir in just before serving for maximum impact.

How to Make Quick Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Cook Pasta:

Boil salted water, then cook your chosen pasta al dente according to package directions. While pasta cooks, pat dry and cube the chicken, then mince the garlic and shallot. This preps you for the Quick Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta.

Sauté Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken, then add shallots and garlic to sauté until fragrant.

Make Sauce:

Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the ricotta, Parmesan, heavy cream, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until smooth and warm, ensuring the sauce is well combined and creamy.

Combine Pasta:

Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the creamy ricotta sauce. Toss well to coat every strand, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to achieve a luscious consistency. This brings together the Quick Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta.

Finish Dish:

Gently fold in the fresh chopped parsley and basil. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired, adding more salt or pepper if needed. The fresh herbs really brighten this Quick Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta, making it irresistible and flavorful.

Serve Warm:

Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil for garnish. Enjoy this comforting and satisfying Quick Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta for a delightful meal that’s ready in minutes.

How to Store Quick Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

To store leftover Quick Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It stays fresh for 3-4 days. Don’t leave it out at room temperature for too long; it can spoil quickly, a mistake I’ve made! Discard if you notice any off smells or mold.

While best fresh, you can prep chicken and mince aromatics a day ahead. Keep them separate and refrigerated. Assemble the full dish just before serving to maintain optimal sauce texture.

When reheating, a splash of broth or milk helps restore creaminess.

What to Serve with Quick Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

To **serve** this delightful Quick Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta, simply plate it warm and garnish with fresh basil and a generous dusting of extra Parmesan. It’s **perfect** for a cozy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal. For a complete experience, **pair** it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette and some crusty garlic bread. You’ll **enjoy** every creamy, comforting bite.

I personally love to **serve** this pasta with a light, peppery arugula salad and a chilled glass of dry white wine. This pairing perfectly balances the rich sauce, making each comforting forkful even more enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent a watery sauce in my Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta?

Avoid adding too much pasta water; just a splash is enough to achieve lusciousness. I once made a “soup” instead of sauce! Ensure you whisk the sauce until smooth and warm before combining with pasta.

→ Can I use low-fat ricotta cheese for this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta recipe?

No, always use whole milk ricotta cheese for this recipe. Low-fat varieties result in a grainy, less rich sauce, something I learned the hard way. Whole milk ricotta is essential for that signature creamy texture.

→ Can I make this Quick and Delicious Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta gluten-free?

Yes, absolutely! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta for the penne or rigatoni. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free. Cook the gluten-free pasta according to its package directions for best results.

→ How long do leftovers of this creamy ricotta chicken pasta stay fresh?

Leftovers of Quick Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored promptly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Don’t leave it out too long, as it can spoil quickly.

→ Can I make components of this creamy chicken pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken and mince the aromatics (garlic, shallot) a day ahead. Keep them separate and refrigerated. Assemble the full dish just before serving to ensure the best sauce texture and freshness.