Garlic Parmesan Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on February 11, 2025

Few dishes bring the same warm, satisfying feeling as a bowl of creamy pasta. This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a hearty, rich, and flavorful meal that combines perfectly cooked pasta, tender chicken, and a velvety ricotta-based sauce. It’s easy to prepare, packed with protein, and delivers a creamy texture without being too heavy.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal to impress guests, or something to meal prep for the week, this dish is a perfect blend of indulgence and nutrition.

Why You Will Love This Dish

1. Creamy Without Being Overly Heavy

Unlike traditional Alfredo sauce, this ricotta-based sauce feels light while still being rich and creamy. The ricotta adds a delicate texture, while the Parmesan brings depth and umami.

2. Perfect for Any Occasion

✔ Quick and easy for a busy weeknight
✔ Elegant enough for date night
✔ Family-friendly, picky-eater approved
✔ Great for meal prepping

3. Packed with Protein and Nutrients

With lean chicken, ricotta cheese, and whole wheat pasta, this dish is a protein-packed meal that keeps you feeling full and satisfied.

4. One-Pan Wonder

This recipe is simple to make with minimal cleanup. The entire dish can come together in one pan, making it a stress-free dinner option.

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

Whole wheat pasta (penne or tortiglioni)

For the Chicken:

Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Olive oil
Salt and black pepper

For the Ricotta Cream Sauce:

Garlic, minced
Ricotta cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Chicken broth (or reserved pasta cooking water)
Heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
Italian seasoning
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Additions:

Fresh spinach or kale
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Directions:

Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6–8 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Ricotta Cream Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and add ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream (if using).
- Stir until smooth. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and adjust salt and pepper

Secrets to Making the Best Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

1. Choose the Right Pasta

✔ Short pasta (penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle) holds the sauce beautifully.
✔ Long pasta (linguine or fettuccine) gives a more elegant presentation.

2. Cook the Pasta Just Right

✔ Cook the pasta until al dente so it doesn’t become too soft when mixed with the sauce.
✔ Reserve some pasta water to help thin out the sauce and create a silkier consistency.

3. Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

✔ Season the chicken well before cooking to ensure it’s flavorful.
✔ Cook on medium-high heat to create a golden crust on the outside.

4. Use Fresh Ricotta for the Creamiest Sauce

✔ Full-fat ricotta creates a luxurious texture that blends smoothly into the sauce.
✔ If ricotta is grainy, whisk it with a splash of pasta water before adding it to the dish.

5. Add the Parmesan Gradually

✔ Stir in the Parmesan slowly to prevent clumping and allow it to melt evenly into the sauce.

6. Balance the Richness with Fresh Ingredients

✔ A handful of fresh spinach or kale adds a vibrant, fresh contrast.
✔ Fresh basil or parsley gives the dish a bright, herby lift.

Creative Variations to Try

1. Spicy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

✔ Add red pepper flakes for a little kick.
✔ Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth.

2. Lemon Herb Ricotta Pasta

✔ Add lemon zest and juice for a fresh, tangy contrast to the creamy sauce.
✔ Use fresh thyme or basil for a lighter herb flavor.

3. Pesto Ricotta Chicken Pasta

✔ Mix in a spoonful of basil pesto for an herby twist.
✔ Garnish with pine nuts and extra Parmesan for extra texture.

4. Roasted Tomato and Ricotta Pasta

✔ Toss in oven-roasted cherry tomatoes for a burst of natural sweetness.
✔ Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

5. Low-Carb or Gluten-Free Option

✔ Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or chickpea pasta.
✔ Use almond flour instead of pasta flour for a grain-free option.

Best Ways to Serve This Dish

1. Pair It with a Side Salad

A light, crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the sauce.

2. Serve with Garlic Bread

A slice of crusty garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.

3. Add Roasted Vegetables

✔ Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini make great side dishes.
✔ A medley of cherry tomatoes and bell peppers adds sweetness and color.

4. Serve with a Glass of Wine

✔ White wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pair beautifully with creamy dishes.
✔ For a richer dish, try a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigeration:

✔ Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

✔ Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
✔ Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating:

✔ Stovetop: Add a splash of milk or broth and heat over low heat, stirring constantly.
✔ Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to keep the sauce creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Use a Different Cheese Instead of Ricotta?

✔ Yes! You can substitute ricotta with:

Mascarpone for a richer, creamier texture.
Cottage cheese for a lighter option.
Goat cheese for a tangy variation.

2. How Can I Prevent My Sauce from Being Too Thick?

✔ Add a splash of reserved pasta water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

3. Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?

✔ Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add:

Mushrooms for a meaty texture
Roasted chickpeas for extra protein
Spinach or kale for a nutrient boost

4. What Type of Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?

✔ Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli holds the creamy sauce well.
✔ Long pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti gives an elegant presentation.

5. Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?

✔ Absolutely! Leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Simply chop and add it to the sauce before serving.

6. How Do I Make This Dish More Flavorful?

✔ Use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs.
✔ Add a touch of white wine while cooking the garlic.
✔ Stir in a bit of nutmeg or lemon zest for depth.

Final Thoughts – A Must-Try Creamy Pasta Recipe

This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish that balances creamy, cheesy goodness with the lightness of fresh herbs and tender chicken. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish delivers flavor, texture, and satisfaction in every bite.

With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and endless variations, it’s a staple recipe you’ll keep coming back to. So grab your favorite pasta, mix up a batch of ricotta sauce, and enjoy a plate of creamy perfection today!