Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Indulge in a rich and comforting dish with this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta. With tender pieces of chicken and a velvety, creamy ricotta sauce, this pasta is a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and satisfying. The ricotta adds a delightful smoothness to the sauce, making each bite feel luxurious yet light. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. It’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and a true crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy Comfort: The combination of ricotta cheese, cream, and Parmesan creates a smooth, rich sauce that perfectly coats the pasta, delivering comfort in every bite.
• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you still want a delicious, home-cooked meal.
• Versatile: You can use any type of pasta you prefer, from fettuccine to penne, or even swap the chicken for other proteins like shrimp or turkey.
• Balanced Meal: With lean chicken, creamy ricotta, and pasta, this recipe provides a great balance of protein, carbs, and fats to keep you full and satisfied.
• Family-Friendly: The mild, creamy sauce is sure to be a hit with everyone, from kids to adults. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless and skinless)
• Pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
• Olive oil
• Garlic (minced)
• Ricotta cheese
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon zest (optional for a fresh touch)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Once the pasta is al dente, drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   • While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the Creamy Ricotta Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Lower the heat and add the ricotta cheese and heavy cream. Stir to combine until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
   • Add grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, continuing to stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is thickened. If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
   • Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a hint of freshness, you can also add a bit of lemon zest at this point.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
   • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy ricotta sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce needs to be thinned out further, add a bit more pasta water to achieve a silky consistency.
5. Add the Chicken:
   • Gently fold the sliced chicken into the pasta, ensuring that it’s evenly distributed throughout the dish.
6. Serve and Garnish:
   • Plate the creamy ricotta chicken pasta and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. For extra flavor, you can sprinkle additional grated Parmesan on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Variations

• Add Vegetables: For added nutrition and color, you can toss in some sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the pasta or add a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce.
• Substitute the Protein: While chicken is the main protein in this dish, you can easily substitute it with shrimp, turkey, or even a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your ricotta and Parmesan cheeses are gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Version: To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the ricotta with a plant-based ricotta or cashew cream and use a dairy-free heavy cream alternative.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Serving Size: 4 servings

Storage/Reheating

• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat and add a splash of water or cream to loosen up the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, adding a little extra cream or water to keep it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! While ricotta is the star of this dish, you can try using mascarpone or cream cheese for a different texture and flavor. You can also add a little extra mozzarella or cheddar for a cheesier result.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

You can make the ricotta sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove and add a little pasta water or cream to thin it out when ready to serve.

3. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Be sure to thaw it completely before cooking, or you can cook the chicken from frozen by adjusting the cooking time and ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

4. Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Definitely! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta. Adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.

5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. You could also substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.

6. How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, you can incorporate red pepper flakes or a bit of chili powder into the sauce. Alternatively, you can drizzle the pasta with some hot sauce before serving.

7. Can I use a different kind of cream?

Yes! If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk. The sauce will be slightly lighter, but it will still be creamy.

8. Can I freeze this dish?

While this dish can be frozen, the texture of the ricotta sauce may change once frozen and reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you do freeze it, store it in an airtight container and reheat slowly on the stovetop.

9. How do I keep the pasta from getting dry when reheating?

When reheating, add a little extra cream or pasta water to the dish to help restore the creamy texture and prevent it from drying out.

10. Can I add other seasonings to the sauce?

Yes! You can adjust the flavor of the sauce with other herbs and spices like Italian seasoning, thyme, or rosemary. A pinch of nutmeg or garlic powder also works well for a more complex flavor.

Conclusion

This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a comforting, rich, and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy. The creamy ricotta sauce adds a luxurious texture to the pasta, while the tender chicken brings in protein to make this dish a complete meal. Whether you’re feeding a family or enjoying a cozy dinner for one, this recipe is a perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity. Give it a try for a weeknight dinner or any time you want something comforting and delicious!

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