Description
Indulge in a rich and comforting Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta. Tender chicken, creamy ricotta, and Parmesan sauce combine to create a satisfying, luxurious dish perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful, it’s a meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs (boneless and skinless)
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon zest (optional, for a fresh touch)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later.
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from skillet, let rest, then slice into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
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Make the Creamy Ricotta Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Lower heat and add ricotta cheese and heavy cream, stirring to combine until smooth. Add grated Parmesan and stir until melted and the sauce thickens. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper, and add lemon zest for freshness, if desired.
-
Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Add more pasta water if needed to achieve a silky consistency.
-
Add the Chicken:
- Gently fold the sliced chicken into the pasta, ensuring even distribution.
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Serve and Garnish:
- Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Add extra grated Parmesan for flavor and serve immediately.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little cream or pasta water if the sauce thickens.
- Customizations: You can swap the chicken for shrimp or turkey, or use a different pasta shape like farfalle or rigatoni.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Sautéing , Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Creamy Chicken Pasta Ricotta Pasta Quick Pasta Recipe Comfort Food Pasta Easy Weeknight Dinner