There's nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a bowl of Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta. With its velvety sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish delivers a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen.

I first stumbled upon this recipe while trying to use up leftover ricotta cheese. What started as an experiment quickly turned into a household favorite, appearing on our dinner table at least once a month. It's quick, easy, and packed with flavor—a winning combination for busy weeknights.
Why You'll Love This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
Get ready to fall in love with a pasta dish that's both luxurious and incredibly simple to make. Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is the perfect blend of rich flavors and minimal effort.
First off, it's amazingly quick to prepare. You can have this dish on the table in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for hectic evenings when you need something fast but delicious.
It's also budget-friendly. With simple, affordable ingredients like pasta, chicken, and ricotta, you can create a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Another reason to love this dish? It's customizable. Whether you want to swap out the protein, add extra veggies, or play around with different seasonings, this recipe is incredibly adaptable to whatever you have on hand.
Best of all, the creamy ricotta sauce is a lighter alternative to heavy cream-based sauces. It creates a silky, luscious texture without feeling too heavy, making this dish perfect for any season.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something special to the table, working together to create a perfectly balanced dish.
Pasta is the foundation of this recipe. I recommend using penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine, as their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. If you prefer a lighter option, whole wheat or chickpea pasta works well, too.
Chicken adds a delicious protein element. I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly for quick cooking. However, chicken thighs work just as well and offer a bit more juiciness and flavor.
Ricotta cheese is the star of the show. It gives the sauce its signature creaminess while keeping it light and fresh. Opt for whole milk ricotta for the best texture and flavor, though part-skim will work in a pinch.
Parmesan cheese brings in a salty, umami depth. Freshly grated Parmesan is always best, as it melts smoothly into the sauce and enhances the overall richness of the dish.
A touch of garlic and olive oil provides the perfect base of flavor. Garlic infuses the sauce with its aromatic essence, while olive oil helps to sauté the chicken to golden perfection.
For this recipe, a large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta are all the equipment you'll need. Keeping it simple means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
How To Make This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Creating this delicious pasta dish is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a creamy, comforting meal in no time.
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until al dente, then reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid is key to achieving a silky sauce later on.
While the pasta cooks, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and season it with salt and pepper. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then, stir in the ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir continuously until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet and toss it with the sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add more reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Finally, return the cooked chicken to the pan, tossing everything together. Let it heat through for another minute before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for a finishing touch.
This entire process takes about 25-30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy nights when you need something quick but indulgent.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers, this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta stores beautifully. Simply transfer any remaining pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions in airtight freezer-safe containers. When properly stored, the pasta will last for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon reheating.
To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some easy ways to customize your Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta:
For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers. These ingredients add flavor and texture without compromising the dish's creamy goodness.
Want to add more protein? Swap the chicken for shrimp, Italian sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for an ultra-convenient option.
If you're craving extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. These small additions can enhance the dish with a subtle kick or bright citrusy note.
For a gluten-free option, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Many varieties hold up well with this sauce, ensuring everyone can enjoy this meal regardless of dietary restrictions.
Lastly, if you’re looking to lighten things up, try using part-skim ricotta and reducing the Parmesan slightly. The dish will still be creamy and satisfying while cutting back on some of the richness.
However you choose to make it, this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is guaranteed to become a staple in your meal rotation. Give it a try and let me know how you customize it to make it your own!
PrintCreamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish made with tender chicken, creamy ricotta cheese, and a blend of herbs and spices. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, this pasta dish is easy to prepare and packed with rich, cheesy goodness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup spinach or basil, chopped
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add cooked chicken, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
- Reduce heat and mix in ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.
- Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Stir in spinach or basil and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Use whole milk ricotta for extra creaminess.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
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