Dinner

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

ByZoe Lane January 28, 2026January 28, 2026

Introduction

This creamy ricotta chicken pasta is a delightful and comforting dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken and al dente pasta are brought together in a luscious ricotta sauce, accented with fresh herbs and Parmesan. It’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family.

The image shows a close-up of creamy pasta with grilled chicken pieces on top. The pasta is penne, covered in a smooth, light beige sauce with visible specks of herbs and pepper. The grilled chicken chunks, light brown with grill marks, are scattered evenly on the pasta. Small green herb bits are sprinkled on the dish. The food is served in a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, sliced thin
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water (plus extra as needed)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Slice your chicken breasts into thin, bite-sized pieces to ensure quick cooking. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve one cup of the pasta water.
Step 3: In the same skillet with the cooked chicken, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to low, then stir in the ricotta cheese and a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss to coat each piece of pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the chopped basil and parsley for freshness. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top and toss once more before serving hot.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh ricotta if possible for a creamier texture and better flavor.
Swap chicken breasts for thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic for a subtle kick.
Try stirring in sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for extra color and nutrients.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a creamy pasta dish in a white bowl, placed on a white marbled surface. The pasta is penne, cooked and covered in a thick, creamy sauce that looks smooth and rich. On top of the pasta are many pieces of grilled chicken, golden brown with slight char marks, adding texture. Small green herbs are sprinkled evenly across the dish, adding color contrast over the pale cream and light brown tones. The photo captures the dish in warm light, highlighting the creamy texture and juicy chicken pieces, giving a fresh and appetizing look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of ricotta?

Ricotta provides a creamy, mild base, but you can substitute with cottage cheese blended until smooth or mascarpone for a richer flavor. Avoid harder cheeses as they won’t melt into a smooth sauce.

Is it okay to use pasta other than penne or rigatoni?

Absolutely! Farfalle, fusilli, or even spaghetti will work well with this sauce. Just keep the pasta shape in mind, as shorter shapes tend to hold sauce better, but any pasta you enjoy can be used.

Zoe Lane