Description
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection and combined with a luscious ricotta-based sauce. Tossed with al dente short pasta and fresh herbs like basil and parsley, it’s a simple and elegant meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The sauce uses ricotta cheese and Parmesan for richness while chicken broth or pasta water helps achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Cheese
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 8 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle)
Herbs and Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Liquids and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water (plus extra as needed)
Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken slices and cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper during cooking, but do not add herbs yet to allow for layering of flavors later.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of short pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about one cup of the pasta cooking water to help adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, reduce heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it. Then stir in the ricotta cheese and add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Mix well until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, fully coating the chicken pieces.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the ricotta sauce and chicken. Gently toss everything together so that the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, add additional reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly chopped basil and parsley to brighten the flavors. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top and toss once more to incorporate it evenly. Serve the pasta hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with reserved pasta water or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, though the chicken must be omitted.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture instead of pre-grated cheese.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your taste, keeping in mind Parmesan cheese already adds saltiness.
- For an extra kick, add crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: creamy ricotta chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, ricotta cheese pasta, Italian chicken pasta, quick stovetop pasta
