Description
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a quick and comforting dinner that combines tender chicken, creamy ricotta cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this rich yet light dish is a one-pot wonder that delivers a hearty, fresh, and family-friendly meal with minimal cleanup.
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
1. Slice your chicken breasts into thin, bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, then cook the chicken over medium heat until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
2. While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook your chosen pasta until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
3. In the same skillet with the chicken, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Lower the heat and stir in ricotta cheese along with a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy, coating the chicken evenly.
5. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat. Add more reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Remove from heat and stir in freshly chopped basil and parsley. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and toss once more before serving hot.
Notes
Aim to cook pasta al dente to avoid mushy texture and help the sauce cling better.
Let ricotta come to room temperature before adding for a smoother blend.
Use reserved pasta water to emulsify the sauce and keep it silky.
Cook chicken in batches if needed to prevent overcrowding and ensure a nice sear.
Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their flavor and vibrant color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg