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Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
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Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a quick and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy ricotta cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this rich and velvety recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and easily customizable with herbs, veggies, or spices to suit any taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces or thin strips

Pasta

  • 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)

Dairy

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (room temperature)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup fresh spinach or 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Oils & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or thin strips for even cooking. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Optional Veggies: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. If using spinach or cherry tomatoes, add them now and cook until wilted or softened, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  4. Combine Ricotta and Pasta: Lower the heat to medium. Add ricotta cheese to the skillet and stir gently to warm it through. Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the desired creamy consistency.
  5. Season and Serve: Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs on top. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ricotta to avoid clumping when mixing into the sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water as its starch helps bind the sauce to the pasta for a smooth texture.
  • Do not overcook chicken; remove as soon as it’s opaque and cooked through to keep it tender.
  • Fresh herbs brighten the dish and balance the richness of the ricotta.
  • Toast garlic gently to avoid bitterness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta, Quick Dinner, Comfort Food, Easy Pasta Recipe, Weeknight Meal

Find it online: https://mydishez.com/creamy-ricotta-chicken-pasta/