There’s something magical about a bowl of Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta that takes you straight to culinary heaven. Picture this: tender chicken bathed in a luscious, creamy ricotta sauce, twirled around perfectly cooked pasta, and topped with fresh herbs that add a pop of color and flavor. spinach chicken burgers The aroma wafts through your kitchen like a warm hug on a chilly evening, promising comfort and satisfaction in every bite.
This dish brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter echoed off the walls as we gathered around the table. The excitement of digging into a hearty meal like this one makes every occasion feel special. one pan chicken and noodles Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or an impromptu gathering with friends, Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is sure to impress and delight your taste buds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy delight is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor profile is rich and satisfying, combining savory chicken with creamy ricotta
- Visually, the dish bursts with color from fresh herbs and vibrant pasta
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize based on what you have in your pantry
I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends devoured it so quickly that I almost didn’t get any leftovers.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts; adjust for servings as needed.
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Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm cloves to maximize flavor; fresh garlic makes all the difference.
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Ricotta Cheese: Choose whole milk ricotta for a creamier texture; it blends beautifully into the sauce.
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Pasta of Your Choice: I love using fettuccine or penne because they hold onto the sauce well.
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Fresh Basil and Parsley: These herbs brighten up the dish; chop them finely for maximum flavor impact.
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Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it adds richness to your dish.
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Salt and Pepper: Always season your chicken generously; it enhances all the flavors in your pasta.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients together. Chop garlic and herbs finely while your pasta water heats up on the stove.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, place seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Add Garlic for Flavor: Toss minced garlic into the skillet with chicken during the last minute of cooking. Stir until fragrant—this should only take about 30 seconds!
Create Your Creamy Sauce: Lower heat and stir in ricotta cheese with a splash of reserved pasta water until smooth and combined. creamy mac and cheese recipe Taste before adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper—trust me, it matters!
Toss Everything Together: Drain pasta once cooked al dente and reserve some cooking water. Add drained pasta to the skillet along with fresh herbs, tossing gently until everything is coated in that dreamy sauce.
Now you have a glorious bowl of Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta ready to serve! Enjoy every cheesy bite as you reminisce about those shared moments around the table. creamy crunchy potatoes.
You Must Know
- This creamy ricotta chicken pasta is a delightful dish that elevates dinner with its rich flavors
- The blend of creamy ricotta and tender chicken creates a tantalizing experience that feels fancy yet is simple to make
- Perfect for impressing guests or family!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by searing the chicken in a hot pan. While it cooks, boil your pasta until al dente, then combine everything with the sauce for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this dish! Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. The possibilities are endless!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to keep it creamy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To maximize flavor, let your ricotta come to room temperature before mixing it into the sauce
- Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be slightly firm when drained
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving for that perfect finish!
Cooking this creamy ricotta chicken pasta always reminds me of family gatherings where everyone fights over the last serving—it’s that good! For more inspiration, check out this Buffalo chicken stuffed peppers recipe.
FAQ
What type of pasta works best for creamy ricotta chicken pasta?
Fusilli or penne are excellent choices, as they hold onto the sauce beautifully.
Can I use other cheese instead of ricotta?
Absolutely! Cream cheese or mascarpone can give a different but delicious texture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this dish stores well and reheats nicely, making it great for meal prep!
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a comforting and indulgent dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, velvety ricotta sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. This delightful meal is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to adapt to your pantry staples. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe guarantees satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: chop garlic and herbs while boiling salted water for pasta.
- Cook the pasta until al dente (8-10 minutes), then drain but reserve some cooking water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sauté for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking; stir until fragrant.
- Lower the heat and mix in ricotta cheese with a splash of reserved pasta water until smooth.
- Combine drained pasta with the sauce and fresh herbs, tossing gently until well coated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
