Here's a delicious take on Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal for the whole family. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious ricotta-based sauce creates a dish that's both comforting and satisfying.

I first made this recipe on a whim, trying to use up leftover ricotta from a lasagna night. What I didn’t expect was how incredibly creamy and flavorful the sauce would turn out! Now, it’s a staple in my household, loved by kids and adults alike.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Get ready to add this recipe to your regular meal rotation. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights when you need something quick yet satisfying.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this dish on the table in under 30 minutes.

The creaminess of ricotta cheese gives this pasta a rich and velvety texture without relying on heavy cream. It’s a great way to lighten up a creamy dish while still keeping it indulgent.

This recipe is also highly customizable. Whether you want to add extra vegetables, swap the chicken for another protein, or use whole wheat pasta, there are endless ways to make it your own.

Plus, it’s budget-friendly! With simple ingredients like pasta, chicken, and ricotta, you can serve a restaurant-quality meal without spending a fortune.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish comes from a few key ingredients that work together to create a rich and satisfying meal.

Pasta is the foundation of this dish, and choosing the right shape makes a difference. I recommend penne, rigatoni, or fusilli, as their ridges help hold onto the creamy ricotta sauce, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.

Chicken adds a hearty and protein-packed element to the dish. I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. However, chicken thighs work just as well if you prefer a juicier texture.

Ricotta cheese is the star ingredient, providing a smooth and creamy texture without making the dish too heavy. Full-fat ricotta works best for a luxurious mouthfeel, but part-skim can be used for a lighter option.

Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor of the sauce, giving it a rich, salty depth. Be sure to use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste and texture.

Garlic and onion add an aromatic base to the dish, infusing the sauce with savory goodness. Cooking them until soft and golden ensures maximum flavor.

A large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta are all you need to bring this dish together. A fine-mesh strainer is also helpful for draining pasta while reserving some starchy water for the sauce.

How To Make This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Making this pasta dish is a breeze, and it all comes together in just a few simple steps.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about one cup of pasta water to help emulsify the sauce later.

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them sear without moving for about three minutes, then flip and cook for another three to four minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Lower the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese, followed by freshly grated Parmesan. Slowly add some of the reserved pasta water, stirring to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together, ensuring the sauce coats each piece of pasta. Taste and season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or additional Parmesan for an extra flavor boost. From start to finish, this meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.

Storage Options

Leftovers store well and make for a delicious meal the next day. Transfer any remaining pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.

To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

This dish is highly adaptable, making it easy to customize based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.

Swap the ricotta for cottage cheese if you’re looking for a slightly tangier, protein-rich alternative. Blending cottage cheese before adding it to the sauce will help mimic the smooth texture of ricotta.

Want to make it even creamier? Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese for an ultra-luxurious sauce.

If you love spice, stir in a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste or a generous pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Experimenting with different pasta shapes can also change the experience of this dish. Try orecchiette, farfalle, or even spaghetti for a different texture.

Whether you stick to the classic version or make it your own, this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is bound to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy!