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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 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

Scale

Protein

  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced thin

Dairy

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta & Grains

  • 8 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle)

Aromatics & Herbs

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Liquids & Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water (plus extra as needed)

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice your chicken breasts into thin, bite-sized pieces to ensure quick cooking. 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 but hold off on herbs until later for maximum flavor layering.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook your chosen pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to use later for adjusting sauce consistency.
  3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet with the chicken, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. 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.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently to ensure each piece of pasta is generously coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add more reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in freshly chopped basil and parsley for a bright, fresh finish. 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

Keywords: Creamy chicken pasta, ricotta pasta recipe, quick dinner, one-pot pasta, Italian chicken pasta, creamy ricotta chicken

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