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Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
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Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a quick and indulgent meal combining tender chicken breasts, ricotta cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious, silky sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you want a rich and flavorful dinner with minimal fuss. Simple pantry staples and fresh herbs come together to create a meal that is both comforting and gourmet.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dairy

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

Pasta

  • 8 oz penne or fusilli pasta

Aromatics & Oils

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Liquids

  • ½ cup chicken broth or white wine (optional, for deglazing)

Herbs & Seasoning

  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta of your choice (penne or fusilli recommended) until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later if needed.
  2. Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook each side for about 5-6 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and slice into strips once rested.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. If using, pour in chicken broth or white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Reduce heat to low and stir in the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan until smooth and creamy. Add reserved pasta water gradually to reach your desired sauce consistency.
  4. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, add the cooked pasta, and gently toss everything together to coat evenly with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta and finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese. Optionally, drizzle with good quality olive oil for an aromatic touch.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ricotta cheese for a smoother, easier-to-blend sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce naturally without diluting it.
  • Do not overcook chicken to keep it juicy; cook until just done and then rest before slicing.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright color and flavor.
  • Adjust the sauce thickness by varying the amount of pasta water used.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta, quick chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, creamy pasta recipe, ricotta cheese pasta, gluten free pasta dish

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