Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta – A Delicious and Comforting Meal
If you’re looking for a quick yet indulgent meal, Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is the perfect choice. This dish combines tender chicken, rich ricotta cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta in a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s a fantastic weeknight dinner option that feels gourmet without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a special meal for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The combination of creamy cheese, savory chicken, and aromatic seasonings creates a dish that is both satisfying and easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and Creamy – Ricotta cheese gives the sauce a velvety texture without being too heavy.
- Protein-Packed – Chicken adds a hearty, satisfying element to the dish.
- Customizable – Easily adaptable with different pasta types, proteins, or vegetables.
- Family-Friendly – Loved by both kids and adults, making it a great family dinner option.
Ingredients for Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
To make this creamy and delicious pasta dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (200g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for freshness)
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To prepare this recipe smoothly, have these tools ready:
✔ Large pot – For boiling the pasta
✔ Large skillet or pan – For cooking the chicken and sauce
✔ Wooden spoon or spatula – To stir ingredients
✔ Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient portions
✔ Colander – For draining pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces, season with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Ricotta Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan.
- Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the lemon juice for a slight tang, balancing the richness of the sauce.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well with the sauce.
- Add the drained pasta, stirring to coat it evenly in the creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan on top.

Tips for the Best Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
✔ Use High-Quality Ricotta – Fresh, full-fat ricotta will give the best creamy texture.
✔ Season Every Step – Adding seasoning while cooking ensures the dish has depth of flavor.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Keeping the chicken tender is key to a perfect dish.
✔ Reserve Pasta Water – It helps adjust the sauce consistency without making it watery.
✔ Serve Immediately – The sauce thickens as it cools, so enjoy it fresh!
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Make It Lighter – Swap heavy cream with whole milk or Greek yogurt.
- Add More Veggies – Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- Use Different Pasta – Try whole wheat, gluten-free, or chickpea pasta for a twist.
- Spice It Up – Add a dash of paprika or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Avoid Freezing: Ricotta-based sauces don’t freeze well, as they tend to separate when thawed.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta with:
✔ A Fresh Green Salad – Adds a crisp contrast to the creamy dish.
✔ Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
✔ Steamed Vegetables – Such as broccoli or asparagus for added nutrients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Overcooking the Pasta – Al dente pasta holds up better in the sauce.
❌ Using Low-Quality Ricotta – It can make the sauce grainy instead of creamy.
❌ Skipping the Lemon Juice – It balances the richness of the sauce beautifully.
❌ Not Reserving Pasta Water – Helps adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of fresh chicken?
Yes! Shred a rotisserie chicken and stir it into the sauce for an even quicker meal.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the chicken and add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a meat-free version.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works best to hold the creamy sauce.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.
Conclusion
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s an easy-to-make dish that brings gourmet flavors to your table in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Print
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta – A Delicious and Comforting Meal
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a quick and indulgent meal made with tender chicken, rich ricotta cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta in a flavorful, creamy sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a fantastic weeknight dinner option that feels gourmet but is easy to make at home.
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Chicken:
- 2 cups (200g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Creamy Ricotta Sauce:
- 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
- Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Creamy Ricotta Sauce:
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in ricotta, heavy cream, Parmesan, and lemon juice until smooth.
4️⃣ Combine Everything:
- Return chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
✔ Use high-quality ricotta for the creamiest texture.
✔ Don’t overcook the chicken—keep it juicy!
✔ Lemon juice balances the richness of the sauce.
✔ Reserve pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency.