If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that feels both indulgent and light, this creamy ricotta chicken pasta is here to answer your dinner prayers. Tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken mingle with al dente pasta in a velvety sauce made from ricotta cheese, bright cherry tomatoes, and savory chicken broth. Every forkful delivers a perfect balance of creaminess, tang, and freshness, thanks to a sprinkle of fragrant Italian seasoning and a flourish of fresh basil. I remember the first time I whipped this up on a hectic weeknight—after a marathon grocery run and a day full of Zoom calls, the kitchen felt like a sanctuary as the ricotta sauce came together in minutes. The simplicity of the recipe felt like a warm hug, and by the time my family gathered around the table, plates piled high, we were all smiling at the sheer deliciousness of something so easy.
This pasta dish is the ultimate weeknight wonder: beginner-friendly yet bursting with gourmet flavor, ready in about 30 minutes (15 minutes prep, 20 minutes cooking). At just over 600 calories per serving, it’s both satisfying and realistic for busy home cooks who want taste without sacrificing time or energy. Whether you’re hosting friends for a casual dinner or packing up leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch, this recipe adapts beautifully. I often stir in a handful of fresh spinach or a dash of red pepper flakes to shake things up, and you can easily swap in mascarpone or cream cheese if ricotta isn’t your jam. With its comforting cream sauce, juicy chicken, and vibrant pops of tomato and basil, this pasta feels like a little celebration in every bite—no special occasion required.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN QUICK AND DELICIOUS CREAMY RICOTTA CHICKEN PASTA
Before we roll up our sleeves and start cooking, let’s get acquainted with the stars of this dish. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and that irresistible creamy consistency. From the foundation of pasta to the final flourish of fresh basil, here’s what you’ll need:
- Pasta
Penne or fettuccine work beautifully here, providing a substantial base for the silky sauce to cling to. Their hollow or ribbon-like shapes help scoop up every bit of cheesy goodness.
- Olive Oil
A good-quality extra-virgin olive oil adds richness and helps brown the chicken, creating those tasty caramelized bits that enrich the sauce.
- Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken cut into bite-sized pieces cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of garlic, broth, and seasoning. It brings satisfying protein to every mouthful.
- Garlic
Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic depth. Sautéed just until fragrant, it’s the secret behind that crave-worthy savory backdrop.
- Ricotta Cheese
This creamy, slightly tangy cheese forms the heart of the sauce. It blends seamlessly with chicken broth for a luscious texture without being overly heavy.
- Chicken Broth
Adding body and flavor, chicken broth creates a smooth, lightly seasoned base for the ricotta cheese, ensuring the sauce isn’t too thick.
- Cherry Tomatoes
Halved cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness and acidity, brightening up the dish and adding pops of color.
- Italian Seasoning
A classic blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that layers in warm, herbaceous notes—no measuring headaches required.
- Salt and Pepper
Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken, tomatoes, and cheese.
- Parmesan Cheese
Finely grated, this hard cheese adds a nutty, savory kick as a finishing touch, melting slightly when sprinkled on top.
- Basil Leaves
Fresh basil brings an herbal freshness and vibrant green color, making every plate look as delightful as it tastes.
HOW TO MAKE QUICK AND DELICIOUS CREAMY RICOTTA CHICKEN PASTA
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s dive into the heart of the recipe. These steps will guide you through creating a creamy ricotta sauce, cooking tender chicken bites, and marrying it all with perfectly cooked pasta. Follow along, and you’ll have a flavor-packed dinner on the table in no time.
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, tender with a slight bite. Before draining, reserve half a cup of the hot pasta water—this starchy liquid will help loosen the sauce if needed. Drain the pasta and set it aside, leaving the pot empty but warm for later.
2. Heat the olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer and let them sear, undisturbed, for a few minutes. Toss and cook for a total of 5–7 minutes, until each piece is browned all over and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.
3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, stirring constantly until fragrant. Keep an eye on it—garlic can go from perfectly aromatic to burnt in seconds.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, using a wooden spoon to scrape up those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This deglazing step intensifies the sauce’s depth.
5. Lower the heat slightly and stir in the ricotta cheese until it melts into the broth, creating a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually whisk in some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Return the halved cherry tomatoes and cooked chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, then taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
7. Gently fold in the cooked pasta, making sure each strand or piece is generously coated in the creamy ricotta sauce. Continue stirring for a minute or two so the flavors meld.
8. Serve the pasta piping hot, garnished with a shower of grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of color and flavor.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR QUICK AND DELICIOUS CREAMY RICOTTA CHICKEN PASTA
Once your creamy ricotta chicken pasta is ready, the joy of serving it turns every meal into a mini celebration. Whether you’re plating for family, friends, or just yourself, these suggestions will elevate the dish and make it feel extra special. Allow about 200 words of description here to guide presentation, plating essentials, side pairings, and ambiance tips, from choosing the right dinnerware to setting the mood with simple table décor. Emphasize how a handful of fresh basil or a dusting of bright Parmesan can transform a basic weeknight dinner into a restaurant-quality experience. Encourage readers to pay attention to color contrast on the plate and even suggest a light white wine or sparkling water with lemon to complement the creaminess and acidity of the tomatoes.
- Family-Style Platter: Serve the pasta in a large shallow bowl, letting everyone help themselves. Top with extra grated Parmesan and basil sprigs for a communal, festive feel.
- Lunch Meal Prep: Portion cooled pasta into airtight containers, adding a few fresh basil leaves before sealing. Grab and reheat individual servings for a speedy, satisfying workday meal.
- Side Salad Pairing: Balance the richness with a crisp arugula salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens cut through the creaminess beautifully.
- Wine or Beverage Match: Pair with a chilled Pinot Grigio or a sparkling water infused with a slice of lemon. The acidity will brighten each bite and cleanse the palate.
HOW TO STORE QUICK AND DELICIOUS CREAMY RICOTTA CHICKEN PASTA
Storing your creamy ricotta chicken pasta properly ensures it stays fresh, flavorful, and safe to enjoy later. Whether you plan to savor leftovers over the next few days or tuck away portions for longer-term meals, these tips will keep your dish tasting just as good as day one. This introduction (about 200 words) should discuss best practices for cooling, portioning, and maintaining texture and creaminess. Emphasize that ricotta-based sauces can sometimes thicken when chilled, so reheating techniques and slight sauce adjustments might be needed. Encourage readers to cool the pasta quickly before refrigeration and to avoid letting it sit at room temperature for more than two hours.
- Refrigerator Storage: Transfer cooled pasta into a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. Before serving, gently reheat on low heat with a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
- Freezer-Friendly Portions: For longer storage, divide the pasta into freezer-safe bags, pressing out excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly, adding extra liquid as needed.
- Glass Meal Prep Jars: Layer pasta into glass jars, adding a thin brush of olive oil on top to prevent sticking. Seal tightly and store in the fridge for grab-and-go lunches.
- Avoid Overheating: Whether using a microwave or stovetop, heat in short intervals, stirring frequently. Overheating can cause the ricotta to separate, so go gentle and add a splash of broth during reheating.
CONCLUSION
Creamy ricotta chicken pasta brings together the best of weeknight cooking: minimal prep, bold flavors, and a comforting vibe that feels anything but ordinary. From the first sauté of garlic and chicken to the final toss in a dreamy ricotta sauce, every step is straightforward—perfect for cooks of any skill level. This recipe shines as a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend lunch, making it versatile enough to become a family staple. With a total time of around 30 minutes and just a handful of kitchen tools, you’ll marvel at how easy gourmet pasta can be. The dish clocks in at roughly 630 calories per serving and earns top marks on the beginner-friendly scale. Plus, the addition of fresh basil and Parmesan makes it look as inviting as it tastes.
Feel free to print and save this article for later, slip it into your recipe binder, or bookmark it for those busy evenings when you need dinner on the table fast. You’ll also find a handy FAQ section below to troubleshoot any questions that come up—though I’m always here if you need more help. Ready to make a batch of creamy ricotta chicken pasta tonight? Let me know how it goes in the comments. Have tweaks or creative twists you’ve tried? Share your feedback or ask any questions, and I’ll be thrilled to help you perfect this flavor-packed comfort dish. Happy cooking!
Quick and Delicious Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
Description
Tender chicken pieces mingle with fluffy pasta in a luscious ricotta sauce, brightened by cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. Perfectly seasoned and ready in minutes, this dish brings comfort and flair to any dinner table.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
-
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
-
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
-
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet.
-
Stir in the ricotta cheese and mix until well combined. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
-
Add the cherry tomatoes and cooked chicken back into the skillet. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine everything.
-
Gently fold in the cooked pasta, ensuring that it is well coated in the creamy sauce.
-
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor.
Note
- Feel free to add spinach or other veggies to the pasta for an extra nutritional boost.
- This dish can be easily made in under 30 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner.
- You can substitute the ricotta cheese with cream cheese or mascarpone for a different texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for lunch the next day.
- Experiment with adding a splash of lemon juice or red pepper flakes for an added zing.
