The Best Quick and Delicious Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Few things beat a bowl of creamy pasta after a long day, and this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta delivers comfort in every bite. It’s rich yet light, thanks to ricotta cheese, which adds creaminess without the heaviness of traditional cream sauces. Paired with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a meal that feels both indulgent and balanced.

What makes this recipe especially appealing is how simple it is. In under 40 minutes, you can have a dish that tastes restaurant-worthy but is easy enough for a busy weeknight. The ingredients are straightforward, the steps are beginner-friendly, and cleanup is minimal. You can also customize it—add spinach, peas, or zucchini for extra nutrition, or swap pasta shapes depending on your preference.

Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or planning a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is versatile, quick, and satisfying. It’s proof that homemade pasta doesn’t need hours in the kitchen to taste amazing.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

This dish stands out because it combines ease, flavor, and comfort all in one:

• Quick & Easy – Ready in about 30–40 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
• Creamy but Light – Ricotta creates a silky texture without being overly heavy.
• Family-Friendly – A flavor kids and adults both enjoy, with plenty of room to add veggies.
• Customizable – Swap pasta shapes, add herbs, or adjust spices to your liking.
• Balanced Comfort – With lean chicken and ricotta, you get protein, creaminess, and nutrition in one dish.

It’s a recipe that fits any occasion—simple enough for a casual dinner but impressive enough to serve guests.

What You’ll Need

To make this creamy ricotta chicken pasta, you only need simple, everyday ingredients you can easily find at any U.S. grocery store. Here’s your shopping list:

• Pasta (12 oz) – Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine all work well.
• Chicken breast (1 lb, boneless, skinless) – Cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs also work if you prefer.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp) – For cooking the chicken and adding flavor.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Fresh garlic adds the best flavor.
• Onion (1 medium, diced) – A yellow or white onion works great.
• Ricotta cheese (1 cup) – The star of the creamy sauce.
• Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated) – Adds richness and depth.
• Chicken broth (1 cup) – Helps loosen the sauce and bring it together.
• Spinach (2 cups, optional) – Fresh baby spinach for extra nutrition.
• Italian seasoning (1 tsp) – Or use a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
• Salt & black pepper (to taste) – Adjust for seasoning.
• Red pepper flakes (optional) – For a little kick.

These ingredients balance creaminess, flavor, and nutrition, creating a pasta dish that’s simple yet delicious.

How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Making this creamy ricotta chicken pasta is straightforward and stress-free. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Cook the pasta
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add 12 oz pasta and cook until al dente, following package directions.
   • Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken
   • In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add 1 lb chicken breast pieces, season with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
   • Cook until golden and fully cooked (about 6–7 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Make the sauce
   • In the same skillet, add 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until soft and fragrant (2–3 minutes).
   • Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and let simmer for 2 minutes.
   • Stir in 1 cup ricotta cheese and ½ cup Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine everything
   • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
   • Add the pasta and toss until well coated in the sauce.
   • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Optional add-ins
   • Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach and let it wilt into the sauce.
   • Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before serving.

And just like that—you’ve got a quick, creamy, and satisfying pasta ready to enjoy!

You Must Know

Before diving into this recipe, there are a few key things you should know that will make your Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta turn out perfectly every time:

• Ricotta Quality Matters – Not all ricotta cheeses are the same. A fresh, good-quality ricotta will give you a smoother and creamier sauce. If yours feels a bit grainy, you can whisk it with a splash of warm pasta water before adding it to the pan.
• Reserve Pasta Water – This starchy water is liquid gold. Adding just a little helps the sauce cling to the pasta and creates that silky texture you want. Never skip this step.
• Cook Chicken Properly – Overcooked chicken turns dry and chewy. Cut it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and cook just until it’s no longer pink.
• Season in Layers – Don’t just salt at the end. Season the chicken, the pasta water, and the sauce as you go. This builds a deeper flavor overall.
• Balance is Key – Ricotta can be mild, so Parmesan (or even mozzarella if you want it extra cheesy) adds depth. If you like a little zing, a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes brightens everything up.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta – Since pasta will cook slightly more when tossed with the sauce, aim for al dente. Mushy pasta won’t hold up well in the creamy sauce.

Keeping these small but important tips in mind will ensure your dish is flavorful, balanced, and restaurant-quality every single time.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

If you want to elevate this dish from “good” to “incredible,” focus on the cooking process. The way you handle each step makes all the difference:

1. Timing is Everything – Start boiling your pasta water before you cook the chicken. That way, the pasta and sauce finish around the same time, and nothing sits too long.
2. Use a Large Skillet – A bigger pan gives your chicken room to sear properly instead of steaming. That golden-brown crust adds flavor you don’t want to miss.
3. Build Layers of Flavor – First, brown the chicken for that savory base. Then, sauté onion and garlic in the same pan so they pick up the flavor left behind. Deglazing with chicken broth helps pull all those tasty bits into your sauce.
4. Creamy Sauce Consistency – The sauce should be rich but not too thick. That’s where the reserved pasta water comes in—it loosens the sauce while making it velvety and smooth. Add it a little at a time until you get the perfect balance.
5. Final Toss – Always toss the pasta with the sauce in the skillet instead of just spooning sauce on top. This step ensures every bite is coated evenly and the flavors meld beautifully.
6. Rest Before Serving – Let the pasta sit for 2–3 minutes after mixing. This allows the sauce to settle and cling to the pasta even better.

By paying attention to these details, you’ll end up with a dish that doesn’t just taste homemade—it feels gourmet.

Add Your Touch Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

One of the best parts about this creamy ricotta chicken pasta is how easy it is to make it your own. The base recipe is delicious on its own, but with just a few tweaks, you can customize it to fit your taste, dietary needs, or even the ingredients you already have at home.

• Switch the Protein – Don’t want chicken? Try turkey, shrimp, or even a plant-based protein like chickpeas. Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly too.
• Boost the Veggies – Add extra nutrition and color with spinach, broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just sauté or steam them before mixing into the sauce.
• Make it Spicy – A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil instantly adds heat.
• Go Extra Cheesy – Parmesan is classic, but mozzarella makes it gooey, and a sprinkle of pecorino adds sharpness.
• Fresh Herbs – Basil, parsley, or thyme brighten the dish and make it taste fresh and vibrant.
• Add a Citrus Kick – A squeeze of lemon juice before serving adds a refreshing tang that balances the creamy sauce.

Think of this recipe as a canvas—you can keep it simple for a comforting weeknight dinner, or dress it up with special add-ins to impress guests. Either way, it’s a dish that adapts to you.

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers of this pasta are just as good the next day, which makes it a great meal-prep option. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly so it stays delicious:

Creamy pasta recipes to try

• Refrigeration – Store cooled pasta in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days in the fridge.
• Freezing – While ricotta can sometimes change texture when frozen, this pasta still works if you need to store it longer. Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating on the Stove – The best way to bring leftovers back to life. Add a splash of milk, broth, or water to loosen the sauce, then reheat gently over medium heat, stirring until warmed through.
• Microwave Method – Heat in a microwave-safe dish, covered loosely. Stir halfway through and add a little liquid if the pasta seems dry.
• Baked Leftover Option – Turn your leftovers into a new meal by placing them in a baking dish, topping with mozzarella or Parmesan, and baking until bubbly and golden.

The key to reheating creamy pasta is moisture—adding a bit of liquid prevents the sauce from drying out and helps restore that silky texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips for Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Even though this creamy ricotta chicken pasta is simple, a few pro-level tricks can make it taste like something straight

Busy night meal solutions

• Salt the Pasta Water Generously – The water should taste like the sea. This seasons the pasta from the inside out and makes a huge difference.
• Cut Chicken Evenly – Uniform bite-sized pieces cook faster and prevent some from drying out while others remain undercooked.
• Don’t Skip the Sear – Browning the chicken first gives you flavorful bits in the pan that enrich the sauce.
• Whisk Ricotta First – If your ricotta feels thick, whisk it with a spoonful of warm pasta water before adding it to the sauce. This keeps the texture smooth.
• Taste As You Go – Season in layers—after the chicken, after the broth, and at the end. This prevents bland results.
• Finish with Freshness – A sprinkle of herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or freshly grated Parmesan right before serving brightens the dish.
• Serve Immediately – Creamy pasta tastes best when fresh. If you must wait, keep the sauce slightly loose so it doesn’t tighten too much.

These little adjustments may seem small, but together, they elevate the dish from a quick dinner to a meal you’ll crave again and again.

FAQ for Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, spaghetti, or even whole wheat or gluten-free pasta work great. Choose your favorite.

More quick family meals

2. Do I have to use chicken breast?
Not at all. Chicken thighs, leftover rotisserie chicken, or even shrimp or turkey make excellent alternatives.

3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Just skip the chicken and add extra veggies or a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu.

4. Will low-fat ricotta work?
Yes, though full-fat ricotta gives the creamiest texture. If using low-fat, whisk it well with warm pasta water before adding it.

5. How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?
Use reserved pasta water to loosen it. Add a little at a time until the sauce coats the pasta perfectly.

6. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can cook the pasta and chicken in advance, but it’s best to make the sauce fresh. The creamy texture is best when served right away.

7. What can I serve with this pasta?
A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies pair beautifully.

Conclusion

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is quick, simple, and full of flavor. Tender chicken, silky ricotta sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in under 40 minutes for a comforting, weeknight-friendly meal.

The recipe is versatile—you can swap pasta, add vegetables, or change the protein—making it perfect for families, meal prep, or a cozy dinner. Easy to cook, satisfying, and delicious, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Skip takeout and enjoy a homemade pasta that’s creamy, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser.