Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta – A Comforting & Easy Weeknight Dinner

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy, cozy pasta to make a long day feel a little brighter. And this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta? It’s a true weeknight hero! With tender chicken, a luscious ricotta-based sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is simple yet indulgent. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes—because we all deserve a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes but want something a little lighter than a traditional Alfredo, this recipe is about to become your new favorite. And hey, if you’re not already subscribed, be sure to sign up for my email list so you never miss a delicious recipe like this one!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

• Easy to make – Minimal prep, simple steps, and a quick cook time.
• Rich & creamy without being too heavy – The ricotta cheese keeps the sauce light yet luxurious.
• Customizable – Switch up the protein, add more veggies, or experiment with different pasta shapes!
• Perfect for meal prep – This pasta reheats beautifully for a delicious next-day lunch.

What Does Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Taste Like?

Imagine the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and slightly tangy. The ricotta cheese gives the sauce a velvety smoothness with a mild, slightly sweet creaminess that pairs beautifully with the juicy, seasoned chicken. A touch of garlic, parmesan, and lemon brightens up the flavors, making every bite comforting yet fresh.

Health Benefits of This Pasta

• High in protein – Thanks to the chicken and ricotta cheese.
• Calcium-rich – Ricotta and parmesan provide a good dose of calcium for bone health.
• Energizing – Pasta offers a great source of carbohydrates to keep you fueled.
• Balanced meal – Add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to whip up this creamy ricotta chicken pasta:

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work great)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• 1 ½ cups cooked chicken, sliced or shredded
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Ricotta Sauce:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk for best creaminess)
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup reserved pasta water (adjust as needed)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or pan
• Mixing bowl for the ricotta sauce
• Tongs or spoon for mixing

Possible Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

Want to make this dish your own? Here are some easy swaps and additions:

• Swap the protein – Use shrimp, turkey, or even tofu instead of chicken.
• Add more veggies – Try baby spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Make it extra cheesy – Stir in some shredded mozzarella for a gooier texture.
• Go gluten-free – Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
• Add a little spice – A pinch of red pepper flakes will give the dish a nice kick.

How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic & Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. If using cherry tomatoes, toss them in now and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.

Add the cooked chicken, season with salt and pepper, and stir well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, parmesan, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Slowly add some of the reserved pasta water, stirring until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Lower the heat to medium-low and add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the chicken. Pour in the ricotta sauce and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, dreamy deliciousness!

What to Serve with Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

This pasta is satisfying on its own, but if you’re looking for the perfect side dish, here are a few ideas:

• Garlic bread – Because more carbs are always a good idea!
• Simple side salad – A fresh arugula or Caesar salad complements the richness.
• Roasted veggies – Broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy touch.

Pro Tips for the Best Ricotta Pasta

• Use high-quality ricotta – Whole milk ricotta will give the sauce the best texture.
• Don’t skip the pasta water – It helps create a silky, creamy sauce.
• Season well – Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice as needed.
• Serve immediately – This dish is best enjoyed fresh, while the sauce is at its creamiest.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

• Storage – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing – Not recommended, as the ricotta sauce may become grainy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken and ricotta sauce in advance, then cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

You can, but the texture will be slightly different. Blend cottage cheese for a smoother consistency.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Short pasta like penne or rigatoni works great because it holds the sauce well, but fettuccine or spaghetti also work.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply leave out the chicken or replace it with mushrooms or white beans for a hearty vegetarian version.

More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you loved this creamy ricotta pasta, you’ll definitely want to check out these recipes:

• Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo – A bright and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Creamy Pasta Recipes – More indulgent, easy-to-make pasta ideas.
• Honey Mustard Chicken – Sweet, tangy, and perfect for a weeknight meal.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, or share your delicious pasta pictures on Pinterest.

Happy cooking! 🍝✨