Description
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a rich, comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The tender chicken is paired with a creamy ricotta sauce and served over pasta, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. Quick, easy, and full of flavor, it’s a family favorite that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Once slightly cooled, slice the chicken into strips or cubes.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Stir in ricotta cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, basil, and oregano. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the chicken broth and reserved pasta water, stirring to combine. Let the pasta cook in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss everything together.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the sauce.
- For a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream for milk or half-and-half.
- You can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg