Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

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Looking for a quick and satisfying dinner packed with protein, flavor, and creamy goodness? This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is the ultimate high-protein comfort food. Made with whole wheat pasta, lean chicken breast, and a luscious ricotta-Parmesan sauce, it’s a family-friendly recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or when you’re craving something indulgent yet nourishing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High-Protein and Fiber-Rich: A healthy dinner that keeps you full

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes

• Creamy without being heavy: Ricotta keeps it light but luscious

• One-Skillet Meal: Fewer dishes, more convenience

• Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved

• Great for Meal Prep: Stays creamy when reheated

Ingredients Breakdown

Pasta Base

• Whole Wheat Pasta (12 oz, penne or tortiglioni)
  Provides a hearty base and adds fiber and flavor.

• Salted Water for Boiling
  Salting the pasta water ensures well-seasoned pasta throughout.

Chicken & Sauce

• Chicken Breast (1 lb, bite-sized pieces)
  Lean protein, pan-seared for maximum flavor and texture.

• Olive Oil (2 tbsp)
  Used to sauté the chicken and garlic for rich flavor.

• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
  Adds depth and aroma to the sauce.

• Ricotta Cheese (1 cup)
  The creamy star of the sauce—light, fluffy, and tangy.

• Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup)
  Adds salty, umami richness to balance the ricotta.

• Chicken Broth or Reserved Pasta Water (½ cup)
  Thins the sauce while adding extra flavor.

• Heavy Cream (½ cup, optional)
  For a richer, creamier finish—completely optional.

• Italian Seasoning (1 tsp)
  Brings classic herb flavor to the sauce.

• Red Pepper Flakes (¼ tsp, optional)
  Adds a gentle kick if desired.

• Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
  Essential for seasoning throughout.

• Fresh Spinach or Kale (2 cups, optional)
  Adds freshness and a nutritional boost without overpowering the flavor.

For Garnish

• Fresh Basil or Parsley
  Brightens and freshens the final dish.

• Extra Parmesan Cheese
  A finishing touch of savory goodness.

Tips and Tricks

• Use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and melting

• Skip the cream if you prefer a lighter sauce—ricotta and broth are enough

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken—it needs room to brown

• Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the final dish

Variations and Customizations

• Vegetarian Option: Use sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies instead of chicken

• Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce

• Extra Creamy: Use full-fat ricotta and the full amount of heavy cream

• Add Veggies: Broccoli, peas, or zucchini work beautifully

Pairing Suggestions

• Garlic Breadsticks or crusty sourdough

• Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Iced tea or sparkling water with citrus

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days

• Reheat: Add a splash of broth or milk and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave

• Not freezer-friendly due to ricotta-based sauce texture

Popular Questions

Can I substitute the ricotta with something else?

Yes! Try cottage cheese for a lighter option, or mascarpone for a richer one.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely. Just warm it through in the sauce and skip the searing step.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very! The creamy texture and mild flavors are loved by even picky eaters.

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta – A protein-packed comfort dish that’s luxurious yet wholesome! Tender chicken and whole wheat pasta swim in a velvety ricotta-Parmesan sauce, ready in 30 minutes flat. Weeknight dinners just leveled up.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz whole wheat penne or tortiglioni

• Water for boiling

• Salt (for pasta water)

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water

• ½ cup heavy cream (optional)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)

• Chopped fresh basil or parsley

• Additional Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.

2. Salt the water generously (it should taste like the sea).

3. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions for al dente texture.

4. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

5. Drain pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the chicken and season with salt and pepper.

3. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.

4. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

5. Leave the browned bits in the pan—these will build flavor in the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Ricotta Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low.

2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Stir in ricotta, Parmesan, chicken broth (or pasta water), and optional cream.

4. Season with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.

5. Whisk or stir gently until the sauce is creamy and well combined.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

2. Add the drained pasta and stir to coat evenly in the sauce.

3. Fold in spinach or kale and cook just until wilted.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

5. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

• Healthy creamy chicken dinners

• One-pan pasta recipes

• Family-friendly high-protein meals

• Quick and budget-friendly weeknight dinners

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

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