Pasta Recipes

Creamy Pasta Recipes with Chicken and Ricotta

Creamy pasta recipes always have a way of making a meal feel like a warm hug, and this one is no exception. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this when the day felt too long and the fridge looked a little empty, only to realize I had everything I needed for pure comfort on a plate. Ricotta adds this mellow creaminess, while tender chicken and pasta carry the whole dish without a fuss. We’ve all had those evenings when cooking feels like a chore. This is where recipes like this save us. It’s not fussy, it doesn’t need a hundred steps, and yet it tastes like something you’d order at a little Italian spot you love. That’s the charm of chicken pasta recipes like this one. It works whether you want a quick weeknight meal or a dish that feels just a little special. I like that this one can slide into many moods. Call it easy creamy pasta recipes if you’re looking for simplicity. Think of it as food recipes pasta lovers will always come back to. And yes, if you care about balance, it lands nicely with healthy chicken pasta recipes too. Some days I’ve even prepped it earlier and kept it as a crockpot chicken pasta recipes experiment, letting it sit and build deeper flavors. In short, this pasta belongs in your folder of Pasta Recipes you don’t have to think twice about.

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Table of Contents

  • 1) Key Takeaways
  • 2) Easy Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
  • 3) Ingredients for Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
  • 4) How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
  • 5) Tips for Making Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
  • 6) Making Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Ahead of Time
  • 7) Storing Leftover Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
  • 8) Try these Main Course next!
  • 9) Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
  • 10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

  • This dish combines ricotta cheese, chicken, and pasta for an easy yet comforting meal.
  • You only need one skillet and a pot of pasta for this recipe.
  • The flavors balance creamy richness with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes.
  • It’s versatile enough for busy weeknights or casual dinner gatherings.

2) Easy Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’ve ever had a long day and wanted dinner to feel like a hug, this creamy pasta recipe delivers. The way ricotta melts into the sauce feels like comfort disguised as food. When I make it, I don’t just eat a meal, I slow down, breathe, and enjoy what’s on my plate. The main keyword here, creamy pasta recipes, really says it all. Dishes like this are why people love keeping pasta nights in their weekly rotation.

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You can take a few humble ingredients and build something hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table. It doesn’t lean on fancy tricks. It’s more about letting pasta, chicken, and ricotta do their thing together.

I’ve tested many chicken pasta recipes, but this one checks all the boxes. Easy creamy pasta recipes need to be both doable and satisfying. And with every forkful, you’ll see why food recipes pasta lovers keep coming back to classics like this.

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3) Ingredients for Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Olive Oil sets the stage for cooking the chicken, adding richness without overpowering the flavors. I love that smooth sizzle when the chicken first hits the pan.

Chicken Breasts are the heart of this dish. Cut them into strips and they’ll cook evenly while keeping tender. They bring protein and balance to the creamy sauce.

Garlic creates the aroma that makes the whole kitchen feel like an invitation. Freshly minced cloves give the sauce depth you can taste in each bite.

Ricotta Cheese is where the creaminess lives. It softens into the sauce and creates that cozy, indulgent texture everyone loves in creamy pasta recipes.

Parmesan Cheese sharpens the flavor and ties everything together. The salty, nutty taste balances the mellow ricotta perfectly.

Chicken Broth keeps the sauce smooth and prevents it from feeling too heavy. It adds depth without extra work.

Dried Oregano gives a subtle herbal note that brightens the richness of the sauce.

Red Pepper Flakes add just a little kick. Not too much, just enough to make your taste buds pay attention.

Salt and Black Pepper are the finishing touches that lift the natural flavors of every ingredient.

Penne Pasta catches the sauce in every curve. Cook it al dente so it holds firm under the creamy sauce.

Fresh Basil for garnish makes the dish feel complete. A handful of green leaves adds freshness and color to the creamy tones.

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4) How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Step 1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet. Add the chicken strips and cook them until they’re golden and cooked through. This part sets the foundation of flavor for the dish.

Step 2. Add the garlic. Stir it around just long enough to release its fragrance. The smell alone makes you feel like something wonderful is about to happen.

Step 3. Lower the heat and add ricotta, parmesan, and chicken broth. Stir until the mixture becomes a smooth, creamy sauce. This is where the magic happens, and the creamy pasta recipes charm starts to shine.

Step 4. Season the sauce with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Taste as you go so the flavors stay balanced.

Step 5. Toss the cooked penne pasta into the sauce. Mix until every piece is coated with that rich, velvety texture.

Step 6. Garnish with fresh basil before serving. The green leaves make the dish look just as fresh as it tastes.

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5) Tips for Making Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Cooking pasta water with salt is more than a tradition, it’s the first step to building flavor. When you salt the water well, the pasta carries that flavor straight into the sauce. It’s one of those small details that makes a big difference.

Always cook the pasta al dente. Overcooked pasta won’t hold up in creamy sauces. You want that slight bite left, so the noodles stand tall even when covered in rich sauce.

Don’t skip letting the sauce rest for a minute after tossing in the pasta. That pause helps the flavors settle and cling to every piece. It’s a small patience test with a big payoff.

6) Making Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Ahead of Time

This recipe works well when made ahead. I’ve cooked it in the afternoon and reheated it later for dinner without losing that creamy comfort. When storing, I keep the pasta and sauce in separate containers. That way the noodles don’t soak up all the sauce and turn soggy.

If you’re planning to use it as part of meal prep, try storing the sauce in a jar. A quick stir on the stove with a splash of broth brings it back to life. You’ll thank yourself when dinner feels halfway done before you’ve even started.

I’ve even experimented with making it in a crockpot chicken pasta recipes style, letting it sit low and slow. The flavor deepens, and the whole kitchen smells amazing.

7) Storing Leftover Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for three to four days. Store them in an airtight container so the flavors stay fresh. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen up the sauce again. That way, it tastes just as good as the first time.

If you freeze it, the texture of the ricotta may change a little, but it still works. Thaw it slowly in the fridge overnight and warm it gently on the stove.

I love finding leftovers of this dish waiting in the fridge. It feels like a little gift to your future self after a busy day.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Creamy Pasta Recipes with Chicken and Ricotta

Creamy pasta recipes always have a way of making a meal feel like a warm hug, and this one is no exception. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this when the day felt too long and the fridge looked a little empty, only to realize I had everything I needed for pure comfort on a plate. Ricotta adds this mellow creaminess, while tender chicken and pasta carry the whole dish without a fuss. We’ve all had those evenings when cooking feels like a chore. This is where recipes like this save us. It’s not fussy, it doesn’t need a hundred steps, and yet it tastes like something you’d order at a little Italian spot you love. That’s the charm of chicken pasta recipes like this one. It works whether you want a quick weeknight meal or a dish that feels just a little special. I like that this one can slide into many moods. Call it easy creamy pasta recipes if you’re looking for simplicity. Think of it as food recipes pasta lovers will always come back to. And yes, if you care about balance, it lands nicely with healthy chicken pasta recipes too. Some days I’ve even prepped it earlier and kept it as a crockpot chicken pasta recipes experiment, letting it sit and build deeper flavors. In short, this pasta belongs in your folder of Pasta Recipes you don’t have to think twice about.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Chicken Pasta Recipes, creamy pasta recipes, crockpot chicken pasta recipes, easy creamy pasta recipes, food recipes pasta, healthy chicken pasta recipes, pasta recipes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Lisa

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 12 oz penne pasta, cooked al dente
  • Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken strips and cook until lightly browned and cooked through.
  2. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
  3. Lower the heat slightly and stir in ricotta, parmesan, and chicken broth. Mix until the sauce looks smooth and creamy.
  4. Season with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Toss in cooked penne pasta until everything is coated in the sauce.
  6. Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.

10) Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate, Calories: 485, Sugar: 3 g, Sodium: 612 mg, Fat: 19 g, Saturated Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 46 g, Fiber: 3 g, Protein: 32 g, Cholesterol: 80 mg

Written by Lisa for Cook Simple Recipes. Visit us at Cook Simple Recipes for more comforting meals.

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