Adaline Recipes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together creamy ricotta cheese and juicy chicken to create a comforting pasta dish that feels both hearty and fresh. The sauce is lighter than traditional cream-based sauces, making it rich without feeling overly heavy.

It’s also incredibly quick to prepare, making it a great option for busy evenings. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a flavorful meal that tastes like something from a cozy Italian kitchen.

Another reason this recipe stands out is its flexibility. You can add vegetables, herbs, or spices to customize the flavor and make it your own.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pasta
chicken breast, diced
ricotta cheese
olive oil
garlic, minced
parmesan cheese, grated
lemon zest
salt
black pepper
fresh parsley, chopped
pasta cooking water

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add diced chicken breast and cook until golden and fully cooked through. Season with salt and black pepper.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated parmesan, lemon zest, and a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken.
7. Pour the ricotta mixture over the pasta and toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
8. Add additional pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and create a silky texture.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spinach ricotta chicken pasta
Add fresh spinach to the skillet and let it wilt into the pasta for extra color and nutrients.

Tomato ricotta pasta
Stir in a few tablespoons of tomato sauce or roasted cherry tomatoes for a slightly tangy flavor.

Spicy version
Add red pepper flakes or chili flakes while cooking the garlic for a subtle heat.

Mushroom chicken pasta
Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding the chicken to add earthy depth to the dish.

Lemon herb version
Increase the lemon zest and add fresh basil for a bright, fresh flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture.

You can also microwave the pasta in short intervals, stirring between each interval to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work well with the ricotta sauce.

Can I substitute ricotta cheese?

You can substitute cottage cheese blended until smooth or mascarpone for a richer sauce.

What chicken cut works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breast is commonly used, but chicken thighs also work well and add extra flavor.

Can I make this pasta vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and add vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

Why should I reserve pasta water?

Pasta water contains starch that helps create a silky sauce and helps the ricotta coat the pasta better.

Can I add more cheese?

Yes, extra parmesan or even a small amount of mozzarella can make the dish even creamier.

Can this recipe be made ahead?

It is best served fresh, but you can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time.

Is this dish very heavy?

No, ricotta creates a creamy texture without the heaviness of cream-based sauces.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, broccoli, spinach, peas, or roasted vegetables pair well with the ricotta and chicken.

Can I freeze ricotta pasta?

Freezing is not recommended because ricotta sauces can change texture when thawed.

Conclusion

Ricotta Cheese Pasta with Chicken is a simple yet satisfying meal that combines creamy ricotta sauce with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking time, it’s an excellent choice for a comforting dinner that feels both homemade and flavorful. The recipe is versatile and easy to customize, making it a great addition to any pasta lover’s meal rotation.

Print