The Ultimate Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta You'll Crave! (Print Version)
How to make quick and delicious creamy ricotta chicken pasta with tender chicken and a rich, cheesy sauce that's ready in under 30 minutes.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15-20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15-25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
Dietary: Main Dish
# Ingredients:
→ Main Components
01 -
1 pound (450g) penne pasta
02 -
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
03 -
1 cup (250g) whole milk ricotta cheese
04 -
1.5 cups (360ml) low-sodium chicken broth
05 -
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
06 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
→ Aromatics & Flavor Base
07 -
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
08 -
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
09 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
10 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
→ Seasonings
11 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
12 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
13 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
→ Finishing Touches
14 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
15 -
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
# Instructions:
01 -
Cook penne pasta per package. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet. Brown chicken cubes 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through; season with salt and pepper. Remove chicken and set aside.
02 -
In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until softened, 3-5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning for 1 minute until fragrant. Add tomato paste, cooking for another minute to deepen the flavor.
03 -
Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream and whole milk ricotta cheese, whisking until smooth. Let this rich sauce gently simmer for 2-3 minutes, thickening slightly.
04 -
Return the cooked chicken to the simmering sauce. Stir well to coat. Allow it to gently simmer together for 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully for your Quick Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta.
05 -
Add the drained penne pasta and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce, creating the ultimate Quick Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta.
06 -
Remove from heat. Stir in fresh chopped parsley and optional red pepper flakes. Serve your Quick Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, for a truly satisfying and comforting meal.
# Notes:
01 -
Gently simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes to ensure proper thickening. Whisk ricotta and cream until smooth to avoid a lumpy sauce.
02 -
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating.
03 -
For gluten-free, substitute regular penne with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety; other ingredients are naturally GF.
04 -
Serve hot from the skillet, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
05 -
Prep the chicken and sauce up to two days ahead, storing separately. Combine with freshly cooked pasta just before serving.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
large skillet
02 -
large pot
03 -
measuring cups
04 -
measuring spoons
05 -
cutting board
06 -
chef's knife
07 -
grater
08 -
spatula
09 -
whisk
10 -
tongs
11 -
serving bowls
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 590
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 52g
Protein: 45g