There's nothing quite like a comforting bowl of creamy ricotta chicken pasta after a long day. This dish is the perfect balance of rich, velvety sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta—all coming together in under 30 minutes.

I first whipped up this recipe on a whim, using leftover ricotta from a lasagna night. What I didn't expect was how much my family would love it. Now, it's a regular in our weeknight rotation, and I can't wait for you to try it too.

This easy, flavorful pasta is about to become your new go-to meal. Let's dive in!

Why You'll Love This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with this creamy ricotta chicken pasta—it's quick, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Whether you're cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving a cozy homemade dish, this recipe has you covered.

First, it's incredibly easy to make. With just a few staple ingredients and one pan, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time. No complicated techniques or hours of simmering required.

It's also a budget-friendly option. Using simple, affordable ingredients like ricotta, pasta, and chicken makes this a great choice for families looking to save money without sacrificing flavor.

The creamy ricotta sauce is what makes this dish truly special. Instead of heavy cream, ricotta provides a light yet luxurious texture that coats every bite of pasta. It's rich without being too heavy, making it perfect for any season.

Lastly, this dish is endlessly customizable. Add spinach for a pop of green, swap chicken for shrimp, or toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. However you make it, it's guaranteed to be delicious.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this creamy ricotta chicken pasta comes from its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a well-balanced dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Pasta serves as the base of this recipe, and I recommend using short shapes like penne or rigatoni. Their ridges help hold onto the creamy ricotta sauce, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. If you prefer a longer pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti, feel free to make the swap—it’ll still be delicious.

Boneless, skinless chicken breast is my go-to protein for this dish. It cooks quickly and stays tender when sliced thinly. If you prefer a juicier cut, chicken thighs are a great alternative and add a slightly richer taste.

Ricotta cheese is the star of the sauce, creating a creamy, luscious texture without the need for heavy cream. For best results, use whole-milk ricotta—it adds just the right amount of richness and helps bind the sauce beautifully. If you only have part-skim ricotta, it will work too, but the sauce may be slightly less creamy.

Garlic and onion build a strong flavor base. Sautéing them before adding the other ingredients enhances the depth of the dish. Freshly minced garlic is best, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work as well.

Parmesan cheese brings a salty, umami boost to the sauce. Grating it fresh from a block will give you the best melt-in-your-mouth texture, but pre-grated Parmesan will work in a hurry.

You'll also need a bit of olive oil for sautéing, plus salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). A splash of pasta water helps loosen the sauce and make it silky smooth.

A large skillet or sauté pan is the only special equipment you need for this dish. A good-quality pan ensures even cooking and helps develop those delicious, golden brown bits when searing the chicken.

How To Make This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Making this creamy ricotta chicken pasta is easier than you might think. Follow these steps for a foolproof, flavor-packed meal.

Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining—this will be key for achieving the perfect sauce consistency later. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the chicken.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in some olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced chicken in an even layer. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a golden-brown crust, then stir and continue cooking until fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Now, it's time to create the creamy ricotta sauce. Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, and a splash of reserved pasta water. The mixture might look thick at first, but keep stirring—it will become smooth and velvety. If needed, add a little more pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the pan, tossing everything together until well coated in the sauce. Let it warm through for a minute, then taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

From start to finish, this dish takes just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet satisfying.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through.

This dish isn’t the best for freezing, as ricotta-based sauces tend to become grainy when thawed. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a few days.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this creamy ricotta chicken pasta is how versatile it is. Here are a few ways you can customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers. This keeps the dish hearty while making it completely meat-free.

If you want a richer flavor, swap the ricotta for mascarpone cheese. It has a similar creamy texture but adds a slightly sweeter, more indulgent taste.

For a burst of freshness, stir in some baby spinach or arugula just before serving. The heat from the pasta will gently wilt the greens, adding color and nutrients to the dish.

To make it even heartier, toss in crispy pancetta or bacon. The salty, smoky flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and adds an extra layer of depth.

Love a little spice? Increase the red pepper flakes or add a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste to the sauce for a fiery kick.

However you choose to make it, this creamy ricotta chicken pasta is guaranteed to be a hit. Get creative, have fun, and enjoy every delicious bite!