EASY RICOTTA CHICKEN PASTA

Imagine twirling your fork around perfectly cooked pasta coated in a luscious, creamy sauce, punctuated by tender bites of chicken and the subtle sweetness of ricotta. This isn’t just another pasta dish; this is Ricotta Chicken Pasta, your new weeknight savior, ready to deliver comfort and flavor in every single bite. I promise, you’ll be amazed at how simple and satisfying this dish can be!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds great flavor!)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Ricotta Sauce:

1. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Deglaze (Optional): If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a minute or two until the alcohol evaporates. This step adds a depth of flavor you’ll love!
3. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly reduce.
4. Stir in the Ricotta: Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Be careful not to boil the sauce after adding the ricotta, as it can become grainy.
5. Season: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.

Bringing it All Together:

1. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Combine: Add the cooked pasta and the cooked chicken to the skillet with the ricotta sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Serve: Serve the Ricotta Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Choosing the Right Pasta:

I personally love using penne or rigatoni for this recipe because their ridges help to grab all that delicious ricotta sauce. But feel free to use your favorite pasta shape! Rotini, fusilli, or even classic spaghetti would work well too. Just make sure to cook it al dente – nobody likes mushy pasta!

Getting the Chicken Just Right:

Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. If you have too much chicken in the skillet at once, it will steam instead of brown. Work in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets a nice sear. Also, make sure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Making the Sauce Creamy and Delicious:

The key to a creamy ricotta sauce is to use good quality ricotta cheese. Full-fat ricotta will give you the richest and creamiest results. Also, remember to keep the heat low when stirring in the ricotta and Parmesan to prevent the sauce from curdling. If the sauce seems too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of pasta water to thin it out.

Adding Extra Flavor:

Want to take your Ricotta Chicken Pasta to the next level? Try adding some sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can also brighten up the flavors. And don’t forget a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat!

Make Ahead Magic: Planning is Key

This Ricotta Chicken Pasta is great for meal prepping! You can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook the pasta, reheat the sauce and chicken, and combine everything together. Just add a splash of pasta water when reheating the sauce to keep it creamy.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Vegetarian Option:

Easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding extra vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach would all be delicious additions.

Spicy Ricotta Chicken Pasta:

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to each serving.

Lemon Ricotta Chicken Pasta:

For a bright and zesty twist, add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce. The lemon will complement the ricotta and Parmesan beautifully.

Other Chicken Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of chicken pasta dishes, you’re in for a treat! There are so many delicious variations to explore. Have you tried Marry Me Chicken Pasta? It’s incredibly flavorful and always a crowd-pleaser. Or maybe you’d prefer the simplicity of Parmesan Chicken Pasta. For something extra creamy, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Looking for a casserole? Then Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is just for you! And don’t forget the classic Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta or the ultimate Creamy Chicken Pasta.

What to Serve With Ricotta Chicken Pasta

This Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad. A crusty loaf of bread is perfect for soaking up all that creamy sauce, and a fresh green salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the pasta.

Troubleshooting: Common Pasta Problems and Solutions

Pasta Sticking Together:

To prevent pasta from sticking together, make sure to use plenty of water when cooking it. Also, don’t forget to stir the pasta occasionally during cooking. Adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the cooking water can also help.

Sauce Too Thick:

If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also add a splash of chicken broth or milk.

Sauce Too Thin:

If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few minutes longer to allow it to reduce. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken it quickly.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Ricotta Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave until heated through, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to keep it creamy. You can also bake it in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Pasta Dish

There you have it – the perfect Ricotta Chicken Pasta recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, customizable to your liking, and always a crowd-pleaser. So, grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a delicious and comforting meal that everyone will love! Happy cooking!