Hey there! Are you ready to dive into a dish that screams comfort and warmth? I just can’t get enough of this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta! It’s a delightful mix of creamy cheese and savory chicken, all wrapped around perfectly cooked rigatoni. Whether it’s a cozy dinner after a long day or a gathering with loved ones, this dish never disappoints. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, which is always a win in my book. Let’s get right into it, shall we?
Nutritional Benefits
This creamy delight isn’t just delicious; it’s packed with nutrition too! The chicken provides a whopping dose of protein, helping to keep you full and satisfied. Ricotta cheese is not only creamy but also a great source of calcium and vitamin A, essential for healthy bones and skin. And let’s not forget about the hearty rigatoni pasta, which gives you carbs for energy. With this recipe, you can enjoy a comfort meal that fuels your body!
Adaptable Variations
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables. You could even add some spinach for a pop of green!
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free cream alternative and swap ricotta for a nut-based cheese to keep it creamy but without the dairy.
- Extra Flavor Kick: Spice things up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or toss in sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.
Easy Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, or thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Toss in the rigatoni and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s done, drain the pasta, but make sure to reserve about 1 cup of that starchy pasta water—trust me, it’ll come in handy later!
- Sauté Chicken: Now, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your diced chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Add them to the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once they’re ready, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside for now.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until it smells amazing. Turn the heat down to medium, and pour in the heavy cream. Let it come to a gentle simmer, then stir in the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan until it’s all smooth and creamy. Give it a little taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine Ingredients: Time to bring it all together! Add the cooked rigatoni and that delicious sautéed chicken back into the creamy sauce. Toss it all together, and if you find the sauce a bit thick, just add in some of that reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired creaminess.
- Garnish and Serve: Once everything is mixed and heated through, remove it from the heat. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley for that little bit of freshness. Serve it hot and watch everyone’s faces light up as they enjoy your comforting pasta creation!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- Make sure to not overcook the chicken; it should be golden on the outside and juicy on the inside!
- For leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best consumed within 2-3 days, but sometimes the flavors get even better the next day!
- If you find the sauce getting too thick when reheating, just add a splash of milk or water to loosen it up.
Equipment Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
- A large pot for boiling pasta
- A colander for draining the pasta
- A large skillet for sautéing
- A cutting board and knife for prepping the chicken and garlic
- A spatula or wooden spoon for mixing
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! Just prepare the sauce and chicken, and cook the pasta a little earlier. You can combine everything right before serving!
- What can I serve with this pasta? A simple side salad or garlic bread works perfectly alongside this creamy pasta.
- Can I use another type of pasta? Absolutely! Any pasta shape you prefer will work just fine—penne or farfalle could be great swaps!
- How do I store leftover pasta? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best consumed in a few days.
- Can this be made without heavy cream? Sure! You could use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative to keep it slightly lighter.
I can’t wait for you to try this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta! If you make it, drop a comment below on how it turned out. And don’t forget to share your delicious photos on Pinterest! Let’s spread the love for comfort food together!
