Creamy Whipped Ricotta One-Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Whipped Ricotta One-Pot Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting meal made with minimal effort. Combining tender chicken, pasta, and fluffy ricotta, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Pour in the chicken broth or water, then add the pasta. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the ricotta cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley to brighten the dish just before serving.
- Swap chicken for shrimp or sausage for a different protein option.
- For extra richness, stir in a handful of grated Parmesan cheese with the ricotta.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a splash of pasta cooking water or more broth.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, this recipe works well with most short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle. Avoid very thin pasta as it may overcook in the one-pot method.
Is ricotta cheese essential for the creamy texture?
Ricotta adds a light, fluffy creaminess that’s key to this dish’s texture. You can substitute with cream cheese or mascarpone if needed, but the flavor and consistency will vary slightly.
PrintCreamy Whipped Ricotta One-Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Whipped Ricotta One-Pot Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta in a single pot, all brought together by the rich and fluffy texture of whipped ricotta. Ideal for a quick weeknight meal, it’s simple to prepare and delivers a satisfying blend of flavors with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Carbohydrates
- 12 oz pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
Dairy
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
Aromatics and Seasonings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with salt and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Pasta: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the pasta to the pot and pour in the chicken broth or water.
- Cook Pasta and Chicken Together: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 10-12 minutes.
- Whip and Add Ricotta: Meanwhile, lightly whip the ricotta cheese until smooth and fluffy. Once the pasta and chicken are done, remove the pot from heat and gently stir in the whipped ricotta until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta evenly.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding garlic.
- Use a high-quality ricotta for best texture and taste.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or water in a pinch.
- Make sure to stir frequently while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the pot.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of water or broth.
Keywords: whipped ricotta, one-pot pasta, chicken pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe

