Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
There’s something magical about the combination of tender, juicy chicken seared to golden perfection in garlic butter and paired with a velvety ricotta Alfredo pasta. This Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want something special without the need for hours in the kitchen. It’s rich, flavorful, and indulgent — yet surprisingly easy to make.
The creamy sauce is made with simple, wholesome ingredients like ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, bringing an irresistible depth of flavor. Each bite is infused with the savory richness of butter and the aroma of garlic, perfectly complementing the hearty pasta and juicy chicken. Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining friends, or just craving something soul-satisfying, this dish is bound to become a favorite.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather your ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this mouthwatering recipe to life:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – tender and juicy, the perfect protein base.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – adds richness and helps develop that golden, crispy sear.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – for that signature garlic-butter flavor.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – brings aromatic herbs like oregano and basil.
- Salt and pepper to taste – enhances the natural flavors of the dish.
For the Ricotta Alfredo Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta – wide noodles like fettuccine hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese – provides a creamy, slightly tangy base.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds nutty depth and salty richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste – to balance and elevate the sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – adds a burst of color and freshness to the finished dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Here’s how to make it:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This step ensures your chicken is flavorful from the inside out.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for 6–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. If your chicken is particularly thick, you may need a few extra minutes or choose to slice them in half lengthwise.
Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to gently sizzle and release its aroma into the butter. Baste the chicken with the garlic butter for an extra flavorful crust.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.
2. Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine (or pasta of your choice) according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining — you may need it to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
3. Make the Ricotta Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken (no need to wash it — all those browned bits = flavor), add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt over medium-low heat.
Stir in the ricotta cheese and whisk until smooth and creamy. Then add the grated Parmesan cheese and a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Continue to whisk the sauce over low heat until everything is well combined and silky. If the sauce seems too thick, add more pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired creaminess.
4. Combine Everything
Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, using tongs to ensure it’s evenly coated. Let it simmer for another 1–2 minutes so the pasta can absorb some of the sauce.
Top the pasta with the sliced garlic butter chicken, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Tips for Success
Want to make your Garlic Butter Chicken with Ricotta Alfredo Pasta truly unforgettable? Here are a few pro tips:
- Use high-quality Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds more flavor than pre-packaged.
- Let the chicken rest – Resting allows the juices to settle back into the meat, keeping it moist and tender.
- Don’t overcook the pasta – Al dente pasta holds up better when tossed in sauce and gives a satisfying bite.
- Deglaze the pan – Don’t skip this! The brown bits left from the chicken boost the sauce’s flavor.
- Control your sauce thickness – Pasta water is the secret weapon to adjusting your sauce’s texture.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about this dish is how easy it is to tweak and personalize. Try these delicious variations for a new spin:
- Add Spinach or Kale: Stir fresh spinach or kale into the sauce right before adding the pasta for a burst of green.
- Spice it up: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce gives a gentle heat that pairs beautifully with the creamy base.
- Mushroom Magic: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy depth.
- Bacon Bits: Crumbled crispy bacon over the top gives a salty crunch that complements the soft pasta.
- Different Cheese: Mix in some mozzarella or goat cheese with the ricotta for added creaminess and complexity.
- Switch the Pasta: This sauce also works beautifully with penne, rigatoni, or even tagliatelle.
- Use Chicken Thighs: For even juicier and more flavorful meat, substitute chicken breasts with boneless thighs.
Storing and Reheating
Got leftovers? No problem! This dish stores well and makes for a luxurious lunch the next day.
Storing:
- Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the pasta and chicken separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: Heat in short 30-second bursts, stirring between each until heated through. Add a touch of water or cream to refresh the texture.
- Avoid overcooking: Reheat only until warm to avoid drying out the chicken or breaking the creamy consistency of the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can cook the chicken and pasta in advance. Just keep the components separate until ready to serve and reheat with a bit of liquid to revive the sauce.
Q: What’s the best type of pasta for Alfredo sauce?
A: Fettuccine is classic, but any pasta with a broad surface or texture, like pappardelle or rigatoni, works beautifully to hold onto the creamy sauce.
Q: Can I substitute ricotta with another cheese?
A: Absolutely! While ricotta gives this Alfredo a creamy, tangy spin, you could substitute with mascarpone, cream cheese, or even Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
Q: Is this dish kid-friendly?
A: Very much so! Kids tend to love the creamy pasta and mild flavors. You can even cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to make it easier for little ones.
Q: What wine pairs well with this dish?
A: A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully, balancing the richness of the sauce and the garlic butter chicken.
Q: How do I avoid grainy sauce?
A: Be sure to keep the heat low when mixing cheeses, and use freshly grated Parmesan. Avoid boiling the sauce once the cheese is added to maintain smoothness.
The Final Word
There’s something undeniably heartwarming about a plate of creamy pasta and buttery garlic chicken. This Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta recipe hits all the right notes — it’s savory, indulgent, and absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner date, meal-prepping for the week, or serving it up at a family table, it promises to satisfy.
Every forkful brings together silky ricotta Alfredo, tender pasta, and flavorful chicken kissed with garlic and herbs. It’s simple yet elegant, indulgent yet easy enough for any home cook to master.
So the next time you’re craving a comforting yet sophisticated dish, look no further. This creamy, dreamy recipe is just waiting to become your next favorite. Bon appétit!