Creamy Baked Chicken Ricotta Pasta

Baked Chicken Ricotta Pasta Recipe You’ll Love: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Imagine coming home after a long day, craving something comforting yet simple to whip up for your family. That’s where this Baked Chicken Ricotta Pasta Recipe You’ll Love comes in, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extra creamy delight that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its rich, cheesy goodness and tender chicken baked to perfection, this recipe has become a staple in kitchens everywhere for its ease and irresistible flavor. As Chef Lalybeth shares, the secret to its creaminess lies in the generous use of ricotta cheese, making every bite feel indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this baked chicken ricotta pasta recipe will have you serving up smiles at the dinner table in no time.

The moment this dish emerges from the oven, the aroma of bubbling marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and herbs fills the air, drawing everyone to the kitchen. Picture the pasta shells cradling pockets of creamy ricotta, intertwined with juicy cubes of chicken that offer a satisfying bite. The textures play beautifully together—the slight crispiness on top from the golden cheese contrasts with the soft, velvety interior, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s both hearty and elegant. This baked pasta recipe isn’t just food; it’s a warm hug on a plate, with flavors that evoke the essence of Italian cuisine, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings.

What sets this Baked Chicken Ricotta Pasta Recipe You’ll Love from cookinwithlalyta.com apart is Chef Lalybeth’s personal touch, honed from years of testing and perfecting recipes to ensure foolproof results. You’ll discover insider tips, like enhancing the creaminess for an unforgettable twist, that elevate this dish beyond standard versions. In this post, we’ll dive into everything from ingredient selections to step-by-step guidance, including the Chef’s Secret for maximum flavor. By the end, you’ll feel confident creating this extra creamy baked chicken ricotta pasta that’s not only delicious but also nutritious and customizable for your needs.

Why This Baked Chicken Ricotta Pasta Recipe You’ll Love Recipe is a Game-Changer

The Chef’s Secret to this baked chicken ricotta pasta recipe lies in maximizing the ricotta cheese for an extra creamy texture that sets it apart from ordinary pasta dishes. By incorporating a generous amount of ricotta, we create a luscious, velvety sauce that coats every shell and infuses the chicken with moisture, ensuring no dry bites. This technique, inspired by traditional Italian methods, elevates the overall dish by blending the cheese seamlessly into the marinara, resulting in a harmonious flavor profile that’s rich and satisfying without overwhelming the palate.

Unbeatable Texture: The science behind this extra creamy baked chicken ricotta pasta recipe comes from ricotta’s high moisture content, which, when baked, creates steam that keeps the pasta tender and the chicken juicy. This contrasts with drier cheeses, as ricotta’s curds break down gently in the oven, forming a creamy binder that prevents the dish from becoming stodgy. The result is a perfectly balanced texture that’s neither too runny nor too firm, making it a reliable hit every time.

Foolproof for a Reason: This recipe has been tested multiple times in our kitchen to guarantee success, even for novice cooks. With straightforward steps and precise measurements, you’ll avoid common pitfalls like overcooking the chicken or under-mixing the ingredients, ensuring a consistently delicious baked chicken ricotta pasta recipe that your family will request again and again.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

Chicken Breast (1 pound, cubed): As the protein star of this baked chicken ricotta pasta recipe, chicken breast provides a lean, tender base that absorbs flavors beautifully. Opt for fresh, organic chicken to ensure it’s free from additives, enhancing the overall taste and texture. Quality matters because overcooked chicken can become tough, so choose hormone-free options. If substituting, try turkey breast for a lighter alternative, maintaining the same cubed size to keep cooking times consistent.

Ricotta Cheese (1 cup): This is the heart of the extra creamy element in our baked chicken ricotta pasta recipe, offering a mild, creamy tang that binds everything together. Fresh, full-fat ricotta from a reputable source ensures a smoother consistency and richer flavor, avoiding the grainy texture of lower-quality versions. Why quality matters: It prevents the dish from drying out in the oven. For substitutions, Greek yogurt can work, but it may add a slight tang—use it in equal amounts for similar creaminess.

Pasta Shells (12 ounces): These hold the sauce and cheese perfectly in this baked chicken ricotta pasta recipe, providing that satisfying bite. Choose high-quality, durum wheat pasta for better al dente results and nutrient density. Quality pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t turn mushy, which is crucial for the baking process. A great substitution is penne if shells are unavailable, as it captures sauce similarly without altering the recipe’s essence.

Marinara Sauce (2 cups): The flavorful backbone of this extra creamy baked chicken ricotta pasta recipe, marinara adds a zesty, tomato-based depth. Use homemade or a high-quality jarred version with no added sugars for authentic taste. Quality ensures a balanced acidity that complements the cheese. Substitute with crushed tomatoes and herbs if needed, but adjust seasoning to maintain the Italian-inspired profile.

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): Topping off our baked chicken ricotta pasta recipe, mozzarella melts into a golden, bubbly layer for irresistible appeal. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded, avoiding additives that can affect texture. It’s key for that signature bake. If substituting, provolone offers a similar melt, but use it sparingly to preserve the mild flavor.

Salt and Pepper (to taste) and Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): These essentials season and enhance the dish in our baked chicken ricotta pasta recipe. Use sea salt for better flavor control and extra virgin olive oil for its fruity notes. Quality olive oil prevents sticking and adds depth. No direct substitutes, but adjust quantities based on dietary needs for optimal results.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Chicken Ricotta Pasta Recipe You’ll Love

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F as specified. This ensures even baking and helps achieve that perfect golden top on your extra creamy baked chicken ricotta pasta recipe. Make sure to use an oven thermometer for accuracy, as variations can affect cooking times.

Pro Tip: Always preheat for at least 10-15 minutes to stabilize the temperature, which prevents the pasta from steaming instead of baking, locking in that creamy texture.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Cook the 12 ounces of pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly. This step is crucial for your baked chicken ricotta pasta recipe to maintain the right texture without becoming soggy in the oven.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overcooking the pasta here can lead to a mushy final dish; always undercook by 1-2 minutes since it will continue baking, preserving the extra creamy consistency.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat, then add the 1 pound of cubed chicken breast. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste for enhanced flavor in your baked chicken ricotta pasta recipe.

Pro Tip: Cut the chicken into uniform cubes for even cooking, which ensures juicy results and blends seamlessly with the creamy ricotta sauce.

Step 4: Mix the Ingredients

In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, browned chicken, 1 cup ricotta cheese, and 2 cups marinara sauce. Stir gently to mix evenly, creating the base for your extra creamy baked chicken ricotta pasta recipe.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t over-stir the mixture, as this can break down the ricotta too much; aim for a light fold to keep the creaminess intact.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the mixture in the baking dish. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and golden brown, finalizing your baked chicken ricotta pasta recipe.

Pro Tip: For an even crispier top, broil for the last 2 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning, enhancing the extra creamy interior with a delightful contrast.

Serving & Presentation

When serving this baked chicken ricotta pasta recipe, focus on plating for visual appeal—use a large spoon to scoop generous portions onto warmed plates, showcasing the layers of creamy ricotta and golden cheese. Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of parsley for a pop of color and freshness, elevating the extra creamy baked chicken ricotta pasta into a restaurant-worthy meal. Pair it with complementary sides like a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness, making it a complete Italian-inspired dinner that’s perfect for family nights or entertaining guests.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the chicken and pasta mixture up to 3 days in advance by cooking and combining all ingredients except the mozzarella topping, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready, assemble in the baking dish, add cheese, and bake as directed for a quick meal.

Storing Leftovers: Cool the baked chicken ricotta pasta completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months; use freezer-safe bags to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.

The Best Way to Reheat: To restore the original extra creamy texture, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. For smaller portions, use the microwave on medium power with a splash of water to avoid drying out the pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Baked Chicken Ricotta Pasta Recipe You’ll Love

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• Author: Chef Lalybeth
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

A delicious baked pasta dish featuring chicken and ricotta cheese, perfect for a family dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 12 ounces pasta shells
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook chicken until browned.
4. Mix cooked pasta, chicken, ricotta, and marinara sauce in a baking dish.
5. Top with mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes

For a creamier texture, add more ricotta cheese. Serve with garlic bread.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Method: Main
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 30g