Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta isn’t just any weeknight dinner—it’s a creamy, dreamy bowl of comfort that comes together in under an hour.

Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels:

Rich flavor without fuss: Juicy garlic butter chicken paired with a homemade alfredo-style sauce using creamy ricotta and parmesan? Yes, please!
Family favorite: Even picky eaters will dig in without complaints. This dish is creamy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying.
Quick enough for weeknights: Get dinner on the table in around 40 minutes. No fancy culinary skills needed.
Versatile: Swap pasta types, use leftover chicken, or make it vegetarian. Lots of wiggle room to make it your own.
Date-night approved: Fancy-feeling without being fussy. Wine night, anyone?

Isn’t it amazing when a dish delivers comfort, flavor, and simplicity in one plate?

Essential Tools and Equipment

Before diving in, gather these kitchen essentials—you probably have most already!

Large skillet or sauté pan (non-stick or stainless steel)
Medium saucepan (for the pasta and sauce)
Sharp chef’s knife
Cutting board
Mixing bowls
Whisk (for a smooth sauce!)
Measuring cups and spoons
Colander (for draining pasta)
Spatula or wooden spoon

Optional but helpful: a microplane for grating fresh parmesan and a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken.

Preparation Tips

A few quick tricks can make this dish even smoother to prepare and tastier to eat:

Use room temperature chicken: It cooks more evenly and retains more moisture. Take it out 15–20 minutes before cooking.
Pat the chicken dry: This helps it brown better when seared in the garlic butter. Wet chicken = steamed chicken.
Grate your own cheese: Pre-grated parmesan doesn’t melt as smoothly. Fresh is best—your sauce will thank you!
Prep everything first: Chop garlic, measure out ingredients, and cook pasta al dente before starting the sauce.
Make ahead tip: The garlic butter chicken can be cooked in advance and reheated when tossing with the pasta and sauce.

Cooking smarter = eating sooner.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this irresistible comfort dish:

For the Garlic Butter Chicken:

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 4 thin-cut cutlets)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta:

8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
1 tablespoon butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese (room temp)
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus extra to serve)
½ cup whole milk (or use half-and-half for extra creaminess)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Optional Add-ins:

A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Lemon zest or juice for a fresh finish
Sautéed spinach or peas for color and nutrition

Step-by-Step Directions

Ready to dive in? Here’s your easy guide to a perfect dinner:

Prep the chicken: Slice thick breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thin cutlets. Pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Sear the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Once hot and shimmering, add chicken. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F). Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
Make the garlic butter: In the same skillet, lower the heat and add 2 tablespoons butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Don’t let it burn!
Slice and rest the chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips.
Start the Alfredo sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (30 seconds).
Add ricotta and milk: Whisk in ricotta and milk until smooth and creamy. Stir in parmesan cheese and keep whisking until melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Toss the pasta: Add cooked pasta to the alfredo sauce and stir until fully coated in creamy goodness.
Top with chicken: Place sliced garlic butter chicken on top of the pasta. Sprinkle with more parmesan and fresh parsley if using.
Serve hot: Grab a fork and dig in while everything’s warm and delicious!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the easiest recipes have pitfalls—here’s how to avoid them:

Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts dry out fast. Use a meat thermometer and aim for 165°F.
Not seasoning enough: Underseasoned chicken or sauce can fall flat. Taste as you go!
Too thick sauce: If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it with reserved pasta water or a splash of milk.
Skipping the pasta salt: Pasta water should be as salty as the sea—it’s your only chance to season the noodles.
Not draining excess oil: Remove some oil from the pan before making the garlic butter to avoid greasy sauce.

Best Side Dishes

Looking to round out dinner? Here are a few sides that pair beautifully with your chicken alfredo pasta:

Garlic bread: Crunchy, buttery, and made to soak up that extra sauce.
Simple Caesar salad: Crisp and refreshing with a bit of tang to contrast the creamy pasta.
Steamed broccoli: Adds color, texture, and balance to the rich main.
Roasted Brussels sprouts: Earthy and caramelized, they work well with the creamy cheese sauce.

Serving a full table? Add a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade for perfect pairings.

Expert Recipe Tips

Here’s how to take this already awesome recipe to chef-worthy heights:

Use half parmesan, half pecorino: For more complexity in the cheese flavor.
Lemon it up: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce and lifts the richness.
Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or while cooking the chicken for a kick.
Protein swap: Try shrimp, salmon, or even crispy tofu instead of chicken—it all works well with the alfredo flavor.
Ricotta texture tip: If your ricotta is super thick, mix it with a tablespoon of milk before adding it to the sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store them properly:

Storage:

– Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
– Store chicken and pasta separately, if possible, to avoid sogginess.

Reheating:

– Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to cream up the sauce again.
– Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between. Don’t overheat!
– Avoid freezing—ricotta-based sauces can get grainy when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or tagliatelle all work beautifully. Just avoid tiny shapes that get lost in the sauce.

What kind of ricotta works best?

Go for whole milk ricotta if you can—it’s creamier and richer than part-skim. Fresh or deli-style works best over pre-packaged tubs.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the chicken and make the sauce up to a day ahead. Reheat gently on the stovetop and toss with fresh pasta for the best result.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check spices and cheese labels for hidden gluten.

Can I add vegetables to the pasta?

Of course! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes would all blend right in.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about garlic butter and creamy cheese sauce coming together over a bed of pasta, isn’t there?

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta brings restaurant-quality flavor home without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re cooking for your family, planning date night, or just treating yourself (you deserve it!), this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Have you tried this dish? Got your own twist on it? Drop a comment below and let us know! 💬

Happy cooking and even happier eating!

Looking for more creamy pasta recipes? Check out our Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff or Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo for more cozy meal ideas.

Save this recipe, share with a foodie friend or pin it for later—because dinner this good deserves to be remembered! 🍴💛