If you’re craving something rich, comforting, and incredibly satisfying, this Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate weeknight indulgence. It’s the kind of meal that looks like it came from a restaurant kitchen but is surprisingly simple to make at home. The buttery seared chicken paired with velvety ricotta Alfredo sauce clings perfectly to fettuccine, creating a dinner that feels both gourmet and cozy. This trending pasta dish blends Italian-inspired flavors with the creamy comfort you love — and it’s about to become a new favorite in your rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta Recipe
This dish isn’t just delicious — it’s a total win for home cooks. Here’s why:
Easily adaptable: Make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or add veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.
Restaurant-quality at home: No need to dine out for rich Alfredo when you can recreate it better yourself.
Simple pantry ingredients: Butter, garlic, pasta, and cheese – easy, accessible ingredients with big payoff.
Quick weeknight dinner: Ready in under 30 minutes, but tastes like it took hours.
Creamy and comforting: The ricotta adds a fluffy, creamy texture that sets this Alfredo apart.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this creamy masterpiece to life:
For the Garlic Butter Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Ricotta Alfredo Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream (sub: full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Substitutions
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
1. Prepare the Pasta
Boil the pasta in salted water according to package directions. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry. Season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and let rest before slicing.
3. Make the Ricotta Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Lower the heat and stir in the ricotta, Parmesan, heavy cream, and reserved pasta water. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Combine
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently until well coated.
5. Serve
Top with sliced garlic butter chicken and garnish with parsley. Drizzle with any extra sauce from the pa
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Want it spicier? Add crushed red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning to the chicken.
- Make it a one-pan meal: Add spinach, peas, or mushrooms directly to the sauce.
- Lighter version: Use milk instead of cream and low-fat ricotta.
- Extra cheesy? Sprinkle with mozzarella before serving.
How to Store & Reheat
To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Add a splash of milk or cream to a pan and gently warm the pasta over low heat, stirring until the sauce becomes creamy again
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of rich, creamy pasta dishes like this Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta, you’ll definitely want to explore these other delicious recipes:
- Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe – Silky, cheesy, and better than anything from a jar.
- Classic Chicken Alfredo – A timeless favorite that never disappoints.
- Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta – A hearty and flavorful twist on your usual pasta night.
These dishes are perfect for satisfying your cravings for creamy, garlicky comfort food!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce instead?
Yes, but the ricotta Alfredo adds a unique creamy texture that you’ll miss with jarred sauces.
What’s the best pasta shape to use?
Fettuccine or linguine works best, but penne or rigatoni are great for catching all the sauce.
Can I grill the chicken instead?
Absolutely! Grilled garlic butter chicken adds a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the sauce.
Is ricotta Alfredo traditional?
Not exactly — it’s a modern twist that lightens the sauce while keeping it creamy and indulgent.
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta recipe is the perfect marriage of comfort and elegance. It’s quick enough for weeknights, impressive enough for guests, and always a hit at the table. Give it a try, leave a comment with your thoughts, and don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow pasta lovers!
Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients
- – 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- – 2 tbsp butter for chicken
- – 1 tbsp olive oil
- – 1 tsp garlic powder
- – 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- – Salt & pepper to taste
- – 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
- – 2 tbsp butter for sauce
- – 3 garlic cloves minced
- – 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
- – 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- – 1/2 cup heavy cream
- – 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- – Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Season chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet. Sear chicken 5–6 mins per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside and slice.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
- Lower heat. Stir in ricotta, Parmesan, cream, and reserved pasta water until smooth.
- Add pasta to sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Plate pasta and top with sliced chicken. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
– Use cottage cheese for a lighter ricotta swap.
– Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.