Description
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a quick and comforting dish featuring tender cooked chicken, ricotta and Parmesan cheese, and a hint of lemon, all tossed with your favorite pasta and fresh spinach for a nutritious, flavorful meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
Dairy and Flavorings
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (or zest of 1 lemon)
Seasonings and Vegetables
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or leafy greens (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or thyme)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Warm Chicken: Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to warm through, cooking for about 2–3 minutes.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, lemon juice or zest, and the reserved pasta water. Mix thoroughly until a smooth, creamy sauce forms.
- Toss Pasta: Add the drained pasta into the skillet and toss well to evenly coat it with the creamy sauce.
- Add Greens: If using spinach or other leafy greens, stir them in now and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
- Season: Season the pasta with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired, adjusting to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the pasta with chopped fresh herbs and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer; penne or fusilli work well to hold the sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute part-skim ricotta cheese.
- If you like a bit of heat, increase the red pepper flakes.
- Leftover sauce makes a great base for baked pasta dishes.
- Add other vegetables like mushrooms or cherry tomatoes for variety.
