Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you are craving a comforting yet fresh pasta dish that brings together the best of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and vibrant greens, look no further than this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of luscious ricotta, savory Parmesan, and juicy chicken tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, making every bite a celebration of flavors and textures. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dinner for guests, this recipe delivers rich satisfaction with a touch of brightness from lemon and herbs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe shines because of its simple but essential ingredients. Each component brings something special—from the silky ricotta adding creaminess, to the fresh spinach providing color and nutrients, and lemon juice giving that subtle zing that brightens the whole dish.

• 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite): Choose a pasta shape that holds the sauce well for maximum flavor.
• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped): Perfect for adding hearty protein, leftover roast chicken works beautifully here.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese: The star ingredient that creates the creamy texture without overwhelming the dish.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and a pleasant savory kick.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Used to gently sauté the garlic, building a fragrant base.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty edge that complements the ricotta.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (or zest of 1 lemon): Gives a fresh brightness that balances the creaminess perfectly.
• Salt, to taste: Enhances all the other flavors harmoniously.
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds subtle heat and depth.
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle, warm kick in their pasta.
• 2 cups fresh spinach or leafy greens (optional): Adds vibrant color and earthy freshness.
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or thyme): Finish with fresh herbs to lift the whole dish with fragrance and flavor.

How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture—you want it slightly firm to the bite so it holds up beautifully when tossed with sauce. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy water is a secret weapon for making your sauce silky and smooth.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and add the minced garlic. Sauté it for 1 to 2 minutes until you can smell its incredible aroma filling the kitchen—this is where the magic begins. Then add the cooked chicken, stirring just enough to warm it through, around 2 to 3 minutes. This step wakes up the chicken and infuses it with that lovely garlicky scent.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese and Parmesan along with the lemon juice or zest. Slowly add the reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture, stirring gently until a luscious, creamy sauce takes shape. This smooth sauce is the heart of the Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe and it ties all the flavors together in the best possible way.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Now it’s time to add your drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything carefully to ensure each piece of pasta is evenly coated in that rich, velvety sauce. If you opted for spinach or leafy greens, fold them in at this stage and cook for just 1 to 2 minutes until wilted, adding freshness and color to the dish.

Step 5: Season and Garnish

Season your pasta with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs over the top along with a little more Parmesan to add an herbaceous punch and extra savoriness just before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add not just color but a burst of herbal brightness that perfectly complements the creamy sauce. A few extra shavings of Parmesan on top will give your pasta an inviting, cheesy finish that diners will love digging into.

Side Dishes

Pair this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables for balance. Light sides with vinaigrette or lemon dressing make excellent accompaniments that contrast the richness without overshadowing it.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta in wide shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce and vibrant greens beautifully. For a fun twist, hollow out small bell peppers or tomatoes and fill them with the creamy ricotta chicken pasta for bite-sized delights that look stunning on a buffet table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the sauce is cheese-based, it’s best enjoyed within this window for optimal flavor and texture.

Freezing

While pasta with a creamy sauce isn’t the absolute best candidate for freezing, you can freeze leftovers for up to a month if needed. Store portions in freezer-safe containers and be prepared for slight texture changes upon reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce. Stir often to evenly heat and maintain that luscious creaminess without drying out the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of ricotta?

Absolutely! While ricotta creates a deliciously creamy base, you can experiment with mascarpone or cottage cheese for similar texture, though flavors will vary slightly. Just keep the balance light to avoid overpowering the dish.

Is it necessary to use cooked chicken?

Cooked chicken is recommended for quick assembly and even warming. However, you could use raw chicken if you sauté it thoroughly before adding the sauce ingredients, but this will add more time to the process.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted peppers. The combination of ricotta and Parmesan still makes for a satisfyingly creamy, flavorful pasta.

What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?

Shapes with grooves or tubes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni’re fantastic choices because they hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is rich and flavorful.

How spicy is this recipe with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild, pleasant warmth that complements the creaminess. If you prefer more heat, you can increase the quantity, or skip them altogether for a milder dish.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe is truly a kitchen winner—rich and comforting yet bursting with fresh flavors that never fail to please the palate. I can’t recommend it enough for busy nights or anytime you want to treat yourself to something special without a fuss. Give it a try and watch it become your new go-to pasta favorite!

Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.3 from 78 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A quick and delicious creamy ricotta chicken pasta featuring tender cooked chicken, rich ricotta cheese, fresh garlic, and a bright hint of lemon, all tossed with your favorite pasta and optional spinach for a wholesome, comforting meal ready in just 25 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Protein

• 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite)
• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)

Cheese and Dairy

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (or zest of 1 lemon)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Vegetables and Herbs

• 2 cups fresh spinach or leafy greens (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or thyme)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining to use in the sauce.
2. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
3. Warm the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir well to heat through, about 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and add the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, lemon juice or zest, and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir gently and continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
5. Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat every piece with the creamy ricotta sauce evenly.
6. Add Greens (Optional): If using fresh spinach or leafy greens, stir them into the pasta and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted and warmed through.
7. Season to Taste: Season the dish with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to your preference.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs and additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving warm for a fresh and flavorful finish.

Notes

• You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Use gluten-free pasta if needed to make it gluten-free.
• Adjust the lemon juice to your taste for more or less brightness.
• This recipe can be made vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding mushrooms or extra spinach.
• Reserve pasta water is important to loosen the sauce and help it adhere to the noodles.
• Add a splash of cream or milk if you prefer a richer sauce.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian