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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Warm the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir well to heat through, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- 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.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat every piece with the creamy ricotta sauce evenly.
- 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.
- Season to Taste: Season the dish with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to your preference.
- 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
