If you are looking for a comforting yet elegant meal that comes together quickly, this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. Rich and velvety ricotta cheese blends perfectly with tender chicken and al dente pasta, creating a luscious sauce that feels indulgent without being heavy. With just a handful of ingredients that you likely have on hand, this dish transforms simple pantry staples into a vibrant, flavorful dinner that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, this recipe brings warmth, creaminess, and a touch of tangy freshness with lemon zest that guests will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully straightforward, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the creamy softness of ricotta to the zingy brightness of lemon zest, these essentials come together seamlessly.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni): Choose shapes that hold sauce beautifully for every bite to be coated perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a silky base for sautéing garlic and infuses richness.
- 2 cups cooked shredded or diced chicken: Using grilled or rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and flavorful.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers a fragrant punch that deepens the savory notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Just a hint of heat to awaken the palate without overpowering the creaminess.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce light and adds subtle savoriness.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: The star ingredient, providing smooth creaminess that defines the dish.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces a nutty, salty edge that complements the ricotta beautifully.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk: Enhances sauce silkiness and helps balance richness.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Brings fresh citrus notes that brighten the entire dish.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Seasoning is key to round out flavors.
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional): Adds vibrant green color and a nutritious touch with minimal effort.
- Chopped parsley or basil for garnish: Fresh herbs provide aromatic freshness and a pop of color when serving.
How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Perfectly
Begin by cooking your choice of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, in generously salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining—this little trick will help you adjust the sauce later to the perfect consistency.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Spice
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and, if you like a gentle kick, the red pepper flakes. Sauté for about one minute until the kitchen fills with that inviting aroma but the garlic hasn’t browned—this keeps the flavor fresh and bright.
Step 3: Warm the Chicken
Toss in your cooked shredded or diced chicken and stir to heat through. This step ensures the chicken soaks up the garlic and spice flavors, making every mouthful deliciously seasoned.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and add the chicken broth, creamy ricotta, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream (or milk). Stir everything together until the sauce becomes smooth and luxuriously creamy. Finally, add the lemon zest and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to elevate those layers of taste.
Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce and Spinach
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss it into the sauce until every piece is blissfully coated. If the sauce feels too thick, incorporate some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the baby spinach, if using, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it wilts, lending freshness and a beautiful pop of green.
Step 6: Serve It Up Warm
Now your Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe is ready to be plated and enjoyed! Don’t rush to eat it, but savor each bite of rich, cheesy, flavorful goodness.
How to Serve Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your dish with freshly chopped parsley or basil gives the pasta a lovely herbaceous aroma and a vibrant splash of color. For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional grated Parmesan cheese on top, offering a salty crunch that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
Keep your sides light and fresh to balance the rich pasta. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables make excellent companions, bringing contrasting textures and flavors that brighten the meal without overshadowing the star dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta family-style in a large rustic bowl for a cozy, inviting presentation, or plate individual portions twirled in neat nests with sprigs of fresh herbs on top. You can also add a drizzle of quality extra-virgin olive oil or a few toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch and depth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, stash any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated. The creamy sauce maintains its flavor well for up to 3 days, making it a great option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe can be frozen, although ricotta sauces sometimes change texture slightly upon thawing. Use a freezer-safe container and keep it for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir frequently and add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much. This will help recapture that luscious creaminess you loved on the first serving.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne or rigatoni work best due to their ability to hold sauce, feel free to experiment with fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti depending on what you have available.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding more vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or peas to keep the dish hearty and satisfying.
Can I substitute ricotta with another cheese?
While ricotta is key for that smooth, creamy texture, cottage cheese or mascarpone can work in a pinch. However, the flavor and consistency will vary slightly.
How do I control the spiciness in this recipe?
The red pepper flakes are optional. If you prefer no heat, skip them altogether, or add just a pinch if you want a subtle warmth that enhances the flavors.
What wine pairs well with Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce and lemon zest beautifully, balancing richness with refreshing acidity.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe has all the hallmarks of a beloved classic: simplicity, flavor, and comforting creaminess. It’s a dish that welcomes you home, inviting you to relax and savor every bite. I genuinely hope you give it a try soon—it’s destined to become one of your go-to meals when you crave that perfect balance of easy and impressive.
Print
Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
This Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, creamy ricotta and Parmesan cheeses, and a hint of lemon zest. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it combines succulent cooked chicken with pasta tossed in a luscious, cheesy sauce, finished with fresh baby spinach and herbs for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 12 oz pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
- 2 cups cooked shredded or diced chicken (grilled or rotisserie)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables and Garnish
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- Chopped parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté aromatics and chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the cooked shredded or diced chicken, stirring to warm through for 2–3 minutes.
- Prepare the sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk. Mix gently but thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest along with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the ricotta sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually stir in some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add spinach and finish: Add 2 cups of baby spinach, if using, and cook for 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts and incorporates into the pasta.
- Serve: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with chopped parsley or basil and extra grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Swap the baby spinach for peas or chopped roasted vegetables for a different flavor and texture.
- This recipe works well with leftover turkey instead of chicken.
- Adjust the creaminess by choosing heavy cream for richer sauce or milk for a lighter option.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted or increased based on your spice preference.
