Description
A quick and creamy ricotta chicken pasta recipe that combines tender cooked chicken, creamy ricotta cheese, and fresh spinach for a delicious and comforting 25-minute meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
Sauce
- 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)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 cups fresh spinach or leafy greens (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or thyme)
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Sauté garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Heat the chicken: Add cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to warm through for about 2–3 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Lower the heat and stir in ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, lemon juice or zest, and the reserved pasta water. Mix everything until a creamy sauce forms.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta with the creamy sauce.
- Add greens: If using spinach or leafy greens, stir them in now and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
- Season: Season the pasta with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, adjusting to taste.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve warm for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Use any cooked chicken you have—leftovers work great for this recipe.
- Feel free to swap spinach with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- For extra richness, add a splash of cream or milk when stirring in the ricotta.
