Description
A quick and delicious creamy ricotta chicken pasta dish featuring tender cooked chicken, creamy ricotta cheese, and fresh herbs, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Protein
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
Sauce & Seasonings
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (or zest of 1 lemon)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Greens & Garnish
- 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 water then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Warm Chicken: Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir for 2–3 minutes, allowing it to heat through evenly.
- Make Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice or zest, and the reserved pasta water. Mix continuously until a smooth, creamy sauce forms.
- Toss Pasta: Add the drained pasta into the skillet and toss well to ensure each piece is coated evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Add Greens: If using spinach or other leafy greens, stir them into the skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes until the greens have wilted.
- Season: Season the pasta with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with chopped fresh herbs and additional grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or rotini.
- Leftover cooked chicken is ideal for saving time in this recipe.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice or zest based on your desired level of brightness.
- Red pepper flakes add a nice spicy kick but can be omitted for a milder dish.
- Adding fresh spinach or greens adds color and nutrition but is optional.
- Reserve some pasta water to help achieve a creamier sauce consistency.
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute ricotta and Parmesan with vegan cheese options.
