Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate weeknight dinner that looks and tastes like a restaurant-worthy creation but comes together in under 30 minutes, this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s wonderfully rich and silky from the ricotta, with perfectly seasoned chicken, fresh pops of spinach and lemon, and that subtle, irresistible tang from Parmesan. With just one bite, you’ll see why I keep coming back to this comforting, crowd-pleasing pasta—there’s simply nothing like the magic of a creamy chicken sauce tossed with tender rigatoni!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta is that you only need a handful of simple, everyday ingredients, yet each one plays a critical role in the flavor, texture, and color of the dish. Let’s see how every component helps this pasta shine brightly on your dinner table.

• Pasta (8 oz, penne or rigatoni): These shapes hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps everything blend smoothly together in the skillet.
• Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, shredded or diced): A fantastic way to use rotisserie or leftover chicken for easy, tender protein.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): The aromatic backbone that infuses every layer of the sauce with warmth.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every individual ingredient and brings the sauce together.
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle touch of heat that balances the creaminess.
• Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers classic Mediterranean flavor with just one sprinkle.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Brings a gentle kick for spice lovers—completely customizable!
• Ricotta cheese (1 cup): The secret to the sauce’s dreamy, velvety texture and mild, fresh flavor.
• Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Adds salty, nutty complexity and helps to thicken the sauce.
• Reserved pasta water (1/2 cup): This starchy magic makes the sauce extra luscious and helps it cling to every noodle.
• Baby spinach (2 cups, optional): For vibrant color and a subtle earthy taste—you can swap in kale or peas if you like.
• Zest of 1 lemon: Brightens the whole dish and cuts through the richness.
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Dials up the color and fresh flavor at the very end.

How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it’s perfectly al dente. Don’t forget to scoop out about half a cup of the starchy pasta water before you drain the noodles—this is your ticket to an ultra creamy ricotta sauce that really hugs every bite. Set the drained pasta aside, ready to be transformed.

Step 2: Sauté the Flavors

Meanwhile, warm up the olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just about a minute, until everything is wonderfully fragrant but not browned. Next, add your shredded or diced chicken, sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir, letting the chicken soak up all those flavors as it heats through for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 3: Create a Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Sauce

Turn the heat down to low, then add the creamy ricotta, grated Parmesan, and that precious reserved pasta water straight into the pan. Stir patiently as the cheeses melt down into a luscious, silky sauce, coaxing everything together until it’s totally smooth. This is the heart and soul of Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta, and you’ll see the transformation right before your eyes!

Step 4: Toss and Wilt

Gently fold your cooked pasta into the skillet, using tongs or a big spoon to coat every piece in that irresistible creamy sauce. If you’re adding spinach, toss it in now and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until it wilts into lovely green ribbons.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle over the zest of one lemon for a zingy, fresh finish that really lifts the dish. If you love a little extra color or flavor, a handful of fresh parsley makes the pasta look and taste even brighter. Serve your Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta warm, with extra Parmesan on the side if you want a true Italian trattoria vibe.

How to Serve Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, scatter some chopped fresh parsley or a few basil leaves over the top, and don’t be shy with the extra Parmesan cheese. A drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper takes the presentation—and flavor—up a notch, making every bowl of Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta feel special and inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair your pasta with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil, or serve alongside garlicky roasted vegetables. A basket of warm, crusty bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce, making sure not a single drop of that creamy ricotta mixture goes to waste.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant twist, serve Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta in shallow bowls with lemon wedges and a small mound of microgreens on top. Or transform leftovers into a pasta bake by topping with extra cheese and broiling until golden. For a party, try portioning into ramekins for sophisticated single servings—your guests will think you hired a chef!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. The pasta will keep beautifully for up to 3 days. Keep in mind, pasta tends to soak up the sauce as it sits, so plan to add a splash of water or milk when reheating to bring back the creamy consistency.

Freezing

While pasta with creamy sauces can sometimes lose their texture after freezing, this dish does surprisingly well! Portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little extra room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

When you’re ready to revive your Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta, place it in a skillet with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water. Warm over low heat, stirring gently to restore that silky sauce. A quick zap in the microwave works, too—just be sure to stir midway and add a bit of liquid if needed. Garnish freshly for the best flavor!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne and rigatoni are ideal for catching all that luscious sauce, you can use fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just be mindful of cooking times and consider shapes that hold onto creamy sauces for the classic Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta experience.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe a breeze and adds loads of flavor, but any cooked chicken breast works well—leftover grilled, roasted, or even poached chicken. If starting from scratch, simply season raw chicken breast, cook through, then dice or shred before using here.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

You can absolutely make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta without the chicken! Try swapping in sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or even canned chickpeas for a delicious, protein-packed vegetarian alternative that’s just as satisfying.

How do I keep the sauce from getting grainy?

The key is to keep the heat low when adding ricotta and Parmesan—this ensures a smooth, creamy texture. Starchy reserved pasta water also helps everything blend beautifully. Stir gently and be patient for the best results.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Alongside spinach, this recipe is delicious with peas, kale, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts. Add heartier veggies during the sauté step; delicate greens go in at the end to just barely wilt.

Final Thoughts

If you love cozy, flavor-packed dinners that don’t take all night, I can’t recommend this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta enough. It’s simple yet special, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Make it your own and bring a taste of creamy comfort to your next weeknight meal—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears!

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