Lemon Ricotta Chicken Pasta is the perfect dish for anyone craving a creamy yet refreshing meal. I love how it combines rich flavors with a light, citrusy touch. Cooking it is simple and takes just a few easy steps.
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Lemon Ricotta Chicken Pasta recipe
Lemon Ricotta Chicken Pasta combines creamy ricotta, zesty lemon, and tender chicken for a delicious meal. I love how the flavors balance between tangy and rich. This makes it a popular choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
The combination of lemon, ricotta, and chicken creates a harmonious blend of flavors. The ricotta adds a velvety texture, lemon juice provides a refreshing contrast, and seasonings enhance the overall taste.
This chicken pasta dish is low in fat, rich in protein, and packed with vitamins. It’s quick and easy to make. You can make it in about 30 minutes. Here’s how to make the Lemon Ricotta Chicken Pasta:
Lemon Ricotta Chicken Pasta
Tender chicken, zesty lemon, and creamy ricotta tossed with pasta. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
- 250 g (9 oz) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
- 2 chicken breasts diced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 lemon zest + 2 tbsp juice
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup spinach or arugula optional
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook for about 5–7 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well.
- Add reserved pasta water gradually to create a smooth sauce.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach (if using). Let it cook for 1 minute until the spinach wilts.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and black pepper. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Budget-Friendly Tip: Swap fresh chicken for rotisserie or canned chicken to save time and money.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms.
- Make It Creamier: Mix in a splash of milk or cream for an extra rich sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Nutrition
Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 32gFat: 15gFiber: 4gSugar: 4g
SIMILAR RECIPES
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How to pair
Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Chicken pairs well with these drinks:
- Cocktails:
- Mojito adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy, savory elements of the dish.
- Limoncello Spritz echoes the citrus in the pasta.
- French 75 enhances the pasta’s citrusy and creamy notes.
- Bellini adds a fruity, bubbly element to the dish’s creaminess.
- Aperol Spritz’s bittersweet citrus profile balances the richness of the ricotta and chicken.
- Elderflower Martini adds a sophisticated touch.
- Paloma provides a tangy contrast to the rich pasta.
- Wine Pairings
- Chardonnay’s buttery notes complement the creamy ricotta and lemon flavors in the pasta.
- Pinot Grigio pairs well with the lemony, creamy sauce.
- Prosecco cuts through the richness, balancing the dish perfectly.
- Rosé complements the dish’s richness and citrus undertones.
- Non-Alcoholic Options
- Sparkling Water with Lemon enhances the citrusy zest of the dish.
- Iced Tea with Mint adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.
- Lemonade mirrors the citrusy notes in the pasta.
- Herbal Tea pairs well with the dish’s creamy texture.
- Ginger Beer adds a spicy kick that contrasts nicely with the creamy, tangy flavors.
Variations
Lemon Ricotta Chicken Pasta is adapted in various ways. Here are some popular variations:
- Veggie-Packed Version
- Add roasted or sautéed vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli.
- Replace spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a heartier green.
- Seafood Twist
- Swap chicken for shrimp or scallops for a lighter, seafood-inspired dish.
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth.
- Creamy Pesto Lemon Ricotta Pasta
- Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of basil pesto to the ricotta sauce for a herby, vibrant flavor.
- Top with toasted pine nuts for crunch.
- Spicy Arrabbiata Style
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste and a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy, tangy kick.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Mediterranean-Inspired
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and artichoke hearts.
- Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan.
- Gluten-Free or Low-Carb Option
- Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a lighter, low-carb alternative.
- Ensure the ricotta and Parmesan are gluten-free if needed.
- Creamy Mushroom & Thyme
- Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic and add a teaspoon of fresh thyme for an earthy, aromatic twist.
- Use a mix of ricotta and mascarpone for extra creaminess.
- Lemon Ricotta Pasta Bake
- Transfer the prepared pasta to a baking dish, top with mozzarella or breadcrumbs
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Herb-Infused Version
- Add fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives to the sauce for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Garnish with lemon slices for a decorative touch.
- Dairy-Free Alternative
- Replace ricotta with cashew cream or a dairy-free ricotta substitute.
- Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy, nutty flavor.