This easy spinach and Ricotta pasta recipe is a creamy and savory dish that you can serve up for a busy weeknight that gives you that stunning presentation, with minimal prep work needed. Smooth sauce, tender and juicy chicken, paired with al dente pasta to give you that total comfort dish feel. An easy pasta recipe with ricotta cheese that the whole family will enjoy.
Recipes with ricotta and pasta are always a win in our home. The pairing of the two is always savory, creamy, rich, and just plain delicious. I wanted to change things up from a classic pasta dish and I went with my favorite spinach and ricotta pasta recipe. I have used this dish to serve my family and make for guests for years, and it is always a crowd-pleaser. Why? Because who doesn’t love a good bowl of pasta that is smothered in a creamy sauce with spinach and chicken!
Looking for More Quick Weeknight Meals? Try these out:
- Pepperoni Pizza Sliders
- Instant Pot Ribs
- Sheet Pan Parmesan Chicken and Veggies
Chicken And Ricotta Pasta Recipe
The beauty of this recipe is the simplicity behind it. I used to go to the store and buy canned white sauce for pasta, then one day a family member made a homemade white sauce, and it was a game changer. I watched them make the sauce, and I was amazed at how easy it was. Now, there is nothing wrong with canned sauce, but the flavor of homemade is so much more flavorful, creamy, and offers that homemade taste. Since then I have made this homemade sauce and it works great with pasta.
I love pairing this with chicken, but you can also substitute the chicken for shrimp as well. I have been asked this in the past, so the answer is yes. We just prefer the pairing with chicken but you can change it up with shrimp. Just watch the shrimp as they cook fast, and you don’t want to overcook.
Can You Switch Pastas In This Ricotta Pasta Recipe
Yes! If you prefer a different type of pasta other than fettuccini noodles, feel free to use a different type. Bow-tie, angel hair, you name it, go for it. I find the fettuccini noodles give a nice presentation and work well, but you are welcome to experiment. Just cook the pasta as directed on the back of the box. Or if you prefer homemade pasta, go for it.
How to Make Spinach and Ricotta Pasta
Minimal effort is needed in this luxurious dinner. You have tender and juicy chicken that is pan seared, and then whip up a homemade sauce that will elevate the flavor of this pasta and chicken dinner dish.
Ingredients For Spinach & Ricotta Pasta
- 1 1/2 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 1/2 lb Fettuccini Noodles
- 4 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 Cup Milk
- 1 Cup Whole Ricotta Cheese
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- 1/4 lb (4 oz) Frozen, Chopped Spinach (Thawed)
Directions For Spinach & Ricotta Pasta
Thaw Spinach and Squeeze Excess Water from the Spinach.
In a Pan
heat 2 Tbsp Olive Oil and Grill Chicken on Both Sides for 7-9 Minutes each.
Season Chicken with Salt and Pepper to Taste.
Bring a Large Pot 
of Water to Boil and Cook Pasta according to Package Directions.
In a Separate Skillet bring 2 Tbsp of Olive Oil to a Medium Heat and add Minced Garlic.
Cook over Medium Heat for 1 to 2 minutes, slowly add Milk and Ricotta Cheese and stir until Smooth.
Add in Salt and Pepper and stir in the Spinach.
Add Cooked Pasta to the sauce and mix well. Serve with Sliced Grilled Chicken Breasts.
Easy Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 1/2 lb Fettuccini Noodles
- 4 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 Cup Milk
- 1 Cup Whole Ricotta Cheese
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- 1/4 lb (4 oz) Frozen, Chopped Spinach (Thawed)
Instructions
- Thaw Spinach and Squeeze Excess Water from the Spinach.
- In a Pan heat 2 Tbsp Olive Oil and Grill Chicken on Both Sides for 7-9 Minutes each.
- Season Chicken with Salt and Pepper to Taste.
- Bring a Large Pot of Water to Boil and Cook Pasta according to Package Directions.
- In a Separate Skillet bring 2 Tbsp of Olive Oil to a Medium Heat and add Minced Garlic.
- Cook over Medium Heat for 1 to 2 minutes, slowly add Milk and Ricotta Cheese and stir until Smooth.
- Add in Salt and Pepper and stir in the Spinach.
- Add Cooked Pasta to the sauce and mix well. Serve with Sliced Grilled Chicken Breasts.
Look at that creamy spinach and cheese pasta right there. This is the ultimate pasta recipe that takes around 30 minutes to make. This is better than take-out from a restaurant. Pair this pasta dish with a nice crisp green salad, or some dinner rolls or garlic bread. We love to use the bread to soak up every last drop of the creamy sauce and spinach.
What is your go-to busy weeknight meal?
