If you’re looking for a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to adore this Creamy Spinach Ricotta Pasta with Lemon Chicken Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want something comforting but still bright and fresh—not to mention it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Creamy ricotta melds perfectly with tender spinach pasta, while the lemon butter chicken brings just the right amount of zing. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and comforting: The ricotta sauce adds a luscious texture without feeling too heavy.
Bright lemon flavor: The fresh lemon juice and zest give the dish a refreshing zing that balances the richness.
Quick and easy weeknight meal: Ready in about 35 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Balanced with greens and protein: Spinach adds freshness, while chicken brings satisfying protein.

The image shows a close-up view of a white bowl filled with sliced golden-brown grilled chicken on the left side. The chicken has a slightly crispy, shiny texture with visible seasoning and small cooked garlic pieces on top. Next to the chicken, there is a creamy pasta with fettuccine noodles that are light yellow and mixed with white sauce and green spinach leaves. Some parts of the pasta have a slight shine from the sauce, and small bits of white cheese are sprinkled throughout. The white bowl rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Spinach Ricotta Pasta with Lemon Chicken, creamy spinach ricotta pasta, lemon chicken skillet, easy lemon chicken recipes, cozy pasta dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Creamy Spinach Ricotta Pasta with Lemon Chicken Recipe work together in harmony. I love how fresh herbs and lemon brighten the creamy sauce, and the spinach adds a subtle earthiness. When shopping, pick the freshest spinach and herbs you can find to really make the flavors pop.

Flat lay of two skinless, boneless raw chicken breasts, a small mound of fresh spinach leaves, a small white ceramic bowl holding creamy ricotta cheese, a few strands of cooked linguine pasta twisted neatly, a small white bowl with olive oil, a small white bowl with melted butter, one whole uncracked brown egg, two whole garlic cloves and one sliced garlic clove, one whole lemon cut in half showing juicy interior and one whole lemon, a small white bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, fresh sprigs of basil and mint leaves scattered naturally, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Spinach Ricotta Pasta with Lemon Chicken, creamy spinach ricotta pasta, lemon chicken skillet, easy lemon chicken recipes, cozy pasta dinner

Olive oil: Use good-quality extra virgin for the best flavor.
Chicken breasts (skinless and boneless): Perfectly lean and quick to cook.
Butter: Adds richness and helps build the sauce.
Garlic: Fresh cloves give more aroma than pre-minced.
Lemon: Both zest and juice create vibrant citrus notes.
Pasta (like linguine): Holds the creamy sauce wonderfully, but feel free to use your favorite.
Ricotta cheese: The star ingredient for that smooth, creamy sauce texture.
Fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and that subtle green goodness.
Fresh chopped mint and basil: Bring freshness and a lovely herbal lift.
Parmesan cheese: For sprinkling on top, enhancing nuttiness and savoriness.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every component perfectly.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own, and you’ll find it super easy to switch things up depending on what you have on hand or your mood. You can make it lighter, richer, or even plant-based with just a few tweaks.

Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and toss in extra mushrooms or roasted veggies; it’s just as satisfying.
Herb swaps: Sometimes I swap mint for parsley or oregano depending on what’s fresh in my garden.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or chicken for some warmth.
Gluten-free pasta: Works beautifully here, just cook according to package instructions.

How to Make Creamy Spinach Ricotta Pasta with Lemon Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Perfectly Sear Your Lemon Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Add them to the pan along with a tablespoon of butter and the sliced garlic. This combo builds the flavor base you want—garlic-infused butter is magic here. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Don’t rush this part; a nice sear locks in juices and adds delicious texture. Once cooked, remove the chicken, squeeze fresh lemon juice over it, and set it aside to rest.

Step 2: Cook Pasta and Save That Magic Water

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, scoop out about half a cup of pasta water and set it aside. This starchy water is pure gold when it comes to loosening up sauces without watering down flavor. Drain the pasta and set aside but keep it warm.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Spinach Ricotta Sauce

In the same pot or a large skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Now, stir in ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, your fresh mint and basil, and a splash of reserved pasta water. The pasta water helps achieve that silky, luscious texture that clings to every noodle. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Give it a good stir—if the sauce feels too thick, add a bit more pasta water gradually until it’s just right.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Add your cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently to coat every strand beautifully. Plate the creamy pasta and top each serving with a halved lemon butter chicken breast. Finish with a shower of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that umami boost. And voilà! You’ve got a fancy-looking yet utterly simple meal ready to enjoy.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Spinach Ricotta Pasta with Lemon Chicken Recipe

Don’t skip the reserved pasta water: It’s the secret to turning the ricotta into a perfectly creamy sauce that clings to the pasta.
Let chicken rest after cooking: This keeps it juicy and tender instead of drying out the moment it hits the plate.
Use fresh herbs whenever possible: They make a big difference in brightening the sauce and adding layers of flavor.
Mind your garlic heat: Garlic burns fast so keep an eye and sauté briefly to avoid bitterness in the sauce.

How to Serve Creamy Spinach Ricotta Pasta with Lemon Chicken Recipe

The image shows a large white pan filled with creamy pasta and two sliced golden-brown cooked chicken pieces placed on opposite sides. The pasta noodles are light yellow and mixed with dark green spinach leaves, all coated in a white creamy sauce with a crumbly texture. There are small pieces of cooked garlic and a slice of yellow lemon tucked inside the noodles near the chicken. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Spinach Ricotta Pasta with Lemon Chicken, creamy spinach ricotta pasta, lemon chicken skillet, easy lemon chicken recipes, cozy pasta dinner

Garnishes

I usually finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and sometimes a few extra basil leaves or a pinch of lemon zest for that vibrant fresh look. Occasionally, I’ll add toasted pine nuts for some crunch—totally optional but worth trying if you love texture contrasts.

Side Dishes

We often pair this Creamy Spinach Ricotta Pasta with Lemon Chicken Recipe with a simple mixed greens salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to echo the citrus notes. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette works wonders for soaking up any leftover sauce, and roasted asparagus is a fantastic seasonal side that complements the flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like to plate the pasta in a shallow bowl, curl the chicken breast on top slightly angled, and drizzle a little extra garlic lemon butter sauce over everything. Adding edible flowers or micro herbs can instantly elevate the visual appeal and make it feel restaurant-quality at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer the pasta and chicken to airtight containers and keep them separate if possible. The pasta can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, but the sauce might thicken, so you’ll want to loosen it up when reheating.

Freezing

I don’t typically freeze this recipe because the ricotta sauce and fresh herbs don’t always hold up well after thawing. If you do freeze, slice the chicken before freezing and reheat gently to avoid drying out.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to bring the sauce back to creamy perfection. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to dry out the chicken and change the sauce texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes! While ricotta is key for this recipe’s creamy texture, you can substitute with mascarpone or cream cheese if you’re in a pinch, though the flavor will be a bit different. Just be sure to add pasta water gradually for a smooth sauce.
What pasta works best with this recipe?

I love using linguine or fettuccine because their shape really holds the creamy sauce, but penne or rigatoni also work well. Just choose a pasta that can trap sauce in its crevices to maximize flavor in every bite.
How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?

Cook chicken over medium-high heat and don’t rush the sear. Use a meat thermometer if you have one—the chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F (75°C). Letting it rest before slicing helps retain juiciness.
Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make this vegan, swap chicken for tofu or tempeh and use plant-based ricotta or blended silken tofu for creaminess. Use vegan butter or olive oil and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.
Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy sauce and mild lemon flavor tend to be popular with kids. You can reduce or skip the garlic to suit their taste buds better.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Spinach Ricotta Pasta with Lemon Chicken Recipe comes together each time I make it. It’s that perfect balance of comfort and freshness that makes it a staple in my home cooking rotation. I’m betting you’ll appreciate how approachable it is, plus the little zesty lemon notes that keep it feeling light and lively. Give it a try on your next weeknight—I’m confident you’ll be hearing requests to make it again very soon!