If you’re craving a pasta dinner that’s bursting with fresh flavors and silky textures, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Spinach Ricotta Pasta with Lemon Chicken Recipe. I absolutely love how the tangy lemon compliments the rich ricotta and tender spinach, while juicy lemon butter chicken breasts bring it all together into a mouthwatering meal. Whether you’re whipping this up for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is a total winner that I can’t wait to share with you!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Bright Flavors: The lemon zest and juice brighten the creamy sauce and chicken, bringing a refreshing twist.
Simple Ingredients, Impresses Big Time: Just a handful of everyday ingredients combine into a restaurant-quality meal.
Perfect Weeknight Meal: It comes together in about 35 minutes, making dinner doable yet elegant.
Versatile and Comforting: Creamy spinach ricotta sauce paired with lemon chicken hits all the cozy yet fresh notes.

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, spinach ricotta pasta, lemon chicken dinner, easy creamy pasta recipes, healthy chicken pasta dishes

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in perfect harmony – fresh herbs, creamy ricotta, lemony brightness, and tender chicken. When you shop, look for the freshest spinach and a lemon with a bright, fragrant peel to maximize flavor.

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, spinach ricotta pasta, lemon chicken dinner, easy creamy pasta recipes, healthy chicken pasta dishes

Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin for a richer flavor in sautéing your chicken.
Chicken breasts (skinless and boneless): Flatten slightly for even cooking and juiciness.
Butter: Adds richness both to the chicken and the sauce for that luscious finish.
Garlic: Sliced for the chicken, minced for the sauce; fresh garlic makes all the difference here.
Lemon: You’ll be using both zest and juice to get the full citrus kick.
Pasta (linguine or your favorite): Linguine’s thin strands hold the creamy sauce beautifully, but feel free to use any pasta you love.
Ricotta cheese: This is the star of the sauce – creamy and mild, it balances the lemon perfectly.
Reserved pasta water: This starchy water helps create a silky sauce that clings to every strand.
Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a hint of earthiness; baby spinach works best for tenderness.
Fresh chopped mint and basil: These herbs bring a fragrant brightness – dried works if that’s what you have!
Salt: Essential to season every element perfectly.
Grated Parmesan cheese: For serving – it adds nutty, salty depth that finishes the dish.

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

While I stick to the classic combo most times, I love how easily this recipe adapts to different tastes and dietary needs. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

Go vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add more sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies – my family goes crazy for mushrooms in place of chicken.
Use gluten-free pasta: Works just as well! I tried brown rice linguine and loved the texture.
Swap herbs: If you can’t find fresh mint or basil, fresh parsley or oregano are great substitutes.
Add heat: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick – I discovered this trick when craving something with more oomph.

How to Make Creamy Spinach Ricotta Pasta with Lemon Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Lemon Butter Chicken to Perfection

Start by heating olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pan, and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Midway through cooking on the second side, toss in a tablespoon of butter and the sliced garlic, spooning the melted butter over the chicken — this infuses it with amazing flavor. Once done, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and set them aside to rest while you prepare the pasta. Trust me, resting the chicken keeps it juicy.

Step 2: Cook Pasta and Reserve That Magic Water

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, scoop out about ½ cup of the pasta water and set aside. This starchy water is the secret to a silky sauce that clings beautifully, so don’t skip it!

Step 3: Whip Up Your Creamy Spinach Ricotta Sauce

In the same pan you used for the chicken (wipe out excess fat if needed, leaving a bit of butter), melt another tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the zest and juice of one lemon – the aroma will make your kitchen smell incredible! Lower the heat and stir in ricotta cheese, spinach, chopped mint, and basil. Pour in some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach a creamy, loose sauce consistency. Season with salt to taste. This sauce is indulgent but light, with fresh herbs and lemon cutting through the richness.

Step 4: Toss Pasta and Sauce, Then Serve with Chicken

Add the cooked pasta directly into your creamy spinach ricotta sauce and toss gently to coat every strand. If it feels too thick, splash in a bit more reserved pasta water until you get that perfect velvety texture. Plate the pasta, then slice your rested lemon butter chicken breasts and arrange them on top. Don’t forget the finishing touch: a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese – it’s a game changer!

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

Butter Basting for Juicy Chicken: Baste the chicken with garlic butter as it cooks – it seals in moisture and adds flavor depth.
Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save some pasta water; it’s a game changer for making a luscious sauce.
Fresh Herbs Boost Flavor: Fresh basil and mint make all the difference; if you only have dried, add them a bit earlier in cooking.
Avoid Overcooking Spinach: Toss spinach in last to keep its vibrant color and tender texture.

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, spinach ricotta pasta, lemon chicken dinner, easy creamy pasta recipes, healthy chicken pasta dishes

Garnishes

I like topping this dish with some extra Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves right before serving – it adds a fresh pop of color and a bit more herbaceous brightness that I find irresistible. A light drizzle of good olive oil can also elevate the presentation and flavor even more.

Side Dishes

This pasta is satisfying on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with a lemon vinaigrette, or some crunchy garlic bread to scoop up every bit of that creamy sauce. Roasted asparagus or green beans tossed with a little olive oil and lemon zest are fabulous too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like to layer the sliced lemon chicken on a nest of pasta in wide shallow bowls, then sprinkle on chopped fresh herbs and Parmesan tableside. You could even garnish with edible flowers or microgreens to make it extra fancy – my guests always comment on how elegant it looks!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store the pasta and chicken separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the chicken from drying out and the sauce fresher longer. Try to eat within 2 days for best flavor.

Freezing

I haven’t had much success freezing this dish because the ricotta sauce can separate and spinach loses its texture. If you must freeze, freeze cooked chicken breasts separately and prepare pasta fresh later for best results.

Reheating

When reheating the pasta, add a splash of water or broth and warm gently on the stove to restore creaminess without drying it out. Reheat chicken over low heat, covered, or quickly in the microwave to keep it juicy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of ricotta?

While ricotta gives this pasta its creamy, mild base, you can experiment with mascarpone for extra richness or cream cheese for tanginess. Just be mindful the flavor and texture will shift a bit.
What pasta works best in this recipe?

Linguine is a classic choice because its thin flat strands hold sauce beautifully. However, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne work well — just make sure to reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling.
How do I keep the chicken juicy and flavorful?

Pounding chicken breasts slightly for even thickness and basting with butter and garlic while cooking helps retain moisture and infuse flavor. Also, resting cooked chicken before slicing is crucial.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, swap ricotta for a creamy plant-based cheese or blended soaked cashews, and use olive oil instead of butter. The lemon and herbs will still shine!

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Spinach Ricotta Pasta with Lemon Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and fresh — a perfect balance. Whether I’m cooking for my family on a busy night or making something a bit more special, it never disappoints. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes a staple comforting meal in your kitchen too. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for that bright lemony kick and creamy goodness!