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Delicious Lemon Ricotta Pasta And Spinach Pesto Pasta with Chicken

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A fresh and creamy pasta dish combining lemony ricotta, vibrant spinach pesto, and tender chicken for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Boiling and Blending
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

  • 12 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup nuts (pine nuts or walnuts)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Prepare spinach pesto by blending spinach, garlic, olive oil, nuts, parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with lemon juice, lemon zest, a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Toss hot pasta with the ricotta mixture, adding reserved pasta water gradually to create a creamy sauce.
  5. Stir in the spinach pesto until evenly combined.
  6. Add cooked chicken and gently mix.
  7. Serve warm with extra parmesan on top.

Notes

  • Add pasta water gradually to control sauce consistency.
  • Do not overheat ricotta to maintain creaminess.
  • Swap chicken for shrimp or keep vegetarian if preferred.
  • Use kale instead of spinach for a deeper flavor.
  • Fresh lemon juice enhances brightness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/delicious-lemon-ricotta-pasta-and-spinach-pesto-pasta-with-chicken/