There’s something wildly comforting about a warm bowl of creamy pasta, isn’t there? When I think about my weeknight dinner dreams, this creamy ricotta chicken pasta pretty much checks every box. It’s rich, filling, and packed with tender shredded chicken that’s been hanging out in the fridge just waiting for a second act. What I love most about this recipe is how little effort it takes to feel like I’ve pulled off something special. Leftover rotisserie chicken gets new life, creamy ricotta melts into a silky sauce, and garlic just does its thing, perfuming the whole kitchen in the best way. Add in some pasta—any shape you like—and it’s the kind of dish that feels like a big cozy hug without breaking a sweat. This is one of those dishes I turn to when I need dinner to be easy but not boring. It’s fast, flexible, and honestly tastes like you put way more work into it than you actually did. It’s also wildly forgiving. No ricotta? Use cream cheese. No parsley? Skip it. But do me a favor—don’t skimp on the garlic. We need that bold flavor to cut through the richness.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe
3) Ingredients for Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
4) How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
5) Tips for Making Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
6) Making Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
8) Try these Chicken recipes next!
9) Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This recipe uses rotisserie chicken and creamy ricotta for a quick, filling meal.
Perfect for repurposing leftover pasta and cutting down food waste.
Comforting and customizable with simple pantry ingredients.
It takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish.

2) Easy Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Recipe

When dinner time rolls around and you’re short on time but big on hunger, this creamy ricotta chicken pasta recipe has your back. It uses up that rotisserie chicken sitting in your fridge and gives it a new life without asking much from you in return. The ricotta melts into a smooth sauce that clings to every piece of pasta, making each bite warm and deeply satisfying.

What I like most about this pasta is that it plays well with what you already have. Short on parmesan? Toss in some cheddar. Out of penne? Any pasta works here, really. It’s like the little black dress of comfort food—it fits just right and works for nearly any occasion. This is a perfect dish to work into your rotation of rotisserie chicken recipes leftover pasta easy meals.

And let’s be honest. We all need a break. If a big warm bowl of creamy pasta doesn’t qualify as self-care, I don’t know what does.

3) Ingredients for Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
It’s juicy, flavorful, and already cooked, which means less work for us. Plus, it helps us make the most of rotisserie chicken recipes leftover pasta easy.

12 oz pasta
Pick a pasta shape that has curves or ridges to catch that creamy ricotta sauce. Penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best, but go with whatever’s in the pantry.

1 tablespoon olive oil
This helps carry the garlic flavor through the dish. Use good olive oil if you can—it adds a subtle richness.

3 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic is non-negotiable. It brings the kind of aroma that has people wandering into the kitchen asking what’s for dinner.

1/2 teaspoon salt + 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Basic, but necessary. Season as you go to keep everything balanced.

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Just a bit of heat to balance out the creamy elements. Skip it if spice isn’t your thing.

1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
This is the heart of the sauce. It’s mild, creamy, and makes the pasta silky smooth.

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sharp and salty. A perfect companion to the mellow ricotta.

1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Don’t forget to save it. It helps thin the sauce without watering it down.

Fresh chopped parsley
A bit of freshness to lighten the richness of the dish and add color.

4) How to Make Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Step 1
Boil your pasta in salted water. Don’t overdo it—al dente is the goal. Scoop out some of that pasta water before you drain it.

Step 2
While the pasta’s going, heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add garlic and cook for just under a minute until the smell hits you in the face.

Step 3
Add in the shredded chicken. Stir it around so it soaks up the garlicky oil. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling bold.

Step 4
Turn the heat down and stir in the ricotta and Parmesan. As it starts to melt, slowly add pasta water until the sauce becomes creamy but not soupy.

Step 5
Toss the cooked pasta in. Give everything a good mix so the noodles are well coated with that glorious sauce.

Step 6
Spoon into bowls, top with fresh parsley, maybe a little more Parmesan, and enjoy while it’s hot.

5) Tips for Making Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Start with warm chicken. Cold chicken straight from the fridge can make the sauce clump up. Let it come to room temp if you can.

If your sauce gets too thick, don’t panic. Add another splash of pasta water. That starchy liquid is like magic—it smooths everything out beautifully.

Taste and adjust. That last moment when you stir everything together is your chance to get the seasoning just right. Need more salt? A pinch. Want a sharper finish? More Parmesan. Trust your taste buds.

6) Making Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta Ahead of Time

This dish actually does pretty well if you prep it a few hours ahead. Cook the pasta and make the sauce, then store them separately. That way, when it’s time to eat, you just reheat the sauce and toss in the pasta.

If you mix everything early, keep in mind it might dry out a little in the fridge. Add a splash of milk or pasta water before reheating to bring the creaminess back.

This method works especially well for meal prep. You can portion out lunches for the week and heat them up with minimal effort. Just don’t forget to label the container—you’re not the only one who raids the fridge late at night.

7) Storing Leftover Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta

Put leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll last about 4 days in the fridge, though the texture might thicken over time.

When reheating, add a splash of water or broth and stir over low heat. That helps keep the pasta from drying out or getting sticky.

This recipe actually makes an amazing leftover meal. The flavors settle in overnight and taste even richer the next day. That’s a win in my book.

8) Try these Chicken recipes next!

9) Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta