Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Arugula
Rotini in a lemony ricotta cheese sauce with fresh arugula, topped with seared Cajun chicken slices.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large pot
- Colander
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 oz boneless skinless chicken breast thick sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning plus 1/2 tsp more
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 6 oz processed cheese loaf cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 lemon zested
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh arugula plus 1/2 cup more
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
Cooking
- Boil the rotini. Cook the rotini in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Season and sear. Rub the chicken with 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and 165 degrees F inside. Rest, then slice.
- Cook the garlic. Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat and cook the garlic about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Melt the sauce. Pour in the milk and cream, add the cheese cubes and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, and whisk until smooth. Lower the heat.
- Add the lemon. Stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, lemon zest, and lemon juice until the sauce thickens.
- Combine. Fold in the rotini, then all of the arugula until just wilted. Top with the chicken and the optional Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
Substitutions: Use penne or shells in place of rotini, and swap the processed cheese for extra mozzarella and a spoonful of cream cheese.
Tips: Add the lemon juice at the end over low heat so the sauce does not curdle, and do not rinse raw chicken.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days and reheat with a splash of milk. Do not freeze.
Nutrition does not include the optional Parmesan and parsley.