Recipes with Ricotta Cheese and Chicken: Delicious Ideas You’ll Love

Posted on June 16, 2025

Side Dishes

Difficulty

Prep time

Cooking time

Total time

Servings

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

When you’ve got a tub of creamy ricotta in the fridge and a pack of chicken ready to go, the meal possibilities are comforting, nourishing, and downright exciting. In this article, I’ll share flavorful, easy-to-make recipes with ricotta cheese and chicken that are perfect for weeknights or entertaining. Whether you’re craving baked pastas, stuffed chicken, or creamy skillet dishes, these recipes are built around the perfect balance of lean protein and silky cheese. I’ll also answer your top questions about cooking with ricotta and share internal links to inspire your next delicious dish.

Cozy Southern Roots of Recipes with Ricotta Cheese and Chicken

Ricotta in My Southern Kitchen

Growing up in Savannah, I was more familiar with pimento cheese than ricotta. But everything changed the summer I helped a neighbor make baked ziti. That gentle tang, that luscious creaminess—ricotta cheese had me hooked. Now, I love using it in Southern spins on Italian classics. One of my all-time favorite combinations is chicken and ricotta cheese. The mildness of the ricotta balances out bold spices in recipes like garlic parmesan chicken pasta, while also adding rich texture to baked dishes.

Why This Combo Works So Well

Chicken provides lean, protein-packed structure, while ricotta brings soft richness and moisture. It’s an especially handy combo when you’re planning to bake, stuff, or layer. For example, a simple chicken parmesan recipe becomes even more indulgent when you tuck some herbed ricotta between the layers. These two ingredients also shine in casseroles and skillet meals, where the cheese gently melts into a creamy sauce while keeping things light enough for everyday cooking. It’s a combination I turn to again and again for balanced, family-friendly meals.

Easy Weeknight Recipes with Ricotta Cheese and Chicken

Simple, Satisfying Dinners You’ll Keep Repeating

When dinner needs to be quick but still feel like something special, I always reach for recipes with ricotta cheese and chicken. This combo checks all the boxes—it’s flavorful, versatile, and easy to work with. One of my go-to meals is a skillet bake where I sear seasoned chicken breasts, then top them with a spoonful of whipped ricotta mixed with lemon zest and herbs. Cover and bake just until the cheese melts and the chicken is tender. It’s a one-pan wonder that feels like comfort food but doesn’t weigh you down.

Even quicker? Fold leftover rotisserie chicken into warm pasta with ricotta, garlic, and a splash of the cooking water. It becomes a creamy, dreamy dinner with hardly any effort. This is the kind of recipe that made me start Simply Seasoned—to help women 40 and up cook with confidence and comfort.

Smart Ways to Use What You Have

You don’t need fancy ingredients to make incredible recipes with ricotta cheese and chicken. If you’ve got a little pasta, rice, or even sandwich bread, you’ve got the base. Take a cue from my blackened chicken alfredo—use seasoned chicken over pasta, but stir in ricotta instead of heavy cream. You’ll still get a luscious, satisfying texture without the extra richness.

Or try spreading herbed ricotta on toast and topping it with grilled chicken. It’s one of those recipes with ricotta cheese and chicken that feels brunchy and light, especially paired with roasted tomatoes. Need more inspiration? My cream of mushroom chicken and rice is a great base—just fold in a bit of ricotta for a creamy twist.

Baked and Stuffed Recipes with Ricotta Cheese and Chicken

Comfort in Every Bite

When the weather cools down or I’m just craving something cozy, I turn to baked recipes with ricotta cheese and chicken. These dishes feel like a warm hug. Take baked ricotta-stuffed chicken breasts, for instance. Just butterfly the chicken, mix ricotta with spinach, garlic, and a touch of nutmeg, and spoon the filling inside. Bake until golden, and you’ve got a protein-packed meal that feels like something from a little Italian bistro.

Another favorite of mine is a layered casserole. Start with cooked chicken, spread over seasoned ricotta, then layer in roasted vegetables and marinara. Finish with a sprinkle of mozzarella and bake until bubbly. These recipes with ricotta cheese and chicken are simple, adaptable, and always a hit.

Stuffed Pasta, Rolls, and More

Stuffed shells and lasagna rolls are classics for a reason—and ricotta makes them shine. Mix shredded chicken into your ricotta cheese filling, spoon it into cooked pasta shells or lasagna sheets, and layer with sauce. It’s one of the most satisfying recipes with ricotta cheese and chicken you can batch-cook and freeze.

When I made my easy and quick chicken recipes roundup, I knew I had to include a ricotta-stuffed option because it’s just that beloved. For something even easier, roll up ricotta and chicken inside tortillas, top with enchilada sauce, and bake. It’s my Southern twist on Italian meets Mexican, and it disappears fast at family dinners. Or, for sandwich night, try layering ricotta, spinach, and grilled chicken into a chicken cutlet sandwich—warm it until the cheese melts and you’ll have a diner-worthy meal right at home.

Light and Leftover-Friendly Recipes with Ricotta Cheese and Chicken

Healthy Choices That Don’t Sacrifice Flavor

Not every comfort dish has to be heavy. In fact, some of my favorite recipes with ricotta cheese and chicken are the lightest ones. Think warm grain bowls topped with grilled chicken and a lemony ricotta dollop. Or crisp lettuce wraps filled with shredded chicken, whipped ricotta, and herbs. Ricotta’s natural creaminess means you can skip mayo or cream-based dressings entirely.

Another great option? Blend ricotta with fresh basil and lemon juice, then use it as a spread for a protein-packed wrap or flatbread. Top with sliced chicken and roasted veggies, and you’ve got a nutrient-rich lunch that feels like a cafe special. I often point women toward these lighter recipes with ricotta cheese and chicken when they want something satisfying but still aligned with their health goals.

Turn Last Night’s Chicken into Today’s Star

Leftover chicken is your best friend when ricotta’s in the fridge. Shred it up and mix with ricotta, herbs, and a pinch of garlic powder for an easy stuffing—perfect for mushrooms, zucchini boats, or even baked sweet potatoes. This is one of my go-to fridge-clearing strategies, especially when I want to use up bits of produce too.

And don’t overlook ricotta in brunch or breakfast-for-dinner recipes. Whisk it into scrambled eggs, stir into chicken frittata, or layer it into savory muffins for an unexpected twist. My readers loved this trick in the best chicken sandwich post—adding a layer of ricotta under the meat made it unbelievably tender. You can also give your meal a sweet-savory edge with apple chicken sausage alongside a ricotta spread with honey and thyme.

These resourceful, delicious recipes with ricotta cheese and chicken help reduce waste, stretch your groceries, and keep your meals exciting every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ricotta cheese pair well with?

Ricotta cheese pairs wonderfully with chicken, vegetables, pasta, lemon, herbs like basil and thyme, and even fruit for sweet dishes. In recipes with ricotta cheese and chicken, it adds creaminess without overpowering other ingredients. Whether spread, mixed, or baked, ricotta’s versatility shines.

Can you put ricotta cheese and eggs?

Yes, ricotta and eggs are often combined in baked recipes. The eggs help bind the cheese, making it perfect for stuffed shells, lasagna, and casseroles. It’s a key combo in many baked recipes with ricotta cheese and chicken, adding structure and richness to the dish.

Is ricotta cheese good for cooking?

Absolutely. Ricotta melts gently and stays creamy, making it ideal for both sweet and savory dishes. In cooking, especially in recipes with ricotta cheese and chicken, it creates tender textures and balances bold flavors. It’s excellent for stuffing, spreading, or blending into sauces.

How to use up ricotta cheese in BBC Good Food?

BBC Good Food often suggests using ricotta in pasta bakes, pancakes, or dolloped onto roasted vegetables. If you’re looking for more US-style ideas, try easy recipes with ricotta cheese and chicken like skillet pastas, stuffed chicken breasts, or cheesy casseroles.

Conclusion:

From cozy bakes to quick skillet meals, these recipes with ricotta cheese and chicken bring flavor, comfort, and nourishment to your table. Whether you’re using up leftovers or planning something special, this combo fits every mood and moment. I hope these ideas spark your creativity and help you feel more at home in your kitchen. Remember—great food doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s keep it simple, seasoned, and satisfying.