Description
This Spinach Ricotta Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts topped with a creamy mixture of ricotta, parmesan, and fresh spinach, all baked in a flavorful marinara sauce. It’s an easy and wholesome baked dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ lb chicken breast (3-4 pieces), pounded to even thickness (approx. 1 inch)
- ½ tsp cracked pepper
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (separated)
Cheese & Vegetables
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh chopped spinach
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- extra parmesan for topping (about ¼ – ⅓ cup)
Seasonings & Sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded parmesan, fresh chopped spinach, one minced garlic clove, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended to create a creamy, flavorful topping.
- Season the Chicken: Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish or similar large pan with oil to prevent sticking. Place the pounded chicken breasts in the dish in a single layer. Evenly season them with sea salt, cracked pepper, and the remaining two minced garlic cloves.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread the ricotta and spinach mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Then pour marinara sauce to completely cover the chicken, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful while baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If your chicken breasts are thicker, baking time may be longer—monitor closely.
- Add Parmesan Topping: In the last few minutes of baking, sprinkle additional shredded parmesan cheese on top of the chicken. Continue baking until the cheese melts and forms a golden, savory crust.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring tender, juicy chicken. Serve warm and enjoy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator; the flavors improve the next day.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook evenly and prevents dryness.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen, but be sure to thaw and drain excess water before using.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper.
- Using a meat thermometer is recommended to ensure chicken is cooked safely.
- Leftovers taste even better after sitting in the fridge for a day as the flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
