Print

Spinach Ricotta Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 15 reviews

Spinach Ricotta Chicken is a flavorful and creamy baked chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a rich ricotta and spinach mixture, layered with marinara sauce and melted parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this recipe combines Italian herbs and spices to create a hearty yet healthy meal that is simple to prepare and satisfying.

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)

Ricotta Spinach Mixture

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup fresh chopped spinach
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper

Additional

  • 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
  • Extra parmesan cheese for topping, about ¼–⅓ cup

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) to get it ready for baking the chicken.
  2. Make the ricotta spinach mixture: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded parmesan, chopped fresh spinach, one minced garlic clove, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated.
  3. Prepare the baking dish and chicken: Spray the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish or large pan with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the pounded chicken breasts in the pan, then season them evenly with sea salt, cracked pepper, and the remaining two minced garlic cloves.
  4. Add ricotta mixture and marinara: Spread the ricotta and spinach mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring full coverage. Then, pour and spread the marinara sauce over the ricotta topping, completely covering the chicken breasts.
  5. Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If the chicken breasts are thicker than 1 inch, baking time may need to be extended.
  6. Add parmesan topping: In the last few minutes of baking, sprinkle the extra shredded parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken and return to the oven just until the cheese melts and becomes slightly golden.
  7. Rest and serve: Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain juices and ensures a tender bite. Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator; flavors often improve the next day.

Notes

  • If your chicken breasts vary significantly in thickness, pounding the thicker pieces to match ensures even cooking.
  • Any type of ricotta cheese will work, but whole milk ricotta tends to offer a creamier texture and richer flavor.
  • If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can omit it—while it won’t technically be “Spinach Ricotta Chicken,” the recipe will still be delicious.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/spinach-ricotta-chicken-recipe/