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Spinach Ricotta Chicken Recipe

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4.1 from 85 reviews

This Spinach Ricotta Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts topped with a creamy, cheesy spinach and ricotta mixture, baked to perfection with marinara sauce and melted parmesan. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for a hearty 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 and 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

Sauce

  • 1 ½ cups marinara sauce

Topping

  • extra parmesan cheese for topping, about ¼ – 1/3 cup

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F to prepare for baking the chicken.
  2. Make Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded parmesan, chopped spinach, one minced garlic clove, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper until fully mixed.
  3. Prepare Baking Dish and Chicken: Spray the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan or large baking dish with oil. Arrange the pounded chicken breasts in the pan in a single layer. Season evenly with salt, cracked pepper, and two minced garlic cloves.
  4. Add Cheese Mixture and Sauce: Spread the ricotta-spinach mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Then pour and evenly cover the chicken with the marinara sauce.
  5. Bake the Chicken: Place 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. For thicker breasts, baking time may be longer; monitor closely.
  6. Add Parmesan Topping: In the last few minutes of baking, sprinkle extra shredded parmesan over the chicken and continue baking until the cheese melts and slightly browns.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
  8. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen, making leftovers even better the next day.

Notes

  • Adjust baking time based on the thickness of the chicken breasts to ensure they are fully cooked but not dry.
  • Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook evenly.
  • You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach, thawed and drained, if fresh is not available.
  • For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper slightly.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Leftovers store well and make for a great next-day meal.

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