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Spinach Ricotta Chicken Bake Recipe

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This Spinach Ricotta Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts baked to perfection with a creamy ricotta and spinach filling, topped with marinara sauce and parmesan cheese. It’s a flavorful and comforting dish that combines Italian-inspired ingredients for a quick and easy dinner.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

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)

Filling

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

Sauce and Topping

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F to prepare for baking.
  2. Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded parmesan, chopped spinach, one minced garlic clove, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is well blended.
  3. Prepare Chicken: Lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar pan. Arrange the pounded chicken breasts evenly in the pan. Season them with sea salt, cracked pepper, and the remaining two minced garlic cloves. Then, evenly spread the ricotta and spinach filling mixture over the top of each chicken breast.
  4. Add Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce to completely cover the chicken breasts and the filling.
  5. Bake Chicken: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For thicker chicken breasts, baking time may be longer. In the last several minutes of baking, sprinkle the extra shredded parmesan cheese on top and continue baking until melted and slightly golden.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and enhances the flavor. Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator; leftovers taste even better the next day.

Notes

  • If chicken breasts are thicker than 1 inch, increase baking time and monitor internal temperature carefully.
  • You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach, just make sure it is well drained.
  • For a lower-fat version, use part-skim ricotta cheese and reduce parmesan cheese.
  • This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

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