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Spinach Ricotta Chicken with Marinara Sauce Recipe

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4.1 from 5 reviews

A deliciously creamy and savory Spinach Ricotta Chicken recipe featuring tender baked chicken breasts topped with a flavorful ricotta and spinach mixture, marinara sauce, and melted parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick and healthy dinner, this dish combines Italian-inspired flavors with a simple preparation that yields juicy, satisfying results.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 ½ lb chicken breast (3-4 breasts), 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 flakes

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 (220°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
  2. Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded parmesan, chopped fresh spinach, one minced garlic clove, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until fully blended.
  3. Season Chicken: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish or large pan with oil. Arrange the chicken breasts evenly in the dish. Season them with sea salt, cracked pepper, and the remaining two minced garlic cloves.
  4. Assemble Dish: Evenly spread the ricotta and spinach mixture over the top of each chicken breast. Then pour the marinara sauce over the chicken to cover completely.
  5. Bake: 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). For thicker chicken breasts, baking time may be longer.
  6. Add Parmesan Topping: In the final few minutes of baking, sprinkle the extra shredded parmesan cheese over the chicken and continue baking until the cheese melts and turns slightly golden.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain the juiciness. Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator; the flavors improve after sitting.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F internally.
  • For thicker chicken breasts, increase baking time accordingly.
  • Feel free to substitute marinara sauce with your favorite tomato sauce.
  • This dish reheats well and tastes great as leftovers.
  • To save time, you can use pre-chopped spinach or frozen spinach (thawed and drained).
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/spinach-ricotta-chicken-with-marinara-sauce-recipe/