The first time I made this Simple Baked Spinach Ricotta Chicken Recipe, I couldn’t believe how simple and elegant it turned out. It felt like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant, yet I whipped it up in less than an hour in my little kitchen. The creamy ricotta and fresh spinach perfectly complement the tender chicken, while marinara sauce adds a burst of flavor. Even my picky eater was asking for seconds!
Now, this dish has turned into a household favorite, and I can confidently serve it for special occasions, family dinners, or when I just want something comforting and delicious. It’s easy to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and leaves you with minimal cleanup. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why this baked spinach ricotta chicken will make you fall in love with chicken recipes all over again!
Quick and Convenient
This recipe requires just a few simple steps, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those days when time isn’t on your side but you still want a homemade meal.
Healthy and Wholesome
Made with lean chicken, fresh spinach, and whole milk ricotta, it’s packed with nutrients while staying delicious and satisfying.
Versatile and Customizable
Feel free to tweak this recipe to match your preferences! You can make it dairy-free, go low-carb, or toss in some extra spices for a unique twist.
Minimal Cleanup
With everything baked in a single dish, you’ll spend less time washing up and more time enjoying your meal.
Crowd-Pleaser
From kids to adults, everyone loves the creamy, cheesy flavors in this dish. It’s a stress-free choice for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Cooking Time
Here’s a quick breakdown of the time you’ll need to make this dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
You won’t need much to bring this delicious recipe to life. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken
- Chicken breasts
- Sea salt
- Cracked pepper
- Garlic cloves
For the Ricotta Mixture
- Ricotta cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh spinach
- Crushed red pepper
- Italian seasoning
For the Sauce
- Marinara sauce
For Garnish
- Extra parmesan (for topping)
Variations
Make this recipe your own with these fun variations and tweaks!
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Use part-skim ricotta for a lighter option or vegan ricotta for a dairy-free version.
- Spinach: Swap fresh spinach for thawed frozen spinach (make sure to squeeze out excess water first).
- Sauce: Experiment with different marinara sauces for variations in flavor.
Flavor Additions
- Mix in fresh basil or oregano to the ricotta for extra herbaceous flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the chicken for more depth.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl: To prepare the ricotta mixture.
- Baking dish: To arrange and bake the chicken.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping the spinach and garlic.
How to Make Simple Baked Spinach Ricotta Chicken?
This recipe comes together in just a few easy steps. Here’s how to make it!
Step 1: Preheat and Prep 🍽️
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Prepare a baking dish by spraying it lightly with oil. This ensures the chicken doesn’t stick and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Mixture 🧀
Grab a mixing bowl and combine ricotta cheese, freshly shredded parmesan, chopped spinach, crushed red pepper, Italian seasoning, and one minced garlic clove. Stir everything until it’s well blended and creamy.
Step 3: Season the Chicken 🍗
Lay the chicken breasts in the baking dish and season them generously with sea salt, cracked pepper, and the remaining minced garlic. This will lock in flavor even before adding the toppings.
Step 4: Spread the Mixture 🥬
Spread the ricotta-spinach mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated for a creamy bite every time!
Step 5: Add Marinara Sauce 🍅
Generously pour marinara sauce over the ricotta-topped chicken, covering the breasts completely. The sauce helps keep the chicken moist while baking and adds a rich flavor.
Step 6: Bake and Finish 🌟
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the chicken. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F to confirm doneness.
For that final touch, sprinkle extra parmesan over the chicken in the last few minutes of baking. It adds a golden, cheesy crust that’s irresistible!
Step 7: Rest and Serve 🍴
Once out of the oven, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain juices and gives you the perfect, moist bite every time.
Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are a few expert tips to ensure your dish comes out perfect every time!
- Use Uniform Chicken Pieces: Try to select chicken breasts that are similar in size to ensure they cook evenly. If needed, pound thicker pieces to even them out.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Spinach: If using frozen spinach, make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible to avoid a watery dish.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the chicken during baking. Overcooking can result in dry meat, which nobody wants!
How to Serve Simple Baked Spinach Ricotta Chicken?
Presentation can elevate this dish even further!
Serve the chicken directly from the baking dish for a rustic, family-style meal. Pair it with garlic bread, a simple salad, or roasted veggies for a full dinner spread. Alternatively, place the chicken over a bed of pasta or rice to soak up that delicious marinara sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of parmesan for a pop of color.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an estimate of the nutritional values per serving of this dish.
- Calories: 377
- Protein: 49g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 16g
Make Ahead and Storage
Got leftovers or want to prepare ahead of time? Here’s what you need to know.
Preparing in Advance
You can prep the chicken and ricotta-spinach mixture ahead of time. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator and assemble the dish just before baking.
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature to maintain the chicken’s tenderness and flavor.
This simple baked spinach ricotta chicken is perfect for weekly dinners or special occasions. With its comforting, cheesy goodness and fresh yet hearty flavors, it’s sure to become a staple in your home. Give it a try, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a gourmet-style meal with minimal effort! 🧑🍳
Simple Baked Spinach Ricotta Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breasts
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 3 garlic cloves minced (divided)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach chopped
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- ¼ – ⅓ cup extra Parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, spinach, one minced garlic clove, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil. Arrange the chicken breasts in the dish and season them evenly with salt, pepper, and the remaining two garlic cloves. Spread the ricotta-spinach mixture over the chicken, then pour the marinara sauce on top, ensuring full coverage.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If the chicken breasts are thicker, they may need additional time. In the final minutes, sprinkle shredded Parmesan on top and continue baking until melted.
- Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator—this dish tastes even better the next day!
Notes
- Pound thicker chicken breasts slightly to ensure even cooking.
- Whole milk ricotta works best, but any type will do.
- No spinach? Skip it—the dish will still be delicious!
- Even without spinach, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
