Spinach Ricotta Chicken

Why Spinach Ricotta Chicken Will Win Your Heart (and Your Weeknight)

Let’s be honest—between work, errands, and managing the beautiful chaos of daily life, getting dinner on the table can feel like a full-blown mission. That’s exactly why Spinach Ricotta Chicken deserves a spot in your weekly rotation. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together with minimal fuss—aka, the trifecta for busy home cooks like us.

If you love lasagna but wish it came with less layering and more protein, this dish is basically your spirit animal. We’re talking juicy chicken breasts smothered in a dreamy blend of creamy ricotta, garlicky spinach, and a blanket of melty parmesan, all baked in luscious marinara. It’s like your favorite Italian comfort food—but made with half the effort and fewer carbs. 🙌

Why You’ll Love This Spinach Ricotta Chicken

Here’s the short and savory version:

• One pan = less cleanup. Who has time for a sink full of dishes?
• Protein-packed + veggie-loaded. You’re getting your greens and your gains.
• Picky-eater approved. Even spinach skeptics are won over by all the cheesy goodness.
• Leftovers are 🔥. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even better.

This Spinach Ricotta Chicken is cozy, satisfying, and low-key elegant—like the kind of meal that looks like you tried way harder than you actually did.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break it down—everything here is easy to find, pantry- and fridge-friendly:

• 1 ½ lb chicken breast
• ½ tsp cracked pepper
• ½ tsp sea salt
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (separated)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup fresh chopped spinach
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper
• 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
• Extra parmesan for topping (about ¼ – ⅓ cup)

How to Make Spinach Ricotta Chicken

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 425°F. You’re aiming for golden cheese and perfectly baked chicken, not sad, overcooked cutlets.

Step 2: Make the Cheesy Filling

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, spinach, shredded parmesan, 1 clove of minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper. Stir until it looks like something you’d want to eat straight from the bowl (because you probably will).

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish. Place chicken breasts in a single layer and season with salt, pepper, and the remaining 2 cloves of garlic. You’re building flavor from the bottom up.

Step 4: Assemble the Magic

Spread your ricotta-spinach mixture generously over the top of each chicken breast. Then, pour the marinara sauce all over until the chicken is nicely coated—no dry bites allowed here.

Step 5: Bake and Melt

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temp hits 165°F. (If your chicken breasts are thick, give them a little more time.)

Step 6: Cheese It Up

In the last few minutes of baking, sprinkle extra parmesan over the top and return to the oven until bubbly and melty. That golden cheesy top? Totally worth the wait.

Step 7: Rest, Then Serve

Let the chicken sit for about 5 minutes before serving—this helps the juices redistribute and gives you time to pour a glass of Tea .

Quick Tips for the Best Spinach Ricotta Chicken

• Use a meat thermometer. Overcooked chicken is nobody’s friend.
• Try it with a side of garlic bread or zucchini noodles. Because sauce + carbs = happiness.
• Make it ahead. Assemble everything earlier in the day and bake when ready to eat.
• Frozen spinach hack: If you’re out of fresh spinach, thawed and drained frozen spinach works just fine!

A Little Backstory: Why This Dish Means So Much

This recipe became a favorite during one of those weeks—three school events, back-to-back meetings, and not a second to spare. I threw this together in desperation (and a bit of fridge roulette), but my kids devoured it and asked for seconds. And that? That’s the mark of a keeper in my book.

FAQs About Spinach Ricotta Chicken

Try Spinach Ricotta Chicken Tonight

Whether you’re cooking for a full house or just need a warm, satisfying meal to cozy up with on a Tuesday, Spinach Ricotta Chicken hits the mark every time. It’s comfort food that doesn’t require a culinary degree—or a ton of cleanup.

Trust me, once you try it, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Here’s to fewer dishes, full bellies, and chicken that’s anything but boring

Keep the Chicken Magic Going: More Recipes to Try Next!

If this Spinach Ricotta Chicken won your heart (and your dinner table), you’re going to love exploring these other flavorful and easy-to-make dishes that bring bold ingredients, comforting textures, and easy prep to your weeknight routine. Here are a few delicious internal links to keep your chicken recipe game strong:

1. For another creamy, Italian-inspired dish, check out this Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta—it pairs the same dreamy ricotta with pasta for the ultimate cozy dinner.
2. Want something bold and packed with smoky heat? You’ll love the Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers—it’s a one-pan wonder with serious flavor.
3. If cheesy garlic goodness is your thing, don’t miss the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake—an easy-bake dish the whole family will devour.
4. And for something with a twist, try Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella—it’s like pizza and baked chicken had a delicious baby.

These recipes keep the magic alive with simple steps, everyday ingredients, and mouthwatering results. Happy cooking, friend!

Spinach Ricotta Chicken

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• Author: Aneta
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Spinach Ricotta Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, and protein-packed baked dish that’s perfect for weeknights. Juicy chicken breasts are topped with a flavorful ricotta and spinach mixture, covered in marinara sauce, and finished with melted parmesan for a dinner the whole family will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ lb chicken breast

• ½ tsp cracked pepper

• ½ tsp sea salt

• 3 garlic cloves, minced (separated)

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1 cup fresh chopped spinach

• ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper

• 1 ½ cups marinara sauce

• Extra parmesan for topping (about ¼ – ⅓ cup)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. In a bowl, mix ricotta, chopped spinach, ½ cup parmesan, 1 minced garlic clove, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper until combined.

3. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with oil. Lay chicken breasts in the dish and season with salt, pepper, and remaining 2 garlic cloves.

4. Spread the ricotta-spinach mixture evenly over each chicken breast.

5. Pour marinara sauce over the chicken until fully coated.

6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F internally (longer if using thick breasts).

7. In the last few minutes of baking, top with extra parmesan and bake until melted.

8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For thick chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness for quicker cooking.
Frozen spinach can be used—just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture.
Tastes even better the next day, so make extra for leftovers!
Serve over pasta, rice, or roasted veggies for a full meal.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Category: Main course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 385 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 41 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg