Description
This Creamy Baked Ricotta Chicken is the perfect blend of tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, herbed ricotta mixture and finished with a splash of marinara for added comfort. It’s a cozy, oven-baked dinner that’s full of flavor yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting guests, this dish brings elegance and ease to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix together ricotta, Parmesan, spinach, garlic, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Arrange chicken breasts in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Evenly spread the ricotta mixture on top of each chicken breast.
- Pour marinara sauce around the chicken in the dish don’t cover the ricotta topping.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and topping is golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon some of the warm marinara over each piece for extra flavor.
Notes
- Substitute fresh herbs with dried if needed (use 1 teaspoon dried thyme and basil).
- Use part-skim ricotta for a lighter version.
- Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: baked ricotta chicken, creamy baked chicken, ricotta stuffed chicken