Name: Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil

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If you’re searching for a dinner that manages to be equal parts elegant, satisfying, and incredibly approachable, look no further than Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken. Each golden-browned chicken breast is packed with a creamy filling of fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, and Parmesan, all seasoned just right with herbs and garlic. This dish feels like something you’d order at your favorite Italian restaurant, yet it’s totally doable on a weeknight. The best part? Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken is a breeze to prepare, and it always earns rave reviews at the table—whether it’s a busy family meal or you’re cooking to impress.

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients can create a meal that tastes like a celebration. Every item in this recipe brings its own character—richness from the cheese, brightness from the spinach, a touch of warmth from the seasonings. Here’s what you need for your Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken:

Chicken Breasts: Large, boneless and skinless for easy stuffing and juicy results.
Fresh Spinach: Chopped for a tender texture and beautiful green color in every bite.
Ricotta Cheese: Provides the creamy, luscious base for the filling.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds nuttiness and depth to the stuffing—it’s a little salty, a little sharp, and just right.
Garlic: Minced fresh for a punch of aromatic flavor that really wakes up the dish.
Italian Seasoning: A classic blend that brings that herby, cozy Italian vibe.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and ensures the chicken is seasoned right through.
Black Pepper: Adds just a touch of gentle heat and complexity.
Olive Oil: Used for searing—helps get that gorgeous golden-brown crust on the outside.

How to Make Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by combining the chopped spinach, creamy ricotta, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Give it all a good stir until the mixture is well blended and the spinach is evenly coated. The aroma alone is enough to make you excited for dinner—herby, cheesy, and so inviting!

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Lay the chicken breasts flat on your cutting board. Use a sharp knife to carefully create a pocket in each breast by slicing horizontally—just be sure not to cut all the way through. This pocket is your canvas for the dreamy spinach ricotta filling. Pro tip: If your chicken breasts are a bit thick, flatten them slightly for easier stuffing and even cooking.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken

Spoon the spinach ricotta mixture generously into each chicken pocket. If things get messy, that’s all part of the fun! Use toothpicks to gently secure the open edge if you need to. The goal is to keep that lush stuffing inside where it can stay moist and delicious as the chicken cooks.

Step 4: Sear for Flavor

Next, heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until beautifully golden brown. This quick sear locks in the juices, and the kitchen will start smelling absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the entire skillet to an oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (it should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit inside). The cheese filling will be bubbling and the chicken tender and juicy.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Carefully remove the toothpicks before plating. Let the Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken rest for a couple of minutes so all those delicious juices settle in. If you want, spoon over any pan juices for extra flavor. Prepare for compliments—this one is a showstopper!

How to Serve Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken

Garnishes

The right garnish takes your Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken from great to truly gorgeous. I love a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil for vibrant color, or even a few paper-thin lemon slices nestled alongside to add a subtle brightness. A dusting of extra Parmesan never hurts either!

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with almost any side you love. Try it with roasted vegetables for a comforting, hearty plate, or go light with a fresh green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. For a more filling meal, serve with garlic mashed potatoes or herbed rice—the creamy chicken plays so well with them!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, slice the Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken on the diagonal and fan out the pieces on each plate so the vibrant green filling peeks through. Drizzle a light pan sauce or balsamic glaze for extra flair. Or, bake individual portions in ramekins for an elegant, dinner-party-ready look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken (lucky you!), let it cool to room temperature before sealing it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a wonderful next-day lunch.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well. Wrap each cooked, cooled stuffed chicken breast tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken gently in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 15 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy and the filling creamy. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, just use a lower power setting to avoid drying out the meat.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture from the spinach before mixing it with the ricotta and other filling ingredients. This keeps the stuffing nice and creamy instead of watery.

Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?

If ricotta’s not your favorite, you can swap it for cottage cheese or even creamy goat cheese. Both options will give a slightly different but equally delicious texture and taste to the filling.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

A meat thermometer is your best friend here. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have a thermometer, make a small cut in the thickest part to check—there should be no pink, and the juices should run clear.

Can I prep Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts up to a day in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge, then simply sear and bake when you’re ready to eat. It’s a real time-saver for busy nights or entertaining.

What can I add to the filling for more flavor?

Feel free to play! Chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes add wonderful layers of flavor. Fresh basil or thyme are also beautiful additions, especially in summertime.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken a spot on your dinner table soon. It’s one of those dishes that looks as good as it tastes, and with just a handful of fresh ingredients, you get a meal that feels both special and comforting. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Delight your taste buds with this flavorful Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken recipe. Tender chicken breasts are filled with a creamy blend of spinach, ricotta, and Parmesan, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Filling:

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Others:

2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prepare Filling: In a bowl, mix spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Stuff Chicken: Cut a pocket into each chicken breast and stuff with the spinach ricotta mixture. Secure with toothpicks, if needed.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side.
Bake: Transfer skillet to oven, bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Serve: Remove toothpicks before serving.