Simple Baked Spinach Ricotta Chicken | Lemons + Zest (2024)

This Spinach Ricotta Chicken is so simple to whip up but tastes like a fancy gourmet meal! Rich and creamy ricotta, parmesan, spinach and a few other simple ingredients come together in this delicious chicken recipe to keep you from making the same old chicken all the time! Ready in 30 minutes too!

I get in major chicken ruts. Its basically BBQ chicken half of the time and shredded chicken tacos the rest.

Trying to be better and say no to the same old boring chicken. And this Simple Baked Spinach Ricotta Chicken is where I am starting!

Any recipe I add ricotta to gets absolutely zero argument from my husband so I already know it is a win. And while ricotta and pasta go together like peanut butter and jelly, it’s nice to use the rich, creamy cheese in something else every now and then.

Originally I was going to get super fancy and make it a stuffed chicken since I love my Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken with Tomato and Basil but when it comes to cooking, adding another step to the game is a turnoff.

This chicken ricotta is a breeze because all you have to do is spread the ricotta mixture and bake. Busy weeknights are a less is more in the kitchen kind of thing. But that doesn’t mean you have to forfeit a tasty meal. Have a delicious and simple meal!

What you will need:

• chicken: For best results, try to get 3-4 chicken breasts that are similar size so they will cook the same length of time. Boneless skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe.
• spinach: I prefer fresh baby spinach in this ricotta chicken, but you can use frozen. If you opt for frozen, thaw the spinach and wring out any excess water for best results.
• ricotta cheese: we use whole milk ricotta and enjoy that variation the most. However, you can use a lower fat ricotta cheese and still have great results.
• parmesan: freshly shredded will have the most success as it melts into the recipe much better. Pre-grated or shredded cheese is coated in cellulose that can make it tougher to melt. But if that is all you have, don’t sweat it, it will still be tasty!
• garlic: freshly minced for best results. Garlic powder can be substituted if necessary. Start with about 1/2 teaspoon and adjust as desired.
• seasoning: a combination of Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt and pepper. You can easily make your own Italian seasoning with dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and parsley–just combine equal parts of each and you are set.
• marinara: We love to try new marinara sauces all the time. Using a different marinara can vary this chicken a lot. I love Newman’s Own Sockarooni and Rao’s Marinara.

Step-By-Step Instructions:

• Combine the ricotta, parmesan, spinach, red pepper, one garlic clove and Italian seasoning in a bowl and stir well. Check your Italian seasoning. If it includes garlic powder, you may want to adjust the garlic in this step.
• Line the chicken breasts in a baking pan lightly sprayed with oil. Evenly spread garlic cloves, salt and pepper on the chicken. Salt the meat to your liking. I typically use about 1/2 tsp but adjust to your own taste. Spread the ricotta and spinach mixture over the chicken and spread evenly.

• Cover the spinach ricotta chicken with marinara and bake. Baking time will vary based on the thickness of your chicken. Make sure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Cook time will be about 20-25 minutes but may vary. This can vary based on the thickness of your chicken breasts. Thick breasts, over an inch and a half can take much longer.
• In the last several minutes of baking, add some freshly shredded parmesan cheese. Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Notes:

• If there are major differences in the thickness of the chicken breasts, you can pound the thicker pieces down slightly.
• Any kind of ricotta should work for this recipe. I prefer whole milk ricotta.
• No spinach? No problem! While it won’t technically be “Spinach Ricotta Chicken” anymore, it will still be amazing. I have made this without spinach when I have pulled out some not so fresh spinach from the fridge and no one seemed to complain that evening.

What to serve with this Spinach Ricotta Chicken:

• If you have the oven space, these Roasted Parmesan Green Beans are a fan fave!
• This simple Everyday Italian Salad would be great.
• This may not be the kind of meal you serve with pasta salad, but I LOVE this Tomato Basil Rotini Pasta Salad with any and all chicken dishes.
• Another great salad recipe you may enjoy with this Spinach Ricotta Baked chicken is this Caprese Farro Salad Recipe
• And there is NEVER anything wrong with good old pasta with the chicken!

Check out these other chicken recipes:

• Strawberry Poppy Seed Rotisserie Chicken Salad
• Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders
• Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken with Tomato and Basil
• Honey Lime Baked Chicken Fajitas
• Baked Orange Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
• Baked Orange Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
• Simple Chicken and Biscuit Skillet

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