Description
Enjoy a comforting dinner with this stuffed chicken breast filled with creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and a blend of cheeses, all topped with savory marinara sauce. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped spinach and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and garlic is fragrant.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach and garlic with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Place chicken breasts on a cutting board and slice each horizontally to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Stuff each chicken breast pocket with the spinach and cheese filling, pressing gently to distribute evenly.
- Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the openings of the stuffed chicken breasts.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium-high. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Place the browned chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spoon any leftover filling over the top.
- Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed chicken, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes for a golden top.
- After 30 minutes, check the chicken for doneness. If not fully cooked, return to the oven for a few more minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot with marinara sauce spooned over the top, alongside pasta or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the filling by adding other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or different herbs.
- Ensure the chicken is properly secured to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes