If you’re looking to elevate your family dinner with a comforting and wholesome dish, look no further than our Ricotta Spinach Topped Chicken – an easy family recipe that delights the senses! This dish harmoniously combines the tender juiciness of chicken breasts with the creamy richness of ricotta cheese, all enveloped in a fresh spinach and tangy tomato sauce. Packed with flavor and nutrition, this recipe is not only simple to prepare, but it also promises to impress anyone who sits at your dinner table.
Whether you’re a fan of Italian-inspired cuisine or simply in search of an easy meal option that your family will love, Ricotta Spinach Topped Chicken checks all the boxes. It’s a dish that brings comfort during busy evenings and is perfect for those moments when you want to create something special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes, making it a recipe everyone will want in their rotation. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious dish!
Why You’ll Love This Ricotta Spinach Topped Chicken
- Flavor-Packed: Combines savory chicken with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach.
- Simple and Quick: Requires minimal prep time and is easy to follow, making it ideal for busy weekdays.
- Nutritious: A great source of protein and vitamins, perfect for a healthy family meal.
- One-Pan Wonder: Cook, assemble, and bake all in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you begin cooking, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and workspace for the Ricotta Spinach Topped Chicken. Start by gathering all your ingredients to create a smooth cooking experience—this method is referred to as “mise en place” in culinary terms. You will need an oven-proof skillet, which will be used for searing the chicken and making the tomato sauce, along with mixing bowls for the ricotta-spinach mixture.
Make sure you have a meat mallet to help flatten the chicken breasts evenly, ensuring they cook uniformly. Have a sharp knife handy for chopping your vegetables, and don’t forget to preheat your oven to the correct temperature! A good set of measuring cups and spoons will also ensure accuracy in your measurements. Once everything is ready, you’ll be set for a successful cooking session.
Ingredients
- For the Ricotta Spinach Mixture:
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 3 large handfuls of spinach, roughly chopped
- 270g (9.5 oz) ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- Low-calorie spray
- 15g (0.5 oz) Parmesan cheese
- 50g (1.8 oz) mozzarella cheese
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 160g or 5.6 oz each)
- Salt and black pepper, to season
- Low-calorie spray
- For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed
- A pinch of Italian mixed herbs
- 240g (1 cup) passata
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken stock
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ricotta Spinach Mixture
Start by preheating your oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat and spray it lightly with low-calorie cooking spray. Add the roughly chopped spinach along with the crushed garlic. Stir the mixture until the spinach just begins to wilt—this should take about 2 minutes. Once softened, transfer this mix to a bowl for the next steps. In the same bowl, add the ricotta cheese and a large egg, mixing well until everything is thoroughly combined. Set this delicious mixture aside for later.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover them with cling film. Gently flatten each piece using a meat mallet, which is crucial for ensuring even cooking. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper to enhance their flavor. Reheat the skillet you used before with a quick spray of low-calorie cooking spray and sear each side of the chicken for 2-3 minutes until they develop a nice golden color. Once seared, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce
Next, in the same skillet, spray a bit more of the low-calorie cooking spray and add the finely diced onion and crushed garlic. Cook these for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become soft and fragrant. Now, stir in the passata, tomato paste, mixed herbs, and chicken stock, bringing this robust mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 160°C fan (180°C or 350°F). Once your sauce is ready and has thickened nicely, return the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, placing them right on top of the sauce. Now, take the ricotta-spinach mixture you prepared earlier and spoon it generously onto each chicken breast. Finally, sprinkle the tops with both the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese for that irresistible melty goodness. Cover the skillet with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is beautifully melted and golden.
Variations
- Protein: Swap the chicken for turkey breasts or even a plant-based chicken substitute for a different twist.
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the tomato sauce for added flavor and texture.
- Spices: Experiment with your favorite spices such as red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or basil and oregano to enhance the Italian flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
- Using fresh spinach enhances both flavor and nutritional benefits, so don’t skimp on this ingredient.
- Be sure to season your chicken well before cooking to intensify the overall taste of the dish.
- Cook the tomato sauce thoroughly to allow the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken adequately for best results.
Serving Suggestions
- This Ricotta Spinach Topped Chicken pairs beautifully with a side of whole grain pasta or quinoa.
- Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Tips
- Make sure to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps keep it juicy.
- Feel free to double the recipe—it’s perfect for meal prep or a larger family gathering.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Protein: 36 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ricotta-spinach mixture and tomato sauce a day in advance, then assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ricotta cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free mozzarella as well.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Just ensure it’s fully cooled before transferring to an airtight container, and it should last for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with Ricotta Spinach Topped Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, including whole grain bread, roasted vegetables, or a refreshing salad.
Conclusion
In summary, Ricotta Spinach Topped Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort to your dining table while being easy to prepare. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a family favorite, and the healthy ingredients ensure you’re serving a nutritious dish. We encourage you to try this recipe, tweak it with your preferred variations, and share it with your loved ones. We’ve crafted this delightful chicken dish just for you, and we can’t wait to hear how it turns out. Don’t forget to comment below with your thoughts or variations you’ve tried to make it your own!
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Ricotta Spinach Topped Chicken
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and wholesome dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a creamy ricotta-spinach mixture and baked in a tangy tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- For the Ricotta Spinach Mixture:
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 3 large handfuls of spinach, roughly chopped
- 270g (9.5 oz) ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- Low-calorie spray
- 15g (0.5 oz) Parmesan cheese
- 50g (1.8 oz) mozzarella cheese
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 160g or 5.6 oz each)
- Salt and black pepper, to season
- Low-calorie spray
- For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed
- A pinch of Italian mixed herbs
- 240g (1 cup) passata
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken stock
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat and spray it lightly with low-calorie cooking spray. Add the roughly chopped spinach along with the crushed garlic. Stir the mixture until the spinach just begins to wilt—this should take about 2 minutes. Once softened, transfer this mix to a bowl for the next steps. In the same bowl, add the ricotta cheese and a large egg, mixing well until everything is thoroughly combined. Set this delicious mixture aside for later.
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover them with cling film. Gently flatten each piece using a meat mallet, which is crucial for ensuring even cooking. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper to enhance their flavor. Reheat the skillet you used before with a quick spray of low-calorie cooking spray and sear each side of the chicken for 2-3 minutes until they develop a nice golden color. Once seared, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Next, in the same skillet, spray a bit more of the low-calorie cooking spray and add the finely diced onion and crushed garlic. Cook these for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become soft and fragrant. Now, stir in the passata, tomato paste, mixed herbs, and chicken stock, bringing this robust mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Preheat your oven to 160°C fan (180°C or 350°F). Once your sauce is ready and has thickened nicely, return the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, placing them right on top of the sauce. Now, take the ricotta-spinach mixture you prepared earlier and spoon it generously onto each chicken breast. Finally, sprinkle the tops with both the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese for that irresistible melty goodness. Cover the skillet with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is beautifully melted and golden.
Notes
Using fresh spinach enhances both flavor and nutritional benefits. Be sure to season your chicken well before cooking to intensify the overall taste of the dish. Cook the tomato sauce thoroughly to allow the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken adequately for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sodium: 760 mg
- Protein: 36 g