Description
Tender chicken breasts stuffed with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, spinach, and herbs, then baked in marinara sauce for an elegant Italian-inspired dinner
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the middle, stopping ½ inch from the edge. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- 2. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, spinach, and most of the basil.
- 3. Divide the cheese mixture evenly among the four chicken breasts, spreading it in the center and leaving a ½ inch border. Fold the chicken over and secure with toothpicks.
- 4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken seam-side down for 3-4 minutes, then flip and sear the other side until golden.
- 5. Pour marinara sauce around the chicken, sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top, and transfer to the oven.
- 6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with remaining fresh basil.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F covered with foil. Can be frozen before or after cooking for up to 3 months. Great served with garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 52g
Keywords: lasagna stuffed chicken, stuffed chicken breast, Italian chicken recipe, cheese stuffed chicken
