Description
Creamy Ricotta Chicken is an easy dinner idea that turns simple chicken breasts into a tender, cheesy, Italian-inspired meal with marinara, herbs, ricotta, and melted mozzarella. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinner, family meals, high protein food ideas, cozy dinner ideas, and anyone who wants a creamy baked chicken dish without a complicated sauce.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce across the bottom.
2. Pat the chicken dry, then season both sides with olive oil, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and half of the minced garlic.
3. Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish in a single layer.
4. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, the remaining garlic, a small pinch of salt, and a little black pepper until creamy.
5. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, then spread the ricotta mixture over each piece.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F in the thickest part.
8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
9. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm with pasta, rice, vegetables, or garlic bread.
Notes
Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
If your chicken breasts are very thick, pound them slightly so they bake evenly.
For extra flavor, add sautéed spinach, red pepper flakes, or a little lemon zest to the ricotta mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 405
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 47g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: ricotta chicken, creamy ricotta chicken, baked ricotta chicken, easy chicken dinner, creamy baked chicken, dinner ideas, easy recipe, high protein dinner