Spinach Ricotta Chicken Bake is a simple baked chicken recipe that is full of flavor and perfect for a family dinner. Tender chicken breasts are topped with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, spooned over with marinara sauce, and finished with melted cheese. It bakes together in one dish for an easy weeknight meal that is hearty, comforting, and satisfying.
I’m always on the hunt for new ways to make plain chicken dishes exciting again, and this one is officially on repeat at our house! This spinach ricotta chicken bake is such an easy way to turn simple ingredients into something totally new and so delicious!
Plus, the serving options are endless. You can simply serve it with pasta and garlic bread on the side, and you’ve got a dinner that everyone in the family will happily clean their plate for!
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- It’s incredibly easy – As far as easy chicken and spinach recipes go, this one has got to be one of the easiest! Minimal prep, one baking dish, and the oven does most of the work.
- Creamy, cheesy, and comforting – Ricotta, marinara, and melted mozzarella is a combo that just never misses.
- It feels fancy without being fussy – This is a great meal for guests that still works for a busy weeknight with the family.
- Super versatile – Serve it with pasta, veggies, or even over mashed potatoes or polenta for a totally different vibe!
Recipe Notes
This Spinach Ricotta Chicken Bake recipe is as simple as promised! With just a few pantry staples and one baking dish, you can have a family-friendly dinner that feels like something you’d order at an Italian restaurant!
In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make spinach ricotta chicken bake to get the absolute best and most delicious results.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat.
- Ricotta Cheese – Whole-milk ricotta gives the creamiest texture, but part-skim works, too!
- Frozen Spinach – Thawed and squeezed very dry. Fresh spinach works as well, just sauté it first to get out extra moisture.
- Marinara Sauce – Use your favorite jarred marinara or homemade if you have it on hand.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully over the top!
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty finish that really pulls everything together.
Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!
- Make it extra herby – Add fresh basil, parsley, or Italian seasoning to the ricotta mixture.
- Add heat – Stir crushed red pepper flakes into the marinara or ricotta for a little kick.
- Make it low-carb – Serve over zucchini noodles or roasted veggies instead of pasta.
Recipe Step by Step
I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make Spinach Ricotta Chicken Bake.
Preheat oven to 375˚F. Place your chicken in a large baking dish. Season with ½ teaspoon of each salt and pepper. In a small bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, spinach, garlic, and remaining teaspoon of salt.
Place your chicken in a large baking dish. Season with ½ teaspoon of each salt and pepper.
Top the chicken with the ricotta cheese mixture, then pour the marinara sauce over top.
Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165˚F internal temp.) Once done you can garnish with fresh herbs (optional) and serve warm.
Recipe Tips
- Squeeze the spinach really well – Extra moisture can make the dish watery, so don’t skip this step! I just use a paper towel or two to squeeze it once it has thawed.
- Don’t overbake the chicken – Pull it once it hits 165°F to keep it juicy and tender! Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature if you aren’t sure if it is done.
- Add cheese later if you prefer it extra melty – For less browning and a more melty texture, add the cheese during the last 10 minutes.
- Let it rest for a few minutes – This helps everything settle and makes serving easier.
Recipe Short Cuts
If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!
- Use pre-cut chicken – Chicken cutlets or tenders cook even faster, if you’re short on time!
- Jarred marinara – It is totally fine to use jarred marinara here. No need to make a homemade one! Just use your favorite brand.
- Pre-shredded cheese – Sometimes I recommend using freshly shredded cheese, but not here. You can use pre-shredded to save a few minutes!
- Assemble ahead – Prep everything earlier in the day and bake when ready.
Freezer Meal Instructions
Making this spinach ricotta chicken bake recipe into a freezer meal is simple! Follow the steps below and you can store this recipe in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To freeze before cooking
- Assemble the recipe fully in a freezer-safe dish (skip baking).
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
- Label and freeze.
How to Freeze Spinach Ricotta Chicken Bake After Cooking
- Let the dish cool completely.
- Portion into airtight containers.
- Freeze for easy future meals.
What to Serve with Spinach Ricotta Chicken Bake
Since this protein based dinner has rich, Italian-style flavors, it pairs beautifully with classic and lighter Italian-inspired side dishes.
Choose one or several of these side dishes to create a wholesome, well-rounded dinner. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.
Side Dish Ideas
Spinach Ricotta Chicken Bake Leftovers
If you have leftovers after making this simple baked spinach ricotta chicken, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.
To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- in the freezer up to a month
Leftover Recipes
Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!
- Chicken pasta bowl –Slice and toss with hot pasta and extra marinara.
- Stuffed sandwich – Pile leftovers into a toasted hoagie roll with extra mozzarella.
- Low-carb bowl – Serve over roasted veggies or cauliflower rice.
- Flatbread topping – Chop and use as a flatbread or pizza topping!
Recipe FAQ’s
What meat goes with spinach and ricotta?
Chicken is a classic pairing with spinach and ricotta because it’s mild, lean, and lets the creamy flavors shine. Italian sausage, turkey, or even pork also work beautifully when you want something a little heartier with spinach and ricotta.
Are spinach and ricotta good for you?
Yes! Spinach is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, while ricotta provides protein and calcium to help keep you satisfied. Together, they make a balanced combo that feels indulgent but still nourishing.
What is the best temperature to bake chicken breasts at?
The best temperature to bake chicken breasts is 375°F, which allows them to cook evenly without drying out! This temperature gives you juicy chicken while still letting sauces and cheese get bubbly and golden for a delicious chicken recipe.
What are some common ricotta cheese dishes?
Ricotta is commonly used in dishes like lasagna, stuffed shells, manicotti, and savory baked casseroles. It also shines in recipes like baked tomato ricotta pasta, where its creamy texture balances rich tomato sauce perfectly.
More EASY Chicken Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!
You can check out all of my easy chicken and spinach recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.
- Mexican Spinach Chicken Bake
- Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo
- Spinach Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups
- Spinach and Feta Chicken
Spinach Ricotta Chicken Bake
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 6 pieces
- 1½ teaspoons salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375˚F.
- Place your chicken in a large baking dish. Season with ½ teaspoon of each salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, spinach, garlic, and remaining teaspoon of salt.
- Top the chicken with the ricotta cheese mixture, then pour the marinara sauce over top.You can top with the mozzarella and parmesan cheese now, or wait until 10 minutes before the end of the baking time depending on if you like your cheese to brown, or stay extra melty.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165˚F internal temp.) Once done you can garnish with fresh herbs (optional) and serve warm.
Leave a Reply