When it comes to creating a meal that balances indulgence with nourishment, few dishes hit the mark quite like a spinach adn ricotta stuffed chicken breast.This wholesome recipe transforms simple, everyday ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece-tender chicken breasts enveloping a creamy, herby filling that sings with freshness and comfort. perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish marries the earthiness of spinach with the silky richness of ricotta cheese, delivering a satisfying bite that’s as lovely on the plate as it is indeed on the palate. Join us as we explore how to craft this delightful recipe that promises warmth, nutrition, and a touch of culinary elegance in every forkful.
Wholesome Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe offers a delightful combination of creamy ricotta and vibrant spinach nestled inside juicy chicken breasts. This dish brings Italian-inspired comfort to your table with its perfect balance of rich flavors and nutritious ingredients. The secret to its success lies in selecting fresh, quality components and mastering the technique of stuffing and rolling, ensuring every bite is tender and bursting with taste.
Prep and Cook Time
- Readiness: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield
- Serves 4 hearty portions
Difficulty Level
- Medium – Perfect for home cooks ready to elevate their skills
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped and sautéed
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for searing
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine, for securing the rolls
- Fresh lemon zest, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté 2 cloves of minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the finely chopped spinach and cook until wilted, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Mix the ricotta filling: In a bowl, combine the sautéed spinach and garlic, 1 cup ricotta cheese, ½ cup grated parmesan, and 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs. Season with salt and pepper. Stir gently to blend the ingredients evenly without over-mixing.
- Prepare the chicken breasts: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment. Using a meat mallet, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This ensures even cooking and makes rolling easier.
- Stuff and roll: Spoon equal amounts of the ricotta-spinach mixture onto the centre of each flattened chicken breast. Carefully roll the chicken up, starting from the thinner end, and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the filling inside during cooking.
- Sear the chicken rolls: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.Add the stuffed rolls seam-side down first,cooking until golden brown on all sides,about 2-3 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and adds a beautiful crust.
- Bake to perfection: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for best results to avoid overcooking.
- Rest before slicing: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is juicy and tender.
- Serve and garnish: Carefully remove toothpicks or twine, slice if desired, and garnish with fresh lemon zest and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Drizzle with a light olive oil or your favorite balsamic glaze for an elegant finish.
Chef’s Notes & Tips for Success
- Ingredient tips: Use fresh, young spinach leaves or baby spinach for a tender filling. Avoid frozen spinach, which can release excess moisture and dilute the filling’s flavor.
- Rolling technique: If you find rolling tricky, try making a small incision pocket instead of a full flattening. Just be sure to seal well with toothpicks.
- Make-ahead: Stuffed chicken breasts can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated. Sear and bake just before serving.
- Variations: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or pine nuts to the filling for extra texture and depth. For a smoky twist, sprinkle smoked paprika on the chicken before searing.
- Don’t skip resting: resting post-baking is crucial to keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
Creative Serving Suggestions
Present your wholesome spinach & ricotta stuffed chicken breast recipe alongside vibrant, seasonal sides to make every bite memorable. Try serving with:
- Lightly roasted baby potatoes tossed in rosemary and garlic
- A crisp, fresh arugula and cherry tomato salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette
- Buttery polenta or creamy garlic mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option
- Drizzle with homemade basil pesto or a simple tomato coulis for an extra pop of color and flavor
Finish with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts and fresh herbs like parsley or basil to visually elevate your plating and add contrasting textures.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| protein | 48 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
For further inspiration on delicious chicken dishes, you can explore our Creamy Mushroom Stuffed Chicken recipe. For detailed nutritional benefits of ricotta cheese, visit Healthline’s ricotta cheese profile.
Q&A
Q&A: All About the Wholesome Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Q1: What makes this Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe wholesome?
A1: This recipe combines lean protein from chicken breasts with nutrient-rich spinach and calcium-packed ricotta cheese, creating a balanced dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing. It’s a wholesome meal that’s low in carbs, high in flavor, and packed with vitamins and minerals, perfect for those seeking a nutritious yet indulgent dinner.
Q2: How do you prepare the spinach for the stuffing?
A2: Fresh spinach is lightly sautéed to wilt and reduce moisture, which prevents the filling from becoming soggy. This step intensifies the spinach’s natural flavor and ensures a luscious, creamy texture when combined with ricotta cheese.
Q3: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A3: absolutely! Just be sure to thoroughly thaw and drain the frozen spinach to avoid excess water in your filling.Squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing it with ricotta for the best consistency.
Q4: What’s the best way to stuff the chicken breasts without making a mess?
A4: use a sharp knife to create a pocket by slicing horizontally through the thickest part of the chicken breast. Spoon the spinach and ricotta mixture gently inside, then secure with toothpicks if needed. Patience and a gentle touch will keep your stuffing perfectly tucked in during cooking.
Q5: How do you cook the stuffed chicken breasts to keep them juicy?
A5: Start by searing the breasts in a hot skillet to get a beautiful golden crust, then transfer them to the oven to finish cooking gently.This two-step method locks in moisture, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy.
Q6: Are there any delicious variations to try with this recipe?
A6: Definitely! Add some sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy pop, sprinkle in fresh herbs like basil or thyme for an aromatic twist, or swap the ricotta for goat cheese to introduce a subtle tanginess. The possibilities are as endless as your culinary creativity!
Q7: Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
A7: Yes! These stuffed chicken breasts hold up well in the fridge and can be reheated without losing their charm. Prepare a batch ahead of time for easy weekday meals that feel like a special occasion.
Q8: What side dishes pair best with Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Chicken?
A8: Complement the richness with light sides like a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a fluffy quinoa pilaf. for a cozy twist, creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter pasta also make fantastic companions.
This Q&A aims to answer all your burning questions while inspiring you to dive into this deliciously wholesome recipe with confidence and flair!
Key Takeaways
As you savor the last bite of this wholesome spinach and ricotta stuffed chicken breast, you’ll appreciate not only its rich, comforting flavors but also the nourishing goodness packed inside. This recipe is a delightful marriage of simplicity and elegance-perfect for those seeking a meal that’s both satisfying and healthful. Whether served at a cozy family dinner or an intimate gathering, it’s a dish that invites warmth and wellness to the table. So next time you’re craving something special yet wholesome,remember this recipe-where spinach,ricotta,and tender chicken come together in delicious harmony.
