SIMPLE BAKED SPINACH RICOTTA CHICKEN | LEMONS + ZEST

Simple Baked Spinach Ricotta Chicken | Lemons + Zest image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 11

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1 ½ lb chicken breast
1 c ricotta cheese
1 c fresh chopped spinach
½ c parmesan cheese, shredded
1 ½ c marinara sauce
3 garlic cloves, minced (separated)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp crushed red pepper
½ tsp cracked pepper
½ tsp sea salt
extra parmesan for topping

Steps:

Preheat oven to 425°F.
In a bowl, mix together the ricotta, parmesan, spinach, one garlic clove, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper until fully combined.
Spray the bottom of a 9x13 pan, or large baking dish with oil. Line the chicken breasts in the pan and evenly season with salt, pepper and 2 of the garlic cloves. Spread the ricotta and spinach mixture over the top of the chicken breasts evenly. Cover the chicken completely with the marinara.
Bake for about 18-22 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. In the last several minutes, add shredded parmesan on top of the chicken and continue baking to melt. If the chicken is thick, it may take longer. Just keep an eye on it.
Allow chicken to rest about 5 minutes before serving. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Leftovers of this chicken are even better!