Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Marinara
Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with this Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Breast, perfectly complemented by a rich marinara sauce (or creamy alfredo). This dish allows you the option to either stuff the chicken breasts with a flavorful cheese and spinach filling or pound them thin if preferred. Prepare the cheesy filling ahead of time for added convenience—simply roll it up in the chicken, refrigerate, and bake when ready! Perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and appealing presentation.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
8 (pounded thin or slit open)
seasoning salt
to taste (n/a)
black pepper
to taste (n/a)
marinara sauce or alfredo sauce
2 cups (n/a)
shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (or to taste)
ricotta cheese
15 ounces (n/a)
dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon (rubbed between fingers)
finely chopped onions
2 tablespoons (n/a)
frozen spinach
0.5 (10 ounce) package (thawed and hand-squeezed dry)
fresh minced garlic
2 teaspoons (n/a)
eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (n/a)
grated mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (n/a)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking dish and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, chopped onions, thawed spinach, minced garlic, beaten eggs, grated parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well blended, then season with seasoning salt and black pepper to taste.
4
Divide the cheese mixture into 8 even portions.
5
Take one chicken breast and place it on a cutting board. If you choose not to pound it thin, carefully slit a hole in the side to create a pocket. Fill the breast with one portion of the cheese mixture, then roll it up jellyroll-style. Season the outside of the rolled-up breast with seasoning salt and pepper.
6
Place the rolled breast seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
7
Once all the chicken breasts are in the dish, drizzle marinara or alfredo sauce over them. Remember, you don't have to cover each breast completely.
8
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and registers 165°F (75°C) internally.
9
After baking, remove the foil, sprinkle about 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the chicken, and return to the oven for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10
Serve hot, garnished with extra marinara if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Breast?
It is a flavorful dish where boneless chicken breasts are stuffed with a mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and spinach, then baked with marinara or alfredo sauce.
What kind of chicken should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How should the chicken breasts be prepared for stuffing?
You can either pound the chicken breasts thin to roll them up or slit a hole in the side to create a pocket for the filling.
What are the ingredients in the cheese filling?
The filling consists of ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, chopped onions, thawed spinach, minced garlic, beaten eggs, grated parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
Can I use a sauce other than marinara?
Yes, you can use either marinara sauce or creamy alfredo sauce depending on your preference.
How much sauce is needed for this recipe?
You will need approximately 2 cups of marinara or alfredo sauce.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the chicken need to bake?
The chicken should bake for 40-45 minutes covered, plus an additional 3-4 minutes uncovered to melt the cheese.
What internal temperature should the chicken reach?
The chicken is cooked through when it registers an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How do I prepare the spinach for the filling?
Use half of a 10-ounce package of frozen spinach, thaw it, and hand-squeeze it until it is dry.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should butter a 13 x 9-inch baking dish before placing the chicken inside.
Should the chicken be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first 40-45 minutes of baking.
When do I add the extra mozzarella cheese on top?
Add about 1 cup of mozzarella cheese after the initial 40-45 minutes of baking, then return it to the oven for a few minutes until bubbly.
Can I prepare the stuffed chicken in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling, roll it in the chicken, and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
What seasonings are used for the chicken?
The chicken and filling are seasoned with seasoning salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning.
How do I ensure the filling stays inside the chicken?
Place the chicken breasts seam-side down in the baking dish to keep them from unrolling.
What is the purpose of the eggs in the cheese mixture?
Two lightly beaten eggs are added to help bind the cheese and spinach mixture together.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 teaspoons of fresh minced garlic.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting weeknight dinner that is sure to impress.
What type of onions are best for the filling?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of finely chopped onions.
How much parmesan cheese is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese in the filling.
Do I need to cover the chicken completely with sauce?
No, you can drizzle the sauce over the breasts without covering them completely.
What size of ricotta cheese container is needed?
A 15-ounce container of ricotta cheese is required.
How should I prepare the Italian seasoning?
The recipe suggests rubbing 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning between your fingers before adding it to the mix.
Is there a specific way to arrange the chicken in the pan?
Place the rolled-up chicken breasts seam-side down in a 13 x 9-inch dish.
What is the final garnish for the dish?
Serve the dish hot, garnished with extra marinara sauce if desired.
Can I use different cheeses for the topping?
The recipe suggests shredded mozzarella, but you can use other types to taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients listed for this stuffed chicken recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, its vibrant flavors and appealing presentation make it perfect for family gatherings.