Are you craving a delicious, healthy meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This Chicken Spinach Ricotta recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Packed with protein, vitamins, and flavor, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's ready in under 30 minutes. Forget complicated recipes; this one is simple enough for beginners yet satisfying enough for experienced cooks. Get ready to enjoy a homemade culinary masterpiece without the fuss!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Flavor the Base: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients: Add the thawed and squeezed spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
Step 4: Simmer and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded.
Step 5: Enjoy! Serve this delicious Chicken Spinach Ricotta over pasta, rice, or even as a filling for baked potatoes. Garnish with extra basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of deliciousness.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook until it's just cooked through and still juicy.
- Squeeze out excess water from the spinach: This will prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or other herbs and spices to suit your preference.
- Make it ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Variations:
- Add different vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or provolone.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream for an extra rich and creamy sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This Chicken Spinach Ricotta recipe is a fantastic example of a healthy, delicious, and quick dinner idea. Perfect for busy weeknights or a simple yet impressive meal for the whole family, it's a recipe you'll come back to time and again. Enjoy!