Are you tired of the same old chicken recipes? Look no further! This collection of 18 flavorful chicken and ricotta recipes is sure to spice up your mealtime routine. From comforting casseroles and pasta dishes to savory meatballs and stuffed vegetables, there’s something for every occasion.
Ricotta cheese adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor to these delicious chicken-based recipes. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty casserole or a light and fluffy frittata, these ideas will inspire you to get creative with your cooking. So go ahead, indulge in the rich flavors of Italy and bring some excitement to your kitchen.
Stay tuned for our top 18 chicken and ricotta recipes that are sure to become family favorites!
Creamy Chicken and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Creamy Chicken and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and creamy recipe that combines the flavors of chicken, ricotta cheese, and tender shells.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup cream
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in cooked chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook until the mixture is smooth and heated through.
5. Stuff each pasta shell with the chicken-ricotta mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go.
6. Pour cream over the shells, followed by shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Breast
Elevate your mealtime with this creamy, savory, and flavorful dish that combines the best of both worlds – spinach and ricotta cheese. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg until well combined.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket. Stuff each breast with the spinach-ricotta mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Lemon Herb Chicken and Ricotta Pasta
Lemon Herb Chicken and Ricotta Pasta: A bright and creamy pasta dish that combines the zesty flavors of lemon and herbs with tender chicken and rich ricotta sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped basil
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup cooked pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 lemons, juiced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together olive oil, garlic, parsley, and basil.
3. Add chicken breasts to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. Remove chicken from marinade and cook in oven for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
6. In a large skillet, combine ricotta cheese and lemon juice. Stir over medium heat until smooth.
7. Add cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Ricotta and Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers
A flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines the creaminess of ricotta cheese with the savory taste of chicken and bell peppers. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced
– 8 ounces ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, combine chicken, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the chicken-ricotta mixture.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the peppers and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, or until peppers are tender.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Ricotta Casserole
A creamy, cheesy, and savory twist on classic chicken casserole. This comforting dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooked chicken to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and smooth out the top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chicken and Ricotta Lasagna Rolls
Elevate your lasagna game with these tender chicken and ricotta-filled rolls. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 8-10 lasagna noodles
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded
– 12 ounces whole-milk ricotta cheese
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, combine chicken, ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Place a cooked noodle on a flat surface. Spread about 1/4 cup of the chicken-ricotta mixture along the center of the noodle, leaving a 1-inch border at each end.
5. Roll up the noodle tightly and place seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with remaining noodles.
6. Top rolled lasagna with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rosemary Ricotta Chicken Meatballs
Elevate your meal with these aromatic and flavorful meatballs, infused with the essence of rosemary and the creaminess of ricotta cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground chicken
– 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1 egg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, egg, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Using wet hands, shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.
5. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Ricotta and Chicken Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your appetizer game with this creamy and savory recipe that combines the richness of ricotta cheese with the tenderness of chicken. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or as an impressive party starter.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as portobello or cremini)
– 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
– 8 oz ricotta cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine cooked chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the chicken-ricotta mixture, dividing it evenly among the mushrooms.
4. Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Ricotta Flatbread
Elevate your meal game with this flavorful flatbread, loaded with tender chicken, creamy ricotta cheese, and the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed greens (arugula, spinach)
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 package flatbread dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 8 oz ricotta cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add chicken strips and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Roll out flatbread dough to desired thickness. Top with mixed greens, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano.
4. Place chicken on one half of the flatbread, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the other half over the filling and press gently to seal.
6. Brush crust with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Spread ricotta cheese on top of cooked flatbread and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Ricotta and Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Transform zucchinis into a flavorful and healthy meal with this easy-to-make recipe. Ricotta and chicken add creamy richness, while herbs provide a fresh burst of flavor.
Ingredients:
– 4 medium zucchinis
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
– 8 ounces ricotta cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides, leaving shells about 1/4 inch thick.
3. In a bowl, combine chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Stuff each zucchini boat with the chicken-ricotta mixture, dividing it evenly among the four boats.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed zucchinis and sprinkle with chopped parsley (if using).
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the zucchinis are tender and the filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chicken and Ricotta Ravioli with Sage Butter
This recipe combines the flavors of chicken, ricotta cheese, and sage to create a rich and creamy pasta dish. The ravioli filling is made with cooked chicken, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan, then wrapped in homemade pasta dough and served with a buttery sage sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup whole milk
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced
– 8 ounces ricotta cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Make the pasta dough by combining flour, eggs, salt, and milk. Knead until smooth.
2. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/16 inch. Cut into circles or squares for ravioli.
3. Mix cooked chicken with ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings. Place a spoonful of filling on each pasta piece.
4. Fold the pasta over the filling to form ravioli, pressing edges together to seal.
5. Cook ravioli in boiling salted water for 3-5 minutes or until floating.
6. In a pan, melt butter with chopped sage and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant. Serve with cooked ravioli.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Ricotta and Chicken Stuffed Eggplant Parmesan
A creamy and savory twist on classic eggplant parmesan, this recipe combines the flavors of ricotta cheese, chicken, and melted mozzarella for a deliciously satisfying main dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced
– 12 oz ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Slice eggplants into 1-inch thick rounds. Brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, chicken, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg.
4. Stuff each eggplant slice with the cheese mixture, dividing it evenly among the four slices.
5. Place stuffed eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until eggplants are tender and cheese is melted and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Spicy Chicken and Ricotta Calzones
A flavorful twist on the classic Italian turnover, these calzones combine spicy chicken with creamy ricotta cheese and crispy breadcrumbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
– 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 cup pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together chicken, hot sauce, ricotta cheese, egg, and oregano.
3. Roll out pizza dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
4. Spoon the chicken mixture onto one half of the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around edges.
5. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing edges to seal.
6. Brush tops with water and sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Ricotta and Chicken Stuffed French Bread
This recipe combines the creaminess of ricotta cheese with the savory flavor of chicken to create a mouthwatering stuffed bread. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 loaf of French bread (14-16 inches)
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Slice the French bread in half lengthwise.
3. In a bowl, mix together chicken, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Spread the chicken-ricotta mixture evenly onto the cut side of the bread.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the filling.
6. Place the stuffed bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken and Ricotta Gnocchi Bake
This comforting casserole combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich ricotta sauce, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 8-10 homemade or store-bought gnocchi
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook chicken and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, flour, salt, and pepper.
4. Add cooked gnocchi to the bowl and toss until well coated with the ricotta mixture.
5. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
6. Combine cooked chicken, gnocchi mixture, and chopped parsley in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Ricotta and Chicken Stuffed Artichokes
This recipe brings together the flavors of creamy ricotta cheese, savory chicken, and tender artichoke hearts for a delightful appetizer or main course.
Ingredients:
– 4 large artichokes
– 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
– 8 oz ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the artichoke stems and remove the tough outer leaves. Trim the remaining leaves to about 1 inch from the top.
3. In a bowl, mix together chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each artichoke with the chicken-ricotta mixture, dividing it evenly among the four artichokes.
5. Place the stuffed artichokes in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chicken and Ricotta Frittata with Fresh Herbs
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with this creamy, flavorful frittata packed with chicken, ricotta cheese, and a hint of fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 6 eggs
– 1/2 cup diced cooked chicken breast
– 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, and pepper.
3. Add cooked chicken, ricotta cheese, parsley, and basil to the egg mixture; stir until combined.
4. Heat olive oil in a 9-inch (23cm) non-stick skillet over medium heat.
5. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the edges start to set.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the frittata is cooked through and golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Ricotta and Chicken Stuffed Crepes with Béchamel Sauce
Elevate your crepe game with this indulgent recipe that combines the richness of ricotta cheese, the savory flavor of chicken, and the creaminess of béchamel sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Filling:
+ 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
+ 8 ounces ricotta cheese
+ 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Béchamel sauce:
+ 2 tablespoons butter
+ 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
+ 1 cup milk
+ Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Whisk together crepe batter ingredients. Cook in a crepe pan or non-stick skillet.
3. In a bowl, combine chicken, ricotta cheese, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Stuff cooked crepes with the chicken-ricotta mixture.
5. Prepare béchamel sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, and slowly adding milk. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Place stuffed crepes on a baking sheet, cover with béchamel sauce, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your mealtime game with these 18 mouthwatering chicken and ricotta recipes! From classic lasagna rolls to innovative stuffed bell peppers, there’s something for every occasion. Savor the creamy combination of chicken and ricotta in dishes like casserole, meatballs, and ravioli. Or try something new with sun-dried tomato flatbread or spicy calzones. Whatever your taste buds desire, these recipes are sure to please. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for quick weeknight meals or a foodie seeking inspiration for special occasions, this collection has got you covered.