Ricotta-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Tomato Basil Sauce
Juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy herb-infused ricotta mixture, baked in a simple tomato basil sauce for a balanced dinner. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes blends boneless skinless chicken breasts, ricotta cheese, chopped fresh basil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh basil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Pat chicken breasts dry and make a horizontal slit in the thickest part of each to create a pocket.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup ricotta cheese, 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stuff the mixture into each chicken breast pocket and secure with toothpicks.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Step 4: Pour 1/2 cup tomato sauce over chicken, sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated parmesan, and transfer skillet to oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Step 5: Let rest 5 minutes before serving, garnishing with additional fresh basil.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ricotta-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Tomato Basil Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Ricotta-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Tomato Basil Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Ricotta-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Tomato Basil Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Ricotta-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Tomato Basil Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Ricotta-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Tomato Basil Sauce?
Italian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.
