If you’re craving a comforting yet wholesome dinner that bursts with flavor and creamy texture, this Chicken Ricotta Pasta Bake with Spinach and Marinara Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender chicken breasts nestled in a rich marinara sauce, bright baby spinach for freshness, and luscious ricotta cheese that brings everything together in perfect harmony. It’s a delightful fusion of Italian-inspired ingredients baked to bubbly perfection, promising a satisfying meal that feels both cozy and indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view inside a white pan filled with cooked spinach leaves mixed with small pieces of translucent, light golden-brown cooked onions, showing a mix of vibrant green and soft light yellow colors. The spinach leaves appear soft and slightly wilted, with some stems still attached, creating a textured, leafy layer. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, and the spinach and onions layer almost fills the pan, giving a fresh and healthy appearance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a crucial role to balance flavor, texture, and color. From the peppery bite of fresh spinach to the creamy melt of ricotta cheese, every component elevates this dish in an easy, fuss-free way.

2 Tbsp olive oil: For a golden sear on the chicken and to sauté vegetables with a silky softness.
5 (6 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The protein base, juicy and tender when cooked just right.
1/4 tsp salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
1 onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when softened and caramelized slightly.
8 oz fresh baby spinach: Gives a fresh pop of color and a mild earthy note that cuts through the richness.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth that’s integral to classic Italian dishes.
24 oz jar marinara sauce: The tomato base that adds tang and a rich, herbaceous foundation.
1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese: Creamy texture and subtle tang to balance tomatoes and chicken perfectly.
1 oz shredded Parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty kick and melts beautifully into the ricotta mixture.
1/4 tsp black pepper: Provides a gentle spice throughout the ricotta layer.
1/4 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with aromatic complexity.
10 oz dry rigatoni: Sturdy pasta that holds sauce well and offers a satisfying bite.

How to Make Chicken Ricotta Pasta Bake with Spinach and Marinara Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Begin by heating olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them until they’re beautifully browned on both sides—about 2 to 3 minutes per side. This initial browning locks in the juices and adds a wonderful depth of flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Remove the chicken to a plate, then lower the heat slightly and toss in diced onions. Let them soften and sweeten for 4 to 5 minutes. Next, add fresh baby spinach and cook it just until it turns a vibrant green and wilts, followed by the minced garlic for a quick burst of fragrance. These veggies build the aromatic and fresh base that complements the rest of the dish.

Step 3: Combine with Marinara Sauce

Pour in your marinara sauce and stir everything together, letting it simmer gently for a couple of minutes. This step melds all those flavors into a comforting sauce that hugs every bite of chicken and pasta later on.

Step 4: Mix the Ricotta Mixture

While the sauce simmers, mix together the ricotta cheese, shredded Parmesan, black pepper, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. This creamy layer is where this Chicken Ricotta Pasta Bake with Spinach and Marinara Recipe truly shines, adding richness and a touch of herbal warmth to each forkful.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet on top of the simmering marinara sauce, then spread the ricotta mixture evenly over each piece. Transfer your skillet to a preheated oven set at 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 22 to 26 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken. For an irresistible bubbly and slightly charred finish, broil for the last minute or two if you like.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

As your chicken bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente, following the package directions. Drain well and keep warm. When your chicken bake is ready, serve the tender chicken and marinara sauce atop the rigatoni, creating an ultimate combination that everyone at the table will adore.

How to Serve Chicken Ricotta Pasta Bake with Spinach and Marinara Recipe

A white skillet filled with thick red tomato sauce as the base layer, with three large oval white cheese slices on top, lightly browned with grill marks. Small green herb leaves are spread over the cheese, adding a touch of color. The skillet is on a white marbled surface, and the skillet handle is light pink. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like basil or Italian parsley make stellar garnishes, adding a bright, herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy ricotta topping. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good quality olive oil can also enhance the dish’s presentation and flavor profile in subtle, decadent ways.

Side Dishes

This hearty Chicken Ricotta Pasta Bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp, simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through its richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce—adding a satisfying crunch to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, plate individual servings in shallow bowls topped with a fresh herb sprig and a small drizzle of balsamic reduction for an elegant touch. Alternatively, serve it family-style straight from the skillet to highlight the rustic, comforting nature of this Chicken Ricotta Pasta Bake with Spinach and Marinara Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken ricotta pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, so it’s great for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers before baking, or freeze the full assembled dish raw for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as instructed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through, to retain that delightful baked texture. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but can sometimes make the pasta a little softer.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is sturdy and holds sauce well, penne, ziti, or even fusilli are great substitutes. Just adjust cooking times as needed to achieve that perfect al dente bite.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the chicken and add extra spinach or sautéed mushrooms to keep it hearty. You can also incorporate plant-based protein alternatives for a satisfying twist.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of jarred marinara?

You can, but fresh tomatoes require a bit more effort to cook down into a sauce. If you have time, simmer diced fresh tomatoes with garlic and herbs until thickened to replace the marinara sauce.

What if I don’t have an oven-proof skillet?

No worries. You can cook the chicken and sauce in a regular skillet, then transfer everything to a baking dish before baking. Just be sure to use a dish large enough to fit the chicken comfortably.

How can I make the dish spicier?

Adding red pepper flakes to the marinara or mixing a bit of hot sauce into the ricotta layer brings a pleasant kick. Adjust according to your taste preference for some extra heat.

Final Thoughts

If comfort food with fresh, vibrant flavors sounds like your kind of dinner, I whole-heartedly encourage you to try this Chicken Ricotta Pasta Bake with Spinach and Marinara Recipe. It offers an irresistible combination of tender chicken, creamy ricotta, and bright spinach all wrapped in a luscious marinara sauce that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate. Trust me, once you make it, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your meal rotation.