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Pesto Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake

Pesto Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake

Pesto Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake is a rich, comforting, and easy-to-make one-dish meal that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, flavorful mixture of artichokes, spinach, ricotta, and pesto, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners and casual gatherings, this dish offers vibrant, bold flavors and nutritious ingredients in a hassle-free bake.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry if frozen)
  • 1 cup chopped artichoke hearts
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy & Cheese

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Condiments & Oils

  • 1/3 cup basil pesto
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, a pinch (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, locking in the juices.
  2. Mix the Filling: While the chicken cools slightly, in a bowl combine ricotta cheese, spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, minced garlic, and basil pesto. Stir until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
  3. Assemble the Bake: Grease a baking dish and place the seared chicken breasts evenly spaced inside. Spread the pesto-spinach-artichoke mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over everything for a melty, golden topping.
  4. Bake Until Bubbly: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and the cheese is bubbling and golden. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh spinach and pesto for superior flavor.
  • Check the chicken at 25 minutes to avoid overbaking and keep it juicy.
  • Prepare the dish the night before and refrigerate for convenient baking later.
  • Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
  • Optionally, add toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Entrees
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with topping
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Pesto chicken, spinach artichoke bake, easy chicken recipe, cheesy chicken bake, one dish dinner, gluten-free chicken bake