Maria's Stuffed Chicken Breasts

By Sunny1980

"This is a great and easy chicken dish with a twist"

Ingredients

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 (16 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. Slit open on the side for stuffing; set aside.

3. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, spinach, garlic, eggs and 3/4 of the cheese. Mix well and stuff each breast with 1/4 of the mixture; secure with toothpicks and place stuffed breasts in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour sauce over all and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 to 60 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.

NOTES
For the cheese stuffing I added extra garlic, fresh basil, and fresh grated parmesan cheese.

As for the sauce...I simmered it first with fresh chopped basil before pouring it over the chicken breasts to bake. This gives a jarred sauce new life and a fresh homemade taste.

I created a pocket by cutting a 1" slit on the top of the thickest part of the breast by using a long fillet knife. Once inside I ran my knife side to side...careful not to puncture any holes. I then stuffed it with the mixture by pushing it in with my thumb (be sure not to overstuff) or you can be fancy and pipe it in if you wish.