Sun-Dried Tomato and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken with Basil Pesto: The Ultimate Recipe for a Sizable Family Dinner

Hi, I’m Emily, and if you’ve ever danced around your kitchen to the smell of something bubbling on the stove, then we’re already kindred spirits. I created Luscious Recipes in 2023, but my culinary journey began in my grandmother’s kitchen, where flour in my hair and joy in my heart became my signature look. Today, I’m thrilled to share my Sun-Dried Tomato and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken with Basil Pesto recipe – a dish that perfectly balances creamy ricotta, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic basil. This restaurant-quality meal is surprisingly simple to make at home and has become one of my family’s most requested dinners for both weeknights and special occasions.

Sun-Dried Tomato and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken with Basil Pesto: The Ultimate Recipe for a Sizable Family Dinner

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A gourmet chicken breast stuffed with creamy ricotta, tangy sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil pesto for an impressive yet easy Mediterranean-inspired meal.

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts

8 oz ricotta cheese

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves ( or 2–3 tablespoons of prepared basil pesto)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp red chili flakes

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp chicken seasoning blend

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Make sun-dried tomato paste by pulsing tomatoes, basil and garlic in food processor.

3. Mix paste with salt, pepper and chili flakes in a bowl.

4. Fold in ricotta, Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until well combined.

5. Cut a pocket in each chicken breast.

6. Stuff each breast with about 1/2 cup cheese mixture.

7. Season outside of chicken with seasoning blend.

8. Place on lined baking sheet and bake 30 minutes.

9. Check temperature reaches 165°F.

10. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Allow cheeses to come to room temperature for smoother filling.

Don’t overstuff or filling may leak during cooking.

Let chicken rest after cooking for juicier results.

Can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 8 hours before baking.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed breast
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 50g
• Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: stuffed chicken breast, ricotta stuffed chicken, sun-dried tomato chicken, Mediterranean chicken

Ingredients List for Sun-Dried Tomato and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken with Basil Pesto

The magic of this Sun-Dried Tomato and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken with Basil Pesto dish lies in its harmonious blend of flavors. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this crowd-pleasing meal:

• 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (look for thick ones that will be easier to stuff)
• 8 oz. of ricotta cheese (full-fat works best for creaminess, but light ricotta can work too)
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (pre-grated won’t melt as beautifully)
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed provides the best flavor, but dried and rehydrated works too)
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves (packed)
• 4 cloves of garlic (minced or whole for processing)
• 1 tsp. chili flakes (adjust according to your spice preference)
• 1 tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. freshly ground pepper
• 2 Tbsp. Heinen’s Great Lakes Chicken Seasoning (or substitute with your favorite herb blend)

Ingredient Substitutions:

• For a lighter version, try using part-skim ricotta and reduced-fat mozzarella
• No fresh basil? Use 2-3 tablespoons of prepared basil pesto instead
• Dairy-free? Try cashew ricotta and your favorite plant-based cheese alternative
• The chicken seasoning can be replaced with Italian seasoning, herbs de Provence, or a simple mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs

If you enjoy this flavor profile, you might also love my Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken that features similar Mediterranean ingredients in a silky sauce.

Timing

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Resting Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

This Sun-Dried Tomato and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken with Basil Pesto dish comes together in under an hour, which is approximately 25% faster than many comparable stuffed chicken recipes. The efficiency comes from the simplified stuffing technique and straightforward baking method, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something impressive without the wait.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sun-Dried Tomato and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken with Basil Pesto

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400˚F. While it’s heating, gather all your ingredients and equipment. This preparation step is crucial for a smooth cooking process – having everything ready will make the stuffing process much more manageable.

Step 2: Create the Sun-Dried Tomato Paste

Add the sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and garlic to a food processor or blender. Pulse until a thick paste forms. The texture should be somewhat chunky rather than completely smooth – those little bits of tomato and basil will create pockets of flavor in the finished dish.

Step 3: Season the Paste

Transfer the paste to a large bowl. Add the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. This layering of flavors ensures the stuffing will be well-seasoned throughout. If you prefer less heat, reduce the chili flakes to ½ teaspoon.

Step 4: Add the Cheese Mixture

Add the ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses to the bowl. Fold the paste with the cheese until thoroughly mixed. The consistency should be thick but still easily spreadable – similar to a hearty dip. The ricotta provides creaminess, while the Parmesan and mozzarella add depth and stretch.

Step 5: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Using a sharp knife, make a small incision on the side of each chicken breast. Carefully work the knife deeper into the chicken to create a pouch. Try to make the opening small while creating a large pocket inside for maximum stuffing capacity. The technique is similar to the one I use in my popular Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken recipe.

Step 6: Stuff the Chicken

Stuff each chicken breast with approximately ½ cup of the cheese mixture. These will be fully stuffed and might seem difficult to contain! You can use a toothpick to seal the chicken if desired, but it’s not necessary as the cheese will thicken during cooking and mostly stay inside.

Step 7: Season the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken with Heinen’s Great Lakes Chicken seasoning or your preferred seasoning blend. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum flavor. The exterior seasoning creates a wonderful contrast to the creamy stuffing inside.

Step 8: Bake the Chicken

Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. The high temperature helps seal in the juices while also creating a slightly crisp exterior.

Step 9: Check for Doneness

After 30 minutes, check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. The chicken is ready when it reaches 165˚F at the thickest part. If needed, return to the oven for additional time, checking every 5 minutes to prevent overcooking.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and the filling to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.

Nutritional Information about Sun-Dried Tomato and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken with Basil Pesto

This protein-packed main dish offers an impressive nutritional profile per serving (one stuffed chicken breast):

• Calories: Approximately 450 calories
• Protein: 50g (100% of the average daily requirement)
• Carbohydrates: 8g (3% of daily value)
• Fat: 25g (mostly from the cheese and sun-dried tomatoes)
• Fiber: 2g
• Calcium: 350mg (35% of daily value, largely from the cheese blend)
• Vitamin A: 15% daily value (from the sun-dried tomatoes and basil)
• Vitamin C: 8% daily value
• Iron: 10% daily value

The high protein content makes this Sun-Dried Tomato and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken with Basil Pesto dish especially satisfying, while the moderate fat content contributes to the rich flavor profile. The sun-dried tomatoes add lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart and skin health.

Healthier Alternatives for the Sun-Dried Tomato and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken with Basil Pesto Recipe

For those looking to adjust this Sun-Dried Tomato and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken with Basil Pesto recipe to fit specific dietary needs, consider these modifications:

1. Lower Calorie Version: Use part-skim ricotta, reduced-fat mozzarella, and reduce the Parmesan to 2 tablespoons. This can cut approximately 100 calories per serving.

2. Lower Sodium Option: Omit the added salt and choose a low-sodium chicken seasoning. The cheeses and sun-dried tomatoes provide plenty of flavor without extra salt.

3. Higher Protein Variation: Add 2 tablespoons of hemp seeds to the stuffing mixture for an additional 6g of protein per serving.

4. Gluten-Free: This Sun-Dried Tomato and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken with Basil Pesto recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your seasoning blend ingredients if you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.

5. Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute the cheese mixture with a blend of soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and herbs processed until smooth.

If you’re looking for more health-conscious poultry recipes, my Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken offers another nutritious option with a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions of Sun-Dried Tomato and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken with Basil Pesto

This flavorful Sun-Dried Tomato and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken with Basil Pesto dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to create a complete meal:

1. For a Light Dinner: Serve alongside a bright arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens complement the rich stuffed chicken perfectly.

2. For a Heartier Meal: Pair with roasted garlic mashed potatoes or a creamy polenta to soak up the delicious juices from the chicken.

3. Vegetable Pairings: Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts all complement the Mediterranean flavors in the chicken.

4. For Entertaining: Slice the chicken before serving and arrange over a bed of pesto-tossed angel hair pasta, garnished with additional fresh basil and shaved Parmesan.

For an impressive dinner party menu, consider starting with my Mediterranean Cucumber Bites as an appetizer before serving this main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced home cooks can encounter challenges with stuffed chicken recipes. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

1. Uneven Chicken Breasts: If your chicken breasts vary significantly in size, consider pounding them to an even thickness before stuffing. This ensures they’ll cook at the same rate.

2. Overstuffing: While it’s tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, overstuffing leads to filling that oozes out during cooking. Stick to about ½ cup per breast.

3. Underseasoning the Chicken: Don’t forget to season the outside of the chicken generously. The seasoned exterior creates a necessary flavor contrast to the creamy filling.

4. Skipping the Resting Period: According to culinary science, allowing the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking is crucial for juiciness, as it allows the proteins to relax and retain more moisture.

5. Slicing Too Soon: If you cut into the chicken immediately after cooking, the filling will spill out. Patience during the resting period results in cleaner, more attractive servings.

6. Using Cold Cheese: For the smoothest filling, allow your cheeses to come to room temperature before mixing. This creates a more cohesive filling that’s easier to work with.

For more tips on mastering chicken recipes, check out my Perfect Chicken Cooking Guide that covers techniques for various preparations.

Storing Tips for the Sun-Dried Tomato and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken with Basil Pesto Recipe

Properly storing leftovers ensures you can enjoy this delicious dish for days to come:

Refrigeration:

• Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• For best results, slice the chicken before storing to make reheating more even.

Freezing:

• This dish freezes surprisingly well! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:

• For the best texture, reheat in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil.
• Microwave reheating works in a pinch (2-3 minutes at 50% power), but may result in a slightly tougher texture.

Make-Ahead Tips:

• The cheese and sun-dried tomato filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
• You can stuff the chicken breasts up to 8 hours before cooking; just keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

For a comprehensive guide on food storage, you might find useful tips in this expert Sous Vide Food Safety Guide that covers proper handling techniques.

Conclusion

Sun-Dried Tomato and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken with Basil Pesto transforms simple ingredients into an impressive, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of creamy ricotta, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant basil creates a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

What makes this Sun-Dried Tomato and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken with Basil Pesto recipe truly special is its versatility. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences, pair it with countless side dishes, and even prepare components ahead of time for stress-free entertaining. The impressive presentation belies how straightforward this dish is to prepare, making it an ideal recipe for both cooking novices and experienced home chefs.

I’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Did you try any variations? What sides did you pair it with? Share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out my Italian-Inspired Recipe Collection for more Mediterranean flavors to explore in your kitchen.

FAQs – Sun-Dried Tomato and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken with Basil Pesto

Is sun-dried tomato pesto the same as sun-dried tomato paste?

No, they’re not the same, though they share common ingredients. Sun-dried tomato paste is primarily made from concentrated sun-dried tomatoes, while sun-dried tomato pesto typically includes additional ingredients like nuts (often pine nuts), cheese, olive oil, and herbs. In this Sun-Dried Tomato and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken with Basil Pesto recipe, we’re creating something closer to a paste that’s then enhanced with cheese to create our stuffing.

What can I do with a jar of Sun-Dried Tomato and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken with Basil Pesto?

Sun-dried tomato pesto is incredibly versatile! Beyond this chicken recipe, you can:

• Toss it with pasta for a quick dinner
• Spread it on toasted bread for bruschetta
• Use as a sandwich spread instead of mayonnaise
• Mix a spoonful into scrambled eggs for breakfast
• Stir into risotto just before serving
• Use as a topping for baked potatoes
• Mix with cream cheese for a flavorful dip

For more creative uses, check out these Creative Pesto Applications from professional chefs.

What are sun-dried tomatoes used for?

Sun-dried tomatoes add concentrated umami flavor to countless dishes. They’re commonly used in:

• Pasta sauces and stuffings
• Salads and antipasto platters
• Pizza toppings
• Sandwich fillings
• Dips and spreads
• Bread and focaccia
• Egg dishes like frittatas and omelets
• Grain bowls and risottos

Their intense flavor means a little goes a long way in enhancing dishes with deep tomato notes.

What flavor does sun-dried tomatoes add?

Sun-dried tomatoes add a complex, concentrated flavor that’s sweet, tangy, and slightly acidic with rich umami notes. The drying process intensifies the natural sugars and glutamates in tomatoes, creating a potent flavor booster that’s about 20 times more concentrated than fresh tomatoes. They bring a distinctive Mediterranean character to dishes with hints of caramelization and a subtle chewiness.

What are the benefits of sun-dried tomatoes?

Sun-dried tomatoes aren’t just flavorful—they’re nutritional powerhouses: rich in lycopene (an antioxidant linked to reduced cancer risk), high in vitamin C (about 23% daily value per ounce), and a good source of vitamin K.