There is nothing more satisfying than biting into a warm, golden calzone bursting with a luscious blend of tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and creamy ricotta cheese. This Creamy Chicken Spinach Ricotta Calzone Recipe brings together simple ingredients into a comforting handheld meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a special weekend treat. The flaky crust encases a rich filling that’s full of flavor and just the right amount of gooey mozzarella to keep every bite irresistible. If you love Italian-inspired dishes with a creamy twist, this calzone recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in bringing out the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the earthy spinach adding vibrancy, to the ricotta lending a silky creaminess, every component is essential for making the best calzones.
- Cooked chicken, diced: Use leftover chicken, rotisserie, or breast for tender protein packed with flavor.
- Fresh spinach, chopped: Adds a fresh green crunch and a beautiful pop of color inside the calzone.
- Large eggs: Used both for richness in the filling and for the egg wash that gives the crust its golden sheen.
- Ricotta cheese (full fat): The star of the filling that brings creamy, tangy indulgence.
- Garlic powder: Provides a subtle savory depth without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Dried oregano and basil: Classic Italian herbs for that warm, aromatic undertone.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the filling.
- Pizza dough: Whether store-bought or homemade, it must be rolled thin to hold all the richness within.
- Flour: For dusting your work surface so the dough rolls out smoothly without sticking.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully inside to add gooey, cheesy pull.
- Marinara sauce (optional): Perfect for dipping if you want to add a tangy, tomatoey finish to each bite.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Spinach Ricotta Calzone Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or foil, then spray with cooking spray. This ensures your calzones bake evenly and slide off effortlessly once golden.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Dice your cooked chicken into small, bite-sized pieces and chop the fresh spinach roughly. This preparation helps the filling blend smoothly while still maintaining texture.
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Filling
Separate one egg, placing the yolk in a medium bowl and the white in another. To the yolk, add ricotta cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and salt. Whisk together until fully combined, then fold in the chopped spinach. This mixture forms the luscious, creamy heart of your calzones.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Divide your pizza dough into four equal parts. Flour your work surface lightly to prevent sticking and roll each piece into a 7-inch circle, ready to be filled and folded.
Step 5: Assemble the Calzones
Spread the ricotta and spinach mixture evenly over half of each dough circle, leaving about a one-inch border free of filling. Next, top the ricotta with the diced chicken and shredded mozzarella, distributing evenly across all calzones.
Step 6: Seal the Calzones
Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal in all the creamy goodness, then fold and roll the edges again to create a decorative ridge that also reinforces the seal.
Step 7: Brush with Egg Wash and Bake
Mix the reserved egg white with the remaining whole egg and brush this egg wash over each calzone for that perfect golden crust. Bake your calzones for 15 to 18 minutes until they are puffed up and beautifully golden brown.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Let your calzones rest just a few moments after baking, then serve warm. Optionally sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and offer a side of warmed marinara sauce for dipping to elevate each bite.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Spinach Ricotta Calzone Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a few fresh basil leaves add a lovely finishing touch to the calzones. These small garnishes enhance the appearance and add subtle layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your calzones with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or a bowl of warm tomato soup. These sides balance the richness of the calzones and add freshness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the calzones into wedges for sharing at a party or serving on individual plates with a brush of basil pesto for extra flavor. You could even stuff mini versions as kid-friendly bites or appetizers for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover them tightly to maintain their tender texture and prevent the crust from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the unbaked calzones on a tray first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months and can be baked straight from frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the calzones in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach in this Creamy Chicken Spinach Ricotta Calzone Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute fresh spinach with frozen, but be sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it to avoid excess moisture making the calzone soggy.
What if I do not have ricotta cheese?
Fresh ricotta is key for the creaminess, but you can try substituting with cottage cheese blended until smooth, or a mixture of cream cheese and a splash of milk for a similar texture.
Can I make this calzone vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and add more spinach, mushrooms, or your favorite vegetables. The filling will still be delightfully creamy and flavorful.
How do I prevent the calzone from leaking during baking?
Make sure to seal the edges very well by pressing firmly and folding the dough edge over itself to create a strong ridge. Avoid overfilling, which can cause breaks in the dough.
Is marinara sauce necessary for serving?
Marinara sauce is optional but highly recommended for dipping. It adds a tangy, zesty contrast that complements the creamy filling beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Spinach Ricotta Calzone Recipe captures all the joys of a comforting homemade Italian meal wrapped in one handy pocket. With simple ingredients coming together for a rich, satisfying flavor and flaky crust, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears from the plate—trust me, your friends and family will thank you!
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Creamy Chicken Spinach Ricotta Calzone Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Creamy Chicken Calzone recipe features a delicious blend of tender chicken, fresh spinach, and creamy ricotta cheese, all wrapped in golden, flaky pizza dough. A perfect homemade Italian-inspired dish that’s easy to prepare and delightful to eat, served with optional marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced (leftover, breast, or rotisserie)
- ½ cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup ricotta cheese (full fat)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Other
- 2 large eggs, divided
- 12 ounces pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons flour, for rolling dough
- Marinara sauce, for serving (optional)
- Parmesan cheese, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or foil and spray them with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prep Filling: Dice the cooked chicken into ½-inch pieces and roughly chop the fresh spinach.
- Make Ricotta Mixture: Separate one egg. Add the egg yolk to a medium bowl and reserve the white in another bowl. To the yolk, add ricotta cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and salt. Mix well, then add the chopped spinach and stir until combined.
- Roll Dough: Divide the pizza dough into four equal pieces. Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking and roll each piece into a 7-inch circle.
- Assemble Calzones: On each dough circle, spread the ricotta mixture over half of the surface, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Evenly distribute the diced chicken and shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
- Seal Calzones: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, then fold and roll the edge to form a ridge that prevents the filling from leaking out.
- Egg Wash: Whisk the reserved egg white with the remaining whole egg. Brush this egg wash generously over the top of each calzone for a beautiful golden finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheets and bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Optionally, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Serve the calzones hot with warmed marinara sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.
Notes
- You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cooked chicken breast for this recipe.
- Ensure the dough edges are sealed well to prevent filling leaks during baking.
- For a crispier crust, you can brush the edges with olive oil instead of egg wash.
- Spinach can be substituted with other leafy greens like kale or arugula if preferred.
- Marinara sauce is optional but adds a delicious tangy contrast to the rich filling.
