If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and absolutely packed with flavor, then this Creamy Chicken Spinach Ricotta Calzones Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine biting into a golden, flaky calzone that’s stuffed with tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a luxuriously creamy ricotta blend—each mouthful is a delightful dance of savory and smooth textures that will keep you coming back for more. This recipe is not only a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious meal but also a wonderful way to impress friends or treat yourself on any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each plays a crucial role in building flavor, creaminess, and that perfect calzone texture that makes this dish so irresistible.
- Cooked chicken, 1 cup diced: Provides hearty protein and a meaty base for the filling—leftovers or rotisserie chicken work beautifully.
- Fresh spinach, ½ cup chopped: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, mild green flavor that balances the richness.
- Large eggs, 2 divided: One egg yolk enriches the ricotta filling, while the white is reserved for a glossy egg wash on the crust.
- Ricotta cheese, ½ cup full fat: This creamy cheese is the star of the filling, lending softness and mild sweetness.
- Garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon: Infuses a subtle but irresistible savory aroma.
- Dried oregano, ½ teaspoon: Brings classic Mediterranean flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken and cheese.
- Dried basil, ½ teaspoon: Adds herbaceous notes that brighten the entire mixture.
- Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Essential to enhance all the natural flavors.
- Pizza dough, 12 ounces: The sturdy yet tender shell that holds all your delicious filling together.
- Flour, 2 tablespoons: For rolling out the dough smoothly without sticking.
- Mozzarella cheese, ½ cup shredded: Melts beautifully inside, adding gooey, stringy cheese that true comfort food demands.
- Marinara sauce (optional): For dipping, bringing an extra tangy and herbal kick alongside the calzones.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Spinach Ricotta Calzones Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Workspace
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or foil and spritz them lightly with cooking spray—this ensures your calzones bake up without sticking and crisp perfectly. Setting a well-prepared workspace from the get-go makes the whole process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Chop Chicken and Spinach
Dice your cooked chicken into bite-sized ½-inch pieces that will fit nicely inside your calzone without overpowering a bite. Roughly chop the fresh spinach so you have small, manageable leafy bites that infuse freshness through every slice.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Ricotta Filling
Separate one egg, placing the yolk into a medium bowl and reserving the white separately. To the yolk, add the ricotta cheese along with garlic powder, oregano, basil, and salt. Stir everything together until beautifully combined. Finally, fold in the chopped spinach for that lovely burst of color and texture—your filling base is ready to shine!
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Divide your pizza dough into four equal portions. Lightly flour your workspace with the 2 tablespoons of flour, then roll out each piece into a 7-inch circle. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and that perfect balance between crispy crust and tender interior.
Step 5: Assemble Your Calzones
On half of each dough circle, spread a generous amount of the ricotta mixture, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge to seal later. Next, evenly sprinkle diced chicken and shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta to build layers of creamy, cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Seal and Shape
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press down along the edges to seal all the delicious fillings inside. Then, fold and roll the edges up to create a nice ridge—this step helps lock in the moisture and prevents any cheese or filling from escaping while baking.
Step 7: Brush with Egg Wash and Bake
Combine the reserved egg white with the remaining whole egg and whisk together for a shiny egg wash. Brush this over the surface of the calzones for a lovely golden finish. Place the calzones on your prepared baking sheets, then bake for 15-18 minutes or until they’re beautifully golden brown and irresistible.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Once baked, you can optionally sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor. Serve your calzones hot, with warmed marinara sauce on the side for dipping, making every bite exciting and indulgent.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Spinach Ricotta Calzones Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley add a pop of green and brighten the plate visually and flavor-wise, while a dash of cracked black pepper or grated Parmesan cheese on top can elevate the richness of the calzones even more.
Side Dishes
Pair these calzones with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil or a bowl of roasted veggies to balance out the creamy richness. A light soup such as tomato basil or minestrone complements the meal beautifully as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the calzones diagonally to showcase their enticing layers or serve them as individual mini calzones for a fun party appetizer. For a family-style meal, arrange them in a circular pattern on a platter with small bowls of dipping sauces like garlic butter or spicy marinara.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your calzones, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a quick, ready-to-reheat meal later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled but unbaked calzones by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil to preserve freshness. Freeze for up to 1 month and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover calzones in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dough soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in this recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and ricotta are classic for creaminess and meltability, you can experiment with fontina, provolone, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan inside the filling for a more complex flavor profile.
Is it okay to use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding it to the ricotta mixture—too much water can make the filling soggy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and add extra spinach or include sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for heartiness.
How thick should I roll the dough for the calzones?
Rolling the dough to about ⅛ inch thickness works well—thin enough to cook crisp through but thick enough to hold all the filling without tearing.
Do I have to serve these with marinara sauce?
Marinara is a delicious option that complements the fillings, but you can also enjoy the calzones on their own or with a creamy ranch or garlic aioli dip for a different flavor twist.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Chicken Spinach Ricotta Calzones Recipe enough for anyone looking to create a cozy yet impressive meal. It’s the kind of dish that satisfies deeply and brings smiles with every bite, whether you’re feeding yourself, your family, or friends. Trust me, once you’ve made this, it will become one of those go-to recipes you reach for time and time again. So, roll up your sleeves, get ready for deliciousness, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Print
Creamy Chicken Spinach Ricotta Calzones Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones (serves 4) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Chicken Calzone recipe combines tender diced chicken, fresh spinach, and a flavorful ricotta cheese mixture enclosed in a golden, crispy pizza dough crust. Perfectly baked to a golden brown, these calzones are a delicious and satisfying meal, great for using leftover chicken and enjoyed with a side of warm 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
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs, divided (1 yolk and the whites mixed with the remaining egg)
Dough
- 12 ounces pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons flour, for rolling dough
Serving
- Marinara sauce, for serving (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or foil and lightly spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prep Filling: Dice the cooked chicken into ½-inch pieces and roughly chop the fresh spinach. This combination will form the hearty filling of the calzones.
- Make Ricotta Mixture: Separate one egg, adding the yolk to a medium mixing bowl and placing the white in another bowl. To the yolk, add ricotta cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and salt. Stir well to combine, then fold in the chopped spinach for a creamy and flavorful filling base.
- Roll Dough: Divide the pizza dough into four equal portions. Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking, then roll each portion into a 7-inch diameter circle, evenly shaping the calzone shells.
- Assemble Calzones: On each dough circle, spread the ricotta-spinach mixture on one half, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Evenly sprinkle the diced chicken and shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta mixture.
- Seal Calzones: Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, then fold and roll the edges to create a decorative ridge that keeps the filling inside.
- Egg Wash: Combine the reserved egg white with the remaining egg and whisk to form an egg wash. Transfer the calzones to the prepared baking sheets and brush the tops with the egg wash to achieve a glossy, golden finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the calzones turn golden brown and the dough is fully cooked.
- Serve: Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Serve the calzones hot, accompanied by warmed marinara sauce for dipping, enhancing the flavors of this delightful meal.
Notes
- Use leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or freshly grilled chicken for the filling.
- Make sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- The egg wash helps the calzones brown evenly and gives them a shiny appearance.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pizza dough.
- Leftover calzones can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- You can add other ingredients like mushrooms or bell peppers to the filling if desired.
