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Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls Recipe

5 from 53 reviews

Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls are tender, juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta, Parmesan, fresh spinach, and herbs. Seared for a golden crust and baked in rich marinara sauce, these stuffed chicken rolls offer a flavorful and elegant meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Filling

  • 4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (pounded flat to about 1/2 inch thickness)
  • 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (creamy and lower in fat)
  • 1/3 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional but recommended)
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach (can be omitted or replaced)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil (finely chopped)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (or fresh minced garlic)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Searing and Baking

  • 1 cup Marinara Sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for searing)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional for spice)
  • Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine (as needed for securing rolls)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure uniform cooking.
  2. Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, fresh spinach, basil, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  3. Stuff and Roll Chicken: Lay each flattened chicken breast on a clean surface. Spoon the herbed ricotta filling onto each breast, then roll tightly and secure the rolls with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside during cooking.
  4. Sear the Rolls: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken rolls in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
  5. Transfer and Bake: Place the seared chicken rolls in a baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the rolls, optionally sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rolls rest for 5 minutes. Carefully remove the toothpicks or twine, slice into pinwheels, and serve warm with sauce spooned over.

Notes

  • You can substitute fresh spinach with kale or omit it entirely if preferred.
  • For added flavor, incorporate fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder.
  • If Parmesan cheese is not available, Pecorino Romano can be used as an alternative.
  • Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
  • To make this dish spicier, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add red chili paste to the marinara sauce.
  • Use toothpicks or kitchen twine securely to prevent the filling from spilling during cooking.
  • Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken, Stuffed Chicken Rolls, Baked Chicken Rolls, Italian Chicken Recipe, Ricotta Chicken, Spinach Stuffed Chicken