Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls for a Cozy Dinner Delight Recipe
These Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls are a cozy and flavorful dinner option featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy ricotta and fresh herb filling, seared to golden perfection, and baked in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal any night of the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Filling
- 4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (pounded flat)
- 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 (preferably fresh)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (adds freshness)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (or fresh minced garlic)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Sauce and Cooking
- 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
- Prepare the chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure even cooking and easy rolling.
- Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, fresh spinach, basil, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Assemble the rolls: Lay each pounded chicken breast flat on a clean surface. Spoon the ricotta and herb filling onto each breast evenly. Roll the chicken tightly from one end to form a roll and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside.
- Sear the chicken rolls: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken rolls seam-side down and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust, locking in juices and flavor.
- Bake in marinara sauce: Transfer the seared chicken rolls to a baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over the rolls, sprinkling crushed red pepper flakes if using. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks or twine, then slice the rolls into pinwheels. Serve warm, spooning additional marinara sauce over if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh garlic for garlic powder for a more intense flavor.
- Spinach can be replaced with kale or omitted for a dairy-herb filling.
- Using kitchen twine can provide a firmer hold than toothpicks if preferred.
- Ensure chicken is evenly pounded to avoid undercooked spots.
- Serve with pasta, a green salad, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Keywords: Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken, Chicken Roll Recipe, Baked Stuffed Chicken, Italian Chicken Dinner, Ricotta Cheese Chicken
