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Chicken Spinach Ricotta Rolls with Marinara Recipe

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3.8 from 82 reviews

These Chicken Rolls stuffed with a creamy ricotta and spinach filling are perfect for a cozy dinner. Tender chicken breasts are flattened, rolled with a flavorful herb and cheese mixture, seared to golden perfection, and baked in a savory marinara sauce to lock in juiciness and flavor.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken Rolls

  • 4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (Pound them flat for even cooking)
  • 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 (Always opt for fresh)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (Adds freshness)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Fresh minced garlic can be used)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional for spice)
  • Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine, as needed (For securing rolls)

For Cooking

  • 1 cup Marinara Sauce (Consider using homemade or alternative sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For searing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to have it ready for baking the chicken rolls later.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Pound the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking and makes rolling easier.
  3. Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, fresh spinach, basil, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until it becomes smooth and well integrated.
  4. Assemble Rolls: Lay each flattened chicken breast on a clean surface, spoon an equal amount of the cheese and herb filling onto each breast. Carefully roll up the chicken tightly and secure each roll with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside while cooking.
  5. Sear Rolls: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken rolls seam side down and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden brown crust. This step locks in moisture and adds flavor.
  6. Bake in Sauce: Transfer the seared chicken rolls to a baking dish and pour the marinara sauce over them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) indicating they are fully cooked.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken rolls from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Then remove the toothpicks or twine, slice the rolls into pinwheels, and serve warm for a delightful meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the best flavor.
  • You can substitute fresh spinach with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
  • Pounding the chicken evenly is key to ensure all rolls cook uniformly.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature for safe consumption.
  • For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add fresh chili flakes.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://yourdailycook.com/chicken-spinach-ricotta-rolls-with-marinara-recipe/