Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls for a Cozy Dinner Night Recipe
Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls are a delightful and cozy dinner option featuring tender chicken breasts filled with a flavorful mixture of ricotta, Parmesan, fresh spinach, and herbs. Seared to perfection and baked in marinara sauce, these rolls are rich in texture and taste, making them perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Filling
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Alternative: Boneless turkey cutlets or portobello mushrooms for dietary variety)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (Alternative: Cottage cheese blended for texture or a dairy-free option with blended tofu and nutritional yeast)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Optional for added depth)
- 1 cup fresh spinach (Can be omitted or substituted with kale)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (Fresh herbs preferred for maximum flavor)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (Can be substituted with other herbs if desired)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (Use fresh garlic for more intensity)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce (Can be homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (Optional; adds subtle heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket suitable for stuffing. To ensure even thickness and tenderness, gently pound the chicken breasts with a meat mallet.
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, fresh spinach, basil, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until all ingredients are well blended.
- Stuff the Chicken: Carefully fill each chicken pocket with the prepared ricotta mixture. Secure the openings using toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed chicken rolls into the skillet and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until they become golden brown and develop a nice crust.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the marinara sauce over the seared chicken rolls in the skillet. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, let the chicken cool slightly, then carefully remove the toothpicks or twine. Serve the chicken rolls topped with extra marinara sauce and garnish with fresh herbs if desired for an added burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey cutlets or portobello mushrooms for a different protein or vegetarian option.
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more intense garlic flavor.
- For a dairy-free filling, blend tofu with nutritional yeast as a ricotta substitute.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- Feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat in the marinara sauce.
- Remove toothpicks or twine before serving to avoid accidents while eating.
Keywords: Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken, Stuffed Chicken Rolls, Ricotta Chicken Recipe, Cozy Dinner, Italian Chicken Dinner, Baked Stuffed Chicken
