Chicken Spinach and Ricotta Rolls in Marinara Recipe
These savory Chicken Rolls are a delightful and comforting dinner option featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with a flavorful ricotta spinach filling, baked in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for a cozy night in, this recipe combines creamy cheese, fresh herbs, and subtle spices to create a satisfying meal that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, pounded flat for even cooking
For the Filling
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese, creamy and lower in fat
- 1/3 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese, optional but recommended
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach, rinsed and chopped (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 as a substitute)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
For Cooking
- 1 cup Marinara Sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil, for searing
- 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, optional for added spice
- Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine, as needed to secure rolls
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts flat to an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly. This will also make rolling easier.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped spinach, fresh basil, fresh parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Stuff the Chicken: Spread an even layer of the ricotta and spinach filling onto each flattened chicken breast. Roll each breast tightly and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the filling inside while cooking.
- Sear the Rolls: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken rolls and sear them on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. This locks in the juices and adds flavor.
- Simmer in Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and pour the marinara sauce over the chicken rolls in the skillet. Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cover and let the rolls simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
- Serve: Remove toothpicks or twine carefully before serving. Plate the chicken rolls topped with the sauce and garnish with extra fresh herbs or Parmesan if desired. Enjoy your cozy dinner!
Notes
- Ensure chicken is pounded to an even thickness to prevent uneven cooking.
- Fresh herbs enhance flavor but dried can be substituted if necessary.
- The filling can be customized with other vegetables like mushrooms or artichokes.
- To keep rolls intact, secure tightly with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Use a meat thermometer to verify the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
- Marinara sauce can be homemade for better flavor or store-bought for convenience.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
