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Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls

Tender chicken breasts filled with creamy herbed ricotta, fresh spinach, and Parmesan, seared golden and baked in marinara sauce for an impressive Italian-style dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese whole-milk recommended
  • 0.33 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder or 2 fresh garlic cloves minced
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup marinara sauce homemade or good quality jarred
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for searing
  • 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing rolls, remove before serving

Equipment

  • Oven-safe skillet or baking dish
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Mixing bowl
  • Toothpicks or kitchen twine
  • Meat thermometer
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/2 inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, fresh spinach, basil, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully blended into a smooth filling.
  3. Lay each pounded chicken breast flat on a clean surface. Spoon the ricotta filling evenly down the center. Do not overfill to prevent bursting during cooking.
  4. Roll each breast tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides as you go. Secure firmly with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
  5. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place rolls seam-side down and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown all over.
  6. Transfer rolls to a baking dish if skillet is not oven-safe. Pour marinara sauce evenly over the rolls.
  7. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (75 degrees C).
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Remove all toothpicks or twine carefully. Slice into pinwheels and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

Use whole-milk ricotta for the creamiest filling. Do not overstuff the rolls to prevent bursting. Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before searing and baking. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze individually wrapped for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350 degrees F covered with foil for 15 to 20 minutes.