Indulge in a culinary experience that brings the heart of Italy right to your dinner table with these delightful Italian Stuffed Chicken Roll-Ups! Imagine tender chicken breasts, expertly rolled and filled with a creamy spinach and ricotta mixture, all topped with a luscious marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. This dish not only looks impressive but is also surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Ready to elevate your cooking game? Dive into this recipe that promises to impress your family and friends, leaving them begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup spinach, cooked
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, carefully pound the chicken to an even 1/4-inch thickness. This ensures uniform cooking and easy rolling.
- In a medium bowl, mix cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, salt, and pepper until well combined. This will be the primary filling for the chicken roll-ups.
- Lay each flattened chicken breast on a clean work surface. Spread an even layer of the spinach-ricotta mixture across the center of each chicken breast, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Carefully roll each chicken breast tightly, tucking in the sides to prevent the filling from leaking. Secure each roll with toothpicks or kitchen twine to maintain their shape during cooking.
- Place the rolled chicken seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over the top of the chicken rolls, ensuring they are partially covered.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken rolls, covering them completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes cutting easier.
- Remove toothpicks or twine before serving. Plate the chicken rolls and spoon additional marinara sauce over the top if desired.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot with a side of roasted vegetables or pasta.
Tips
- Pound Evenly: When pounding the chicken breasts, ensure they are an even 1/4-inch thickness. This helps them cook uniformly and makes rolling easier.
- Season Generously: Don’t shy away from seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper before adding the filling. It enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Use Fresh Spinach: If possible, use fresh spinach instead of frozen for a brighter flavor and better texture in your filling.
- Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking. This step is crucial for juicy, tender meat, as it helps the juices redistribute.
- Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like Parmesan or feta with the ricotta for a unique twist on the filling.
- Make Ahead: These roll-ups can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve these roll-ups with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple pasta dish to create a complete Italian feast!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 130mg
