Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, the leaves are swirling outside your window, and your kitchen is filled with the warm aroma of something delicious simmering away. This is exactly the kind of scene that inspired me to whip up these Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls. They’re not just another chicken dish; they’re a cozy embrace on a plate. With creamy ricotta, a fresh herb medley, and tender chicken, this dish is sure to turn any dinner into a delightful occasion. Let’s dive into how to create this culinary hug together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and quick to whip up on a busy weeknight.
• Budget-friendly, making it perfect for family meals!
• Comforting flavors that feel like home.
• Customizable with your favorite herbs or spices.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun, so let’s get started! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (fresh is best!)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh spinach, chopped (feel free to substitute with other greens)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic actually packs a punch!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
• 1 cup marinara sauce (jarred or homemade, your call!)
• Optional: fresh basil for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking! Follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s all set and ready when you pop those lovely chicken rolls in!
2. Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, spinach, parsley, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended. This herbed filling will bring so much flavor to our chicken!
3. Prep the chicken: Take each chicken breast and place it between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound it with a meat mallet or rolling pin until it’s about 1/2 inch thick. This way, the chicken will cook evenly and be easier to roll.
4. Fill the rolls: Place 2-3 tablespoons of the herb ricotta mixture on one end of each chicken breast. Roll it up tightly, starting from the filled end to the other end. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
5. Brown the chicken: In a large, ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken rolls, searing them on all sides until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side). This adds flavor and keeps the chicken tender.
6. Top it off: Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken rolls in the skillet, making sure they’re well-coated. It’ll soak into the chicken, adding moisture and flavor!
7. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). The smell will be incredible!
8. Serve: Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve hot. Don’t forget to sprinkle with fresh basil for that gorgeous finishing touch!

Pro Tips & Variations

Feeling creative? Here are some fun twists you can try:

• Herb blends: Swap out the parsley and thyme for your favorite herbs like tarragon or dill for a unique flavor profile.
• Cheese swaps: Mix in some mozzarella or goat cheese instead of Parmesan for a different texture and taste!
• Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta for a little kick.
• Vegetable variations: Stuff the chicken with roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor and color.

Serving Suggestions

Oh, how do we serve these delightful stuffed chicken rolls? I love pairing them with a hearty salad, perhaps a mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette that cuts through the creaminess of the ricotta. You could also serve them over a bed of warm, buttery rice or alongside some fluffy mashed potatoes for a warming touch. And, if you’re in the mood for something cozy, a loaf of crusty bread on the side is always a winner to scoop up that delicious marinara sauce!

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? No problem! These Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls store beautifully:

• Refrigeration: Place leftover rolls in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: If you want to make these ahead of time, you can freeze the rolled chicken before baking. Just wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
• Reheating: To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This way, they’ll stay juicy and delicious!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed chicken rolls ahead of time and either store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake or freeze them for later. Just remember to let them thaw in the fridge before cooking!

What can I serve with the Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls?

These rolls pair wonderfully with a variety of sides! A fresh garden salad, a lemony quinoa, or even some garlic bread can complement the flavors beautifully. Don’t forget a nice glass of wine or a warm herbal tea to elevate your cozy dinner experience!

How can I make this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?

For a low-carb or keto version, you can skip the marinara sauce and serve the rolls over a bed of zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead. Alternatively, replacing the ricotta cheese with a cream cheese-based filling can keep the dish creamy and delicious!

Can I use a different type of meat?

Of course! This recipe isn’t just limited to chicken; you can use turkey cutlets or even pork tenderloin. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the meat to ensure everything is cooked perfectly!

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited to make these Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls as I was the first time I made them. They’ve quickly become a family favorite around here! I’d love to hear how yours turn out. Please leave a comment below or share your twists on the recipe! Cooking is all about joy and creativity, and I’m so glad to be sharing this delicious experience with you.

Irresistible Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls for Cozy Dinner

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• Author: meryem
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Savor the warmth of herbed ricotta stuffed chicken rolls perfect for a cozy dinner delight that will impress family friends Enjoy a taste sensation

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)

1 cup ricotta cheese (fresh is best!)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh spinach, chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking

1 cup marinara sauce (jarred or homemade, your call!)

Optional: fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, spinach, parsley, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.

Take each chicken breast and pound it until about 1/2 inch thick between two sheets of plastic wrap.

Place 2-3 tablespoons of the herb ricotta mixture on one end of each chicken breast and roll it up tightly. Secure with toothpicks if needed.

In a large, ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the stuffed chicken rolls on all sides until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side).

Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken rolls in the skillet.

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).

Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, garnished with fresh basil.

Notes

A warm and delicious recipe for Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls, perfect for a cozy dinner.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 4 grams
• Fat: 25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 10 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Protein: 40 grams

Keywords: chicken, herbed ricotta, stuffed chicken rolls, easy dinner, cozy meal