Description
These Wrapped Spinach Ricotta Chicken Rolls are a deliciously elegant yet simple dinner idea. Tender chicken breasts are filled with a creamy ricotta-spinach mixture, wrapped in savory smoked turkey or beef slices, then baked until golden and juicy. Perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions, this dish combines comfort with sophistication in every bite.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Filling:
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup cooked spinach (squeezed dry; about 5 oz fresh)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For Wrapping:
8 thin slices smoked turkey or beef
Optional Toppings:
1/2 cup marinara or tomato sauce
Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pound the chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap until about 1/2 inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, cooked spinach, Parmesan, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Spread 2–3 tablespoons of filling over each chicken breast. Roll tightly from the short end to enclose the filling.
- Wrap each roll with two slices of smoked turkey or beef, overlapping slightly. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear rolls for 2–3 minutes on all sides until lightly browned.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Optional: During the last 10 minutes, spoon marinara sauce over the rolls and sprinkle with extra Parmesan.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving whole. Serve with salad, roasted vegetables, or pasta.
Notes
Searing the rolls before baking locks in moisture and adds extra flavor.
Use goat cheese or cream cheese for a richer filling variation.
For a dairy-free option, substitute tofu-based ricotta and nutritional yeast.
Freeze raw or baked rolls individually and reheat in the oven for easy meals later.
Secure with toothpicks to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Searing
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg