There’s something wildly satisfying about slicing into a chicken roll and seeing that creamy, herby swirl tucked inside. That first cut reveals everything — tender chicken breast wrapped around a rich ricotta cheese filling flecked with spinach, basil, and parsley. It smells like an Italian kitchen and tastes like something you’d order at a cozy neighborhood restaurant.
But here’s the surprise.
These Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls are actually easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
We’re talking simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and about 30 minutes of active cooking time. Whether you call them stuffed chicken roll ups, baked ricotta chicken, or chicken roulade, this dish delivers high protein comfort with fresh flavor.
And yes, we’re going to walk through every detail so you nail it on the first try.
Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls Ingredients You’ll Need
To make truly flavorful Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls, you need quality basics. Nothing complicated. Just fresh, balanced ingredients that work together beautifully.
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper
Boneless skinless chicken breasts are essential here because they flatten and roll easily. When pounded to an even thickness, they cook evenly and stay juicy.
For the Ricotta Cheese Filling
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
This ricotta cheese filling is the heart of the dish. It’s creamy without being heavy, and the fresh basil and parsley bring that classic Italian stuffed chicken flavor.
If you’re in a pinch, cottage cheese can substitute for ricotta. The texture changes slightly, but it still works in stuffed chicken roll ups.
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine
Marinara baked chicken adds moisture and depth. You can use store-bought or homemade sauce.
Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break this down into simple, clear steps so your rolled chicken breast recipe turns out perfect.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Place the chicken breasts between plastic wrap. Pound them to about 1/2 inch thick. This step makes a huge difference. Even thickness means even cooking, and that prevents dry edges.
If you skip this, your baked stuffed chicken breast may cook unevenly.
Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine:
- Ricotta cheese
- Parmesan
- Spinach
- Basil
- Parsley
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Stir until smooth and well blended.
This creamy chicken pinwheel filling should be thick but spreadable.
Step 3: Assemble the Stuffed Chicken Roll Ups
Lay each flattened chicken breast on a clean surface.
Spoon the ricotta mixture into the center. Don’t overfill. That’s the biggest mistake with ricotta stuffed chicken breast recipes. Too much filling causes bursting during cooking.
Roll tightly from one end to the other.
Secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
Now you officially have Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls ready for cooking.
Step 4: Sear for Maximum Flavor
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Place the stuffed chicken roll ups seam-side down first. Sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
This creates a beautiful crust and locks in moisture.
Avoid flipping too early. Let the surface form that golden exterior.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the seared rolls to a baking dish.
Pour marinara sauce evenly over the top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Stuffed chicken internal temp 165 is non-negotiable for safety and juiciness.
Your oven baked stuffed chicken should look bubbly and slightly caramelized around the edges.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Let the Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls rest for 5 minutes.
Remove toothpicks.
Slice into thick pinwheels for presentation.
That swirl inside? That’s what makes this rolled chicken breast recipe special.
Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls check all the boxes.
High protein chicken dinner with about 30 grams of protein per serving.
Naturally low carb stuffed chicken option.
Gluten free chicken recipe when using compliant marinara.
Elegant enough for a dinner party chicken dish.
Simple enough for a weeknight chicken meal.
They also reheat beautifully, which makes them ideal for meal prep chicken recipes.
Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls Variations
One of the best things about stuffed chicken roll ups is flexibility.
Dairy-Free Version
Replace ricotta with blended tofu and nutritional yeast. This makes a dairy free stuffed chicken alternative that still feels creamy.
Add Extra Flavor
Mix sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers into the filling for added depth.
Keto Chicken Roll Ups
Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low carb stuffed chicken plate.
Cream Sauce Option
Instead of marinara baked chicken, try Alfredo sauce for a richer take.
Vegetarian Alternative
Use large portobello mushrooms instead of chicken for a meatless stuffed roll.
Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls What to Serve With Them
This Italian stuffed chicken pairs well with simple sides.
Roasted vegetables bring sweetness and texture.
Arugula salad with lemon dressing adds brightness.
Creamy polenta soaks up extra marinara.
If you want more protein-focused ideas, you might enjoy a creamy crock pot ranch chicken dinner
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Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls Storage and Freezing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To freeze, wrap each ricotta stuffed chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
This baked ricotta chicken holds moisture well, especially if reheated covered.
Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls Nutrition Breakdown
Per roll, approximately:
350 calories
30g protein
20g fat
10g carbohydrates
That makes this high protein chicken dinner satisfying without feeling overly heavy.
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Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls (Creamy, Juicy & Oven-Baked Perfection)
Description
Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls are creamy, juicy, and oven-baked to perfection. Tender chicken breasts are rolled around a rich ricotta filling with spinach, basil, and parsley, then seared and baked in marinara for an elegant yet easy high protein dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to about 1/2 inch thick.
- Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, spinach, basil, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Spoon ricotta mixture into the center of each chicken breast without overfilling.
- Roll tightly from one end and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken rolls seam-side down for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer rolls to a baking dish and pour marinara sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest for 5 minutes before removing toothpicks and slicing into pinwheels.
Notes
Do not overfill the chicken to prevent bursting during baking. Always cook to an internal temperature of 165°F. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze individually wrapped rolls for up to 3 months.
Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls Final Thoughts
Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls are one of those recipes that feel impressive but are completely doable.
They combine the comfort of baked stuffed chicken breast with the elegance of chicken roulade. The ricotta cheese filling keeps everything tender and flavorful, while marinara adds richness.
You get creamy, herby, golden-brown goodness in every slice.
Once you master these stuffed chicken roll ups, you’ll find yourself coming back to them for meal prep, dinner parties, and cozy nights at home.
And honestly, once you see that creamy swirl inside your chicken pinwheels, you’ll understand why this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.
For more delicious recipe ideas, check out our Pinterest page at virlerecipes. Happy cooking!