Let’s be real—weeknight dinners often feel like a race against the clock. Between laundry piles, work emails, and “what’s for dinner” chants echoing through the house, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s exactly why these Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls are a lifesaver.
They’re fancy enough to impress dinner guests (or your picky teenager), yet simple enough for a Wednesday night. Creamy ricotta, fresh herbs, and spinach get all snuggled up inside tender chicken breasts, then baked in warm marinara until bubbly and golden. Oh yes. It’s like comfort food met Italian fine dining—and they got married in your kitchen.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers that don’t taste like cardboard, this recipe has your name written all over it.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls
- Flavor-packed but not fussy – Fresh basil, parsley, and garlic give it that made-from-scratch Italian flair.
- Kid-approved – Even spinach haters magically enjoy it when it’s folded into cheese.
- Make-ahead friendly – Assemble earlier, pop in the oven when ready.
- Versatile sides – Serve with pasta, salad, or roasted veggies.
And bonus? Your kitchen will smell divine. We’re talking Italian bistro vibes, no passport needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you roll up your sleeves (literally), here’s what you’ll want to have ready:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional – if you like a little sass)
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine (to keep those little rolls in line)
How to Make Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Using a sharp knife, gently slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket. Be careful not to go all the way through! Alternatively, place each breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound with a rolling pin or meat mallet until they’re about ½ inch thick. It’s kind of therapeutic, honestly.
Step 2: Make the Creamy, Herby Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta, Parmesan, spinach, basil, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir—it should look like springtime in a bowl.
Step 3: Stuff and Secure
Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly into each chicken pocket. Don’t go overboard—we want stuffing in the roll, not all over your oven. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the edges.
Step 4: Sear to Seal the Flavor
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken rolls. Sear each side for about 3–4 minutes, until they’re beautifully golden. (This step is flavor gold—don’t skip it!)
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the marinara sauce over the seared chicken rolls, sprinkle with red pepper flakes (if using), and slide that skillet into the oven.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temp). Your kitchen will smell unreal by this point. Just try not to peek every 5 minutes.
Step 6: Rest, Slice, and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the chicken cool for a few minutes—just enough time to untangle those toothpicks or twine without burning your fingers. Serve drizzled with the rich marinara sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Pair with your fave pasta, zoodles, or a fresh arugula salad for a balanced meal that tastes like you tried way harder than you actually did.
Chef’s Tips & Tricks
- Pound, don’t poke: Pounding the chicken helps it cook evenly and makes rolling easier. Plus, stress relief.
- Don’t overstuff: It’s tempting to pack in all that cheesy filling, but too much and you’ll have a leaky situation.
- Want more veggies? Add chopped mushrooms or zucchini to the filling.
- No oven-safe skillet? Just transfer everything to a baking dish after searing. Easy peasy.
A Little Backstory…
I first whipped up these Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls for a casual Sunday dinner, not expecting them to cause a household frenzy. My kids were negotiating for extra helpings (yes, the ones who “don’t like spinach”), and my husband? He asked if I could make this every week.
So now, it’s in the regular rotation—and honestly, I’m not mad about it. This recipe feels special without the stress.

FAQs About Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can stuff and roll the chicken up to a day ahead. Just store covered in the fridge and bake when ready.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F or microwave gently to keep them juicy.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Sure! Just thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing it into the ricotta.
What sides go best with this?
Pasta with garlic butter, roasted veggies, or a crisp Caesar salad make delicious companions.
Bring Some Magic to Your Dinner Routine
These Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls are everything you want in a dinner: creamy, herby, savory, and just a little bit fancy. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just treating yourself (because yes, you deserve it), this recipe brings flavor and flair to the table without the fuss.
So go ahead—pull out that skillet and make a little kitchen magic tonight.
Want more cozy chicken recipes like this one? Come hang out with me at Chicken Magic Recipes—we’re all about keeping it simple, scrumptious, and full of love. ❤️🍗
More Delicious Ideas to Pair with Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls
Ready to expand your dinner menu or plan the perfect side or follow-up dish? Here are a few tried-and-true reader favorites that pair beautifully with Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls. These internal links not only offer flavor-packed inspiration but also help you navigate more of our best-loved chicken magic creations:
- Craving a cozy, one-skillet companion? Try this creamy garlic mushroom chicken thighs recipe. It’s rich, savory, and works wonderfully alongside ricotta-stuffed chicken for a fancy-but-easy dinner spread.
- Need a quick pasta fix? This creamy chicken pot pie pasta brings comforting flavors to the table and makes a hearty side or next-day meal option.
- Want another delicious stuffed chicken idea? These cranberry and spinach stuffed chicken breasts with brie are festive, flavorful, and perfect for holiday tables or romantic nights in.
- For those looking to keep things vibrant and health-forward, this high protein Mediterranean chicken orzo is a zesty, satisfying dish that complements the creamy filling in your chicken rolls perfectly.
Let your taste buds roam a little—you never know which recipe might become your next weeknight hero.
Print
Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Herbed Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Rolls are bursting with flavor—juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy, herbed ricotta and spinach mixture, then baked in savory marinara sauce. A comforting, elegant meal perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner party.
Ingredients
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
1 cup ricotta cheese
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
-
1 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
-
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
1 cup marinara sauce
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1 tbsp olive oil
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½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
-
Toothpicks or kitchen twine (for securing rolls)
Instructions
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Prep the Chicken:
Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket, or pound flat between plastic wrap until ½ inch thick. -
Make the Filling:
In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, spinach, basil, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully blended. -
Stuff the Chicken:
Spoon the ricotta mixture into each chicken breast. Secure with toothpicks or twine. -
Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each roll 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. -
Bake:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour marinara over chicken, sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F internal temp. -
Serve:
Let rest for 5 minutes, then remove toothpicks or twine. Serve with sauce and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
You can prep the stuffed chicken a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
Substitute frozen spinach (well-drained) if fresh isn’t available.
Try adding chopped mushrooms or sundried tomatoes to the filling for extra depth.
Pairs well with pasta, salad, or roasted veggies!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken roll
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg