Chicken Spinach Cheese Rollatini

Chicken Spinach Cheese Rollatini is a comforting and flavorful dish where tender chicken breasts are rolled around a rich spinach and cheese filling, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, and baked with a vibrant marinara sauce. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe combines Italian inspired ingredients with straightforward steps that yield impressive results.

I discovered this recipe on a cozy weekend when I wanted something both elegant and easy. The first time I made it, the crispy outside with the gooey cheese inside was such a hit that it quickly became a goto for family dinners.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: packed thin and tender to roll easily and cook evenly
• Salt and black pepper: seasoning to enhance natural flavors
• Italian seasoning: for a fragrant and savory touch
• Olive oil: to promote browning and add richness
• Ricotta cheese: offering creamy texture essential for the filling
• Mozzarella cheese: delivering meltiness and mild flavor
• Parmesan cheese: boosting the savory profile with nutty notes
• Fresh spinach: for a nutritious and tasty green component, sautéed to reduce moisture
• Garlic: giving aromatic sharpness
• Nutmeg: providing subtle warmth and depth if you choose to include it
• Italianstyle breadcrumbs: for the crunchy coating that holds well when baked
• Additional Parmesan: mixed with breadcrumbs to intensify flavor
• Eggs: as a binding wash to hold the coating
• Flour: aiding in adhering the egg wash and breadcrumbs
• Marinara sauce: to provide a tangy and slightly sweet contrast to the rollatini
• Extra shredded mozzarella: for a bubbly cheesy finish
• Fresh herbs: to garnish and brighten the dish just before serving

Instructions

Sculpt the Chicken:

Lay the chicken breasts between parchment paper and gently pound them down to about a quarterinch thickness. This step is crucial for even cooking and makes rolling the filling inside easier. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Prepare the Filling:

In a mixing bowl combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, sautéed spinach, minced garlic, and an optional pinch of nutmeg. Stir well until the mixture is creamy and homogeneous.

Roll and Secure:

Place two or three tablespoons of the filling onto the center of each flattened chicken breast. Roll the chicken tightly around the filling, folding in the sides if you can to keep everything contained. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure each rollatini so they hold their shape during cooking.

Coat the Rollatini:

Set up your dredging station by placing flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in a second, and a mixture of Italianstyle breadcrumbs and Parmesan in a third bowl. First coat each roll in flour which gives the egg wash something to stick to. Dip into the eggs and then thoroughly coat in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the rollatini seamside down in a greased baking dish.

Bake Until Golden:

Preheat your oven to 190 degrees Celsius or 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush each roll with olive oil to encourage a golden crust. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the coating becomes crisp and browned.

Add Sauce and Cheese:

Spoon marinara sauce generously over each rollatini, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. Return the baking dish to the oven for 5 to 7 minutes more until the cheese melts and bubbles beautifully. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving.

I love the combination of spinach and cheeses melting inside the chicken. It reminds me of family dinners where everyone gathered around the table sharing stories while savoring every bite. The nutmeg is my secret to adding warmth to the filling, but it’s optional depending on your taste.

Storage Tips

Store leftover rollatini in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within three days for best flavor. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the breadcrumb crust crisp. If freezing, wrap well without sauce and thaw overnight before baking with sauce added fresh.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or pork instead of chicken for a variation in flavor and texture. Substitute kale or Swiss chard for spinach if you want a different green or prefer something heartier. Gluten free breadcrumbs and flour work well to accommodate gluten sensitivities without sacrificing texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this with a simple side salad or garlic roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Creamy mashed potatoes or polenta also complement the rollatini nicely. A crusty Italian bread is perfect for sopping up the flavorful marinara sauce.

Enjoy the warm melty filling and crispy crust with a simple salad for a complete meal. This recipe is great for make ahead dinners and special occasions.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How do I ensure the chicken rolls cook evenly?

Pound the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness of about ¼ inch; this helps them cook quickly and evenly without drying out.

→ Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes, the spinach and cheese filling can be mixed ahead and kept refrigerated until ready to assemble.

→ What type of breadcrumbs works best for the coating?

Italian-style seasoned breadcrumbs are preferred for added flavor, but plain ones can be enhanced with herbs and spices.

→ Is it necessary to use toothpicks or twine?

Using toothpicks or kitchen twine helps keep the rolled chicken secure during cooking and prevents filling from spilling out.

→ Can I substitute marinara sauce with another topping?

Yes, a light tomato sauce or even a flavorful cream sauce can be used based on preference.

→ What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently in an oven to maintain crispiness of the coating, covering loosely to prevent drying.