Spinach Pesto Chicken Rolls: A Flavorful & Healthy Dinner Recipe

Are you looking for a delicious and healthy weeknight dinner that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor? Look no further than these Spinach Pesto Chicken Rolls! This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with vibrant spinach pesto and creamy mozzarella, creating a satisfying and visually appealing dish that the whole family will love. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more greens into your diet while enjoying a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. This recipe is also incredibly versatile – you can customize the filling with your favorite cheeses, vegetables, or seasonings. Get ready to impress your taste buds and elevate your chicken game with this fantastic recipe!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Healthy and Delicious:** This recipe is packed with protein from the chicken, vitamins and minerals from the spinach, and healthy fats from the pesto. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. You can even prep some of the components ahead of time to make it even faster.
* **Versatile:** This recipe is easily customizable. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, vegetables, and seasonings to create your own unique version.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The rolled chicken breasts create an elegant and visually appealing dish that’s perfect for special occasions or dinner parties.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will love the combination of chicken, cheese, and pesto. You can even involve them in the preparation process to get them excited about trying new foods.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious Spinach Pesto Chicken Rolls:

* **Chicken Breasts:** 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* **Fresh Spinach:** 5 ounces, washed and stemmed
* **Pine Nuts:** 1/4 cup
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/4 cup, grated
* **Olive Oil:** 1/4 cup, plus more for drizzling
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 4 ounces, sliced or shredded
* **Optional:** Sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or other vegetables for filling.
* **Cooking Spray:** For greasing the baking dish.

## Equipment Needed

* **Food Processor or Blender:** For making the pesto.
* **Cutting Board:** For preparing the chicken and vegetables.
* **Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin:** For flattening the chicken breasts.
* **Baking Dish:** A 9×13 inch baking dish works well.
* **Toothpicks:** To secure the chicken rolls.
* **Oven:** For baking the chicken rolls.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your own Spinach Pesto Chicken Rolls:

**Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Pesto**

1. In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh spinach, pine nuts, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Pulse until finely chopped.
3. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while the food processor is running until a smooth paste forms.
4. Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed.

**Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Breasts**

1. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap.
2. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This will help them cook evenly and make them easier to roll.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

**Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Rolls**

1. Spread a generous amount of spinach pesto evenly over each flattened chicken breast.
2. Top with sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese.
3. If desired, add sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or other vegetables to the filling.
4. Carefully roll up each chicken breast tightly, starting from one end.
5. Secure the rolls with toothpicks to prevent them from unrolling during baking.

**Step 4: Bake the Chicken Rolls**

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
3. Place the chicken rolls seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
4. Drizzle the chicken rolls with a little olive oil.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove the toothpicks before serving.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**

1. Let the chicken rolls rest for a few minutes before slicing.
2. Serve the Spinach Pesto Chicken Rolls warm with your favorite sides, such as pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a salad.
3. Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

## Tips and Variations

* **Make-Ahead:** You can prepare the spinach pesto and flatten the chicken breasts ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the chicken rolls.
* **Cheese Variations:** Try using different cheeses, such as provolone, fontina, or goat cheese, for a different flavor profile.
* **Vegetable Variations:** Add other vegetables to the filling, such as mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or zucchini.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto for a little heat.
* **Pesto Alternatives:** If you don’t have spinach, you can use other leafy greens like kale or basil to make the pesto.
* **Grilling:** These chicken rolls can also be grilled. Grill over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
* **Air Fryer:** Cook these in the air fryer at 375F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
* **Sauce Options:** Serve with a side of marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, or a lemon-butter sauce for dipping.
* **Low-Carb Option:** Serve the chicken rolls with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb meal.
* **Freezing:** You can freeze leftover chicken rolls. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

## Serving Suggestions

These Spinach Pesto Chicken Rolls are delicious served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Pasta:** Serve with your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Toss the pasta with a simple olive oil and garlic sauce or a creamy Alfredo sauce.
* **Rice:** Serve with white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. Add some chopped herbs or vegetables to the rice for extra flavor.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roast your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus. Season them with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
* **Salad:** Serve with a simple green salad or a more elaborate salad with grilled vegetables and a vinaigrette dressing.
* **Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for dipping in the pesto or sauce.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-400
* Protein: 40-45g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.* You can find many free tools online to estimate your recipe’s nutrition too.

## Conclusion

These Spinach Pesto Chicken Rolls are a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With their vibrant flavor and impressive presentation, they’re sure to become a new family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to create your own signature version. Happy cooking!

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use frozen spinach for the pesto?**

A: Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before using it.

**Q: Can I make the pesto ahead of time?**

A: Absolutely! The pesto can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the pesto for longer storage.

**Q: How do I prevent the chicken rolls from drying out?**

A: To prevent the chicken rolls from drying out, make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and don’t overbake them. You can also add a little chicken broth to the bottom of the baking dish to keep them moist.

**Q: Can I use a different type of pesto?**

A: Yes, you can use any type of pesto you like, such as basil pesto, sun-dried tomato pesto, or kale pesto.

**Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?**

A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to use gluten-free ingredients, such as gluten-free breadcrumbs if you’re using them in the filling.

**Q: How long do leftovers last?**

A: Leftovers will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to store them in an airtight container.

**Q: Can I reheat the chicken rolls in the microwave?**

A: Yes, you can reheat the chicken rolls in the microwave, but they may become a little dry. To prevent them from drying out, add a little water or broth to the dish before microwaving.

**Q: What wine pairs well with this dish?**

A: A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs well with this dish.

**Q: Can I add breadcrumbs to the filling?**

A: Yes, you can add a small amount of breadcrumbs to the filling for extra texture. Use about 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs per 4 chicken breasts.

**Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?**

A: Yes, you can use any type of cheese you like, such as provolone, fontina, or goat cheese.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Spinach Pesto Chicken Rolls!