Lasagna Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Spinach

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken: Make sure each chicken breast is evenly thick. If necessary, place the chicken between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a mallet to ensure uniform thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Make the filling: In a small bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and thawed spinach. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic paste if using. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
3. Stuff the chicken: Spoon a few tablespoons of the cheese-spinach mixture onto each chicken breast, spreading it evenly. Roll the chicken from the narrowest edge to the largest edge to form a bundle. Place seam-side down on a plate or baking sheet.
4. Prepare for coating: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour enough pasta sauce into the bottom of a casserole dish to coat about ½ inch. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs. On a separate plate, place the panko breadcrumbs seasoned with salt and pepper.
5. Coat the chicken: Dip each stuffed chicken roll in the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then roll in the panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated. Set aside on a tray or cutting board.
6. Brown the chicken: Heat 2–3 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown each chicken roll on all sides (about 2 minutes per side). You may need to work in batches to avoid crowding the pan.
7. Bake the chicken: Place browned chicken rolls into the sauce-lined casserole dish. Optionally, top each with extra mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
8. Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve hot with a side of pasta, a crisp salad, or roasted vegetables.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 3–6 (depending on breast size)
Difficulty: Medium

Variations & Substitutions

• Cheese swap: Replace ricotta with cottage cheese or mascarpone for a creamier filling.
• Vegetable boost: Add finely diced roasted red peppers or mushrooms to the filling.
• Breadcrumb option: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb version.
• Sauce variations: Try a creamy Alfredo sauce or a tomato-basil sauce for a flavor twist.

Serving Suggestions