If you’re craving a dish that’s both indulgent and packed with flavor, Creamy Spinach Alfredo Chicken Roll-Ups are about to become your new favorite dinner. Tender chicken breasts wrapped around a luscious mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, spinach, and a hint of savory turkey bacon, all smothered in a creamy Alfredo sauce that’s rich and comforting. This meal is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something impressive but straightforward to prepare. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some greens without sacrificing taste!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
- Rich, creamy flavors: The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and heavy cream creates a sauce that’s luxuriously smooth and satisfying.
- Spinach-packed goodness: Fresh spinach adds a vibrant color and a boost of nutrients that balances the richness.
- Easy yet elegant: These roll-ups look like they belong in a fancy restaurant but come together with simple ingredients and minimal fuss.
- Protein-packed: Four chicken breasts provide plenty of lean protein, making this dish hearty and filling.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make ahead and bake when ready, or freeze for an effortless dinner later in the week.
Ingredient Rundown
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing a tender, juicy base that’s easy to roll and bake.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped: Adds freshness, color, and a mild earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese blend.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Brings a smooth, mild creaminess that makes the filling luscious without overpowering other flavors.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully, adding stretch and gooey goodness.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Offers a nutty, salty punch that enhances the Alfredo sauce and filling.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The base of the Alfredo sauce, creating that rich, velvety texture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce and filling with savory depth and aroma.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté the garlic and spinach, adding a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and seasoning complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Just a pinch, elevating the Alfredo sauce with a warm, slightly sweet undertone.
- 1/2 cup turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled: Adds a smoky, savory crunch that complements the creamy filling perfectly.
Before You Start: Equipment
- Sharp knife and cutting board: For slicing chicken breasts and chopping spinach.
- Meat mallet or rolling pin: To gently pound the chicken breasts thin and even, ensuring easy rolling and even cooking.
- Large skillet: To sauté garlic and spinach before mixing with the cheeses.
- Mixing bowls: For combining the filling ingredients and preparing the Alfredo sauce.
- Baking dish (9×13 inch preferred): To arrange the roll-ups and bake everything to golden perfection.
- Whisk: For making the Alfredo sauce smooth and creamy.
- Tongs or spatula: To handle the chicken roll-ups during preparation and transfer.
Make Creamy Spinach Alfredo Chicken Roll-Ups: A Simple Method
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by placing each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken until it’s about 1/4-inch thick. This helps the chicken cook evenly and makes rolling easier. Season each breast with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper.
Step 2: Sauté the Spinach and Garlic
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, sautéed spinach, crumbled turkey bacon, remaining salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir until well combined.
Step 4: Roll Up the Chicken
Lay each chicken breast flat and spread an even layer of the spinach and cheese filling over the surface. Starting at the narrow end, carefully roll up the chicken breast, securing the filling inside. Place each roll seam-side down in your baking dish.
Step 5: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, minced garlic, remaining salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Whisk continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the Alfredo sauce evenly over the chicken roll-ups in the baking dish. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top if desired. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Let the roll-ups rest for 5 minutes before serving. These pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Budget & Availability Swaps
- Spinach: Use frozen spinach (thawed and drained) if fresh isn’t available. It works just as well and is budget-friendly.
- Turkey bacon: Substitute with diced cooked chicken sausage or omit entirely for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Heavy cream: If unavailable, use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free twist, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
- Parmesan cheese: Replace with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different flavor profile.
- Ricotta cheese: Cottage cheese can be used but blend it first for a smoother texture.
Behind-the-Scenes Notes
- The key to tender roll-ups is not over-pounding the chicken. Just enough to flatten thinly without tearing.
- Make sure to drain excess liquid from spinach or cottage cheese substitutes to avoid a watery filling.
- The nutmeg in the sauce adds warmth and complexity — don’t skip it! It’s subtle but makes a big difference.
- If you want extra cheesy roll-ups, sprinkle mozzarella on top before baking for that golden, bubbly crust.
- For a bit of color and freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or basil just before serving.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
This recipe is perfect for making ahead and freezing. Assemble the chicken roll-ups completely but do not bake. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Bake covered at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Ask the Chef
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor. Just pound them to an even thickness as you would with breasts for rolling.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less thick and creamy. Using part-skim cheeses also helps reduce fat content without sacrificing too much flavor.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes! The spinach and cheese mixture can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. This makes assembly on the day of cooking quick and easy.
What side dishes pair well with these roll-ups?
A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread are wonderful complements. You want something fresh or crunchy to balance the creamy richness of the roll-ups.
See You at the Table
This Creamy Spinach Alfredo Chicken Roll-Ups recipe is exactly what you need for a comforting, flavorful dinner that feels special without hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself after a long day, this dish delivers creamy, cheesy satisfaction in every bite. Give it a try, and watch how it quickly becomes a staple in your meal rotation. Happy cooking!
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Creamy Spinach Alfredo Chicken Roll-Ups
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by placing each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken until it’s about 1/4-inch thick. Season each breast with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper.
- Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, sautéed spinach, crumbled turkey bacon, remaining salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir until well combined.
- Lay each chicken breast flat and spread an even layer of the spinach and cheese filling over the surface. Starting at the narrow end, carefully roll up the chicken breast, securing the filling inside. Place each roll seam-side down in your baking dish.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, minced garlic, remaining salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Whisk continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Pour the Alfredo sauce evenly over the chicken roll-ups in the baking dish. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top if desired. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the roll-ups rest for 5 minutes before serving. These pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Don’t over-pound the chicken to keep it tender and prevent tearing.
- Drain excess liquid from spinach or cottage cheese substitutes to avoid a watery filling.
- Nutmeg adds warmth and complexity to the sauce, so don’t skip it.
- For extra cheesy roll-ups, sprinkle mozzarella on top before baking for a golden crust.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or basil just before serving for added freshness and color.
