These spinach pesto chicken rolls are a flavorful and healthy option for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are filled with a tasty spinach pesto mixture and baked to perfection. Serve them with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally, but not all the way through. Open them up like a book and flatten them slightly with a meat mallet.
- In a food processor, combine the spinach, basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pulse until well combined and a smooth pesto consistency is achieved.
- Spoon the spinach pesto mixture onto the center of each chicken breast. Roll up the chicken over the filling and secure with toothpicks.
- Place the chicken rolls in a baking dish and season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the toothpicks before serving. Slice the chicken rolls into thick slices and serve warm.
- Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
The spinach pesto adds a burst of flavor and beautiful green color to the chicken rolls.
This recipe can easily be doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
The leftovers make a great lunch option the next day.
The chicken rolls can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.