Chicken Roll Ups Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Dinner Idea
Are you looking for a quick, easy, and delicious dinner recipe that's also healthy and impressive? Look no further than these Chicken Roll Ups! This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual get-together. It's packed with flavor and requires minimal cooking time, making it a winner for busy cooks.
What You'll Need:
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking. Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced (about 6-8 breasts)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Cooking spray
For Serving:
- Your favorite pasta (fettuccine, penne, etc.)
- Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
Let's get cooking! This recipe is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps for perfect Chicken Roll Ups every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
Step 2: Assemble the Roll Ups
Lay out the thinly sliced chicken breasts. Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture onto each chicken breast, spreading it evenly. Tightly roll up each chicken breast, starting from one of the longer sides.
Step 3: Secure the Rolls (Optional)
To prevent the roll-ups from unraveling during cooking, you can secure them with toothpicks. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it helps maintain their shape.
Step 4: Cook the Roll Ups
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray. Place the chicken roll-ups in the baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the toothpicks (if used) before serving. Serve the Chicken Roll Ups with your favorite pasta and marinara sauce. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese adds a nice finishing touch.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Marinate the chicken breasts in Italian dressing for 30 minutes before assembling the roll-ups.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture for a little heat.
- Add some veggies: Incorporate chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the cream cheese mixture.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve the roll-ups over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes.
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Conclusion:
These Chicken Roll Ups are a fantastic weeknight meal option that's both delicious and easy to make. The combination of creamy cream cheese, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!