Name: creamy spinach chicken roll ups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 150 g each), pounded to 1/4‑inch thickness; 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, packed; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

creamy spinach chicken roll ups

Published on December 04, 2025

4.8 (245 reviews)

A creamy spinach chicken roll‑up is the ultimate comfort food that feels gourmet yet stays simple enough for a weekday dinner.

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Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

20 min

Servings

Why You'll Love This Recipe

✓ Quick Weeknight Solution: Ready in under 40 minutes, it uses pantry staples and needs only one pan, perfect for busy evenings.

✓ Creamy, Not Heavy: A light cream sauce delivers richness without excess calories, keeping the dish satisfying yet balanced.

✓ Versatile Flavors: Swap spinach for kale or add sun‑dried tomatoes for a twist; the roll‑up format adapts to many cuisines.

A creamy spinach chicken roll‑up is the ultimate comfort food that feels gourmet yet stays simple enough for a weekday dinner.

Thin chicken breasts are butterflied, layered with wilted spinach and a silky cheese sauce, then rolled, seared, and finished in the oven.

The result is a juicy, melt‑in‑your‑mouth bite that pairs beautifully with a light salad or roasted vegetables.

2 cups fresh baby spinach Will wilt quickly; can replace with frozen

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds umami and helps thicken sauce

¼ cup heavy cream Creates the silky base; can use half‑and‑half

2 cloves garlic, minced Adds depth without overpowering

1 tbsp olive oil For searing the chicken

½ tsp dried oregano Optional herb for aroma

Salt and freshly ground black pepper To taste

Instructions

Prepare the chicken

Place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, pound to an even ¼‑inch thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and oregano.

Pro Tip: If the breasts are uneven, trim the thicker parts to keep roll‑ups uniform.

Make the spinach filling

Heat ½ tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, sauté 30 seconds, then stir in spinach. Cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then mix in half the Parmesan.

Pro Tip: Drain excess liquid to avoid a soggy roll‑up.

Assemble the roll‑ups

Lay a chicken breast flat. Spread a thin layer of the spinach mixture over the surface. Sprinkle a little remaining Parmesan. Starting from the short side, tightly roll the breast and secure with toothpicks.

Pro Tip: Use parchment paper while rolling to prevent sticking.

Sear and bake

Heat remaining olive oil in an oven‑safe skillet over medium‑high heat. Add roll‑ups seam‑side down; sear 2‑3 minutes until golden. Flip, pour cream over, and sprinkle the rest of the Parmesan. Transfer skillet to a 375°F oven; bake 12‑15 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F.

Pro Tip: If your skillet isn’t oven‑safe, move roll‑ups to a baking dish and add sauce.

Rest and serve

Remove toothpicks, let roll‑ups rest 5 minutes so juices redistribute. Slice diagonally, drizzle any remaining sauce, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

Expert Tips

Tip #1: Keep the roll tight

A snug roll prevents the filling from escaping during searing. Use a clean kitchen towel to hold the roll while you roll it up.

Tip #2: Cream sauce consistency

If the sauce thickens too quickly, whisk in a splash of milk or chicken broth to achieve a silky glaze.

Tip #3: Reheat without drying

Reheat leftovers in a skillet with a splash of broth, covering for 3‑4 minutes to keep the chicken moist.

Storage & Variations

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve creaminess. Swap spinach for kale, add sun‑dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist, or use turkey breast for a leaner version.

Nutrition

Per serving (1 roll‑up)

Calories

420 kcal

Protein

32 g

Fat

22 g

Carbs

8 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Cool completely, wrap each roll‑up in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a covered skillet with a splash of broth, then finish under the oven.

Substitute half‑and‑half or a blend of milk and a teaspoon of flour. The sauce will be slightly lighter but still creamy; add a pinch more Parmesan to thicken.

Absolutely. Gruyère, fontina, or a sharp cheddar all work well. Choose a cheese that melts smoothly and complements the spinach flavor.