Ricotta, Spinach, and Ham Stuffed Chicken Breast Marsala with Pine Nut Pilaf

Health score
45%
Ricotta, Spinach, and Ham Stuffed Chicken Breast Marsala with Pine Nut Pilaf
45 min.
4
939kcal

Suggestions

There is something truly magical about transforming humble chicken breasts into elegant, bite-sized bundles that burst with savory flavor in every mouthful. This Ricotta, Spinach, and Ham Stuffed Chicken Breast Marsala with Pine Nut Pilaf is a culinary masterpiece that perfectly balances creamy richness with earthy depth. Imagine tender, pounded chicken breasts rolled into neat cylinders, generously filled with a luscious blend of fresh ricotta, earthy frozen spinach, and salty speck or prosciutto. The addition of freshly grated nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic hint that elevates the filling from simple to sophisticated, promising a comforting yet refined dining experience.

Once sealed and secured with kitchen twine, these bundles are seared to golden perfection in a rich sauce infused with sautéed cremini mushrooms and a splash of bold Marsala wine. The deglazing process unlocks the deep, caramelized flavors left in the pan, creating a velvety gravy that coats each piece of chicken beautifully. What makes this dish even more impressive is the accompanying Pine Nut Pilaf, a side dish that is as much a work of art as the main course. Toasted orzo and pine nuts in melted butter provide a delightful crunch and nutty sweetness that contrasts wonderfully with the soft, savory chicken. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or simply craving a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe delivers an unforgettable combination of textures and tastes that will leave your guests asking for seconds.

Ingredients

  • tablespoons butter 
  • tablespoons butter divided
  • 1.5 cups chicken broth 
  • cups chicken stock see 
  • 0.5 pound cremini mushrooms sliced
  • handful flat-leaf parsley fresh finely chopped
  • servings flour for dredging
  • cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • servings kosher salt and pepper black freshly ground
  • cup rice long grain
  • 0.5 cup marsala wine 
  • servings nutmeg freshly grated
  • servings olive oil extra-virgin for drizzling
  • 0.5 cup orzo pasta 
  • 0.3 cup pinenuts 
  • 0.8 cup sheep's milk ricotta fresh
  •  chicken breasts boneless skinless
  • slices speck 
  • box pkt spinach frozen dry organic separated

Equipment

  • frying pan
  • pot
  • aluminum foil
  • kitchen twine

Directions

  1. Cut 4 long pieces of kitchen twine.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a liberal drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil plus 2 tablespoons butter and saute the mushrooms for 8 to10 minute to darken.
  3. Meanwhile, butterfly the chicken breasts open and pound them out very thin, no more than 1/8-inch thick. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and top each piece of chicken with 2 tablespoons ricotta cheese and spread it around. Top with 1/4 of the spinach and season with freshly grated nutmeg, salt and pepper. Then top each piece of chicken with a slice of speck.
  4. Roll the chicken into bundles and secure with twine. Season the bundles with salt and pepper and dredge lightly in flour.
  5. Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper and remove to a plate.
  6. Add extra-virgin olive oil to coat the pan.
  7. Add the chicken and cook over medium-high heat for 15 minutes.
  8. Remove the chicken to a plate and cover with foil.
  9. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons flour, and deglaze the pan with marsala.
  10. Add the broth and cook to thicken, about 1 to 2 minutes, and then add the mushrooms to combine.
  11. Remove the string from the chicken and top with sauce.
  12. Serve with Pine Nut Pilaf.
  13. Melt the butter in a saucepot over medium heat.
  14. Add the orzo and pine nuts and toast until golden.
  15. Add the rice and stir in the stock. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to simmer, and cover. Cook for 18 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Calories939kcal
Protein19.64%
Fat46.15%
Carbs34.21%

Properties

Glycemic Index
110.55
Glycemic Load
32.59
Inflammation Score
-10
Nutrition Score
44.139565068743%

Flavonoids

Petunidin
1.99mg
Delphinidin
1.17mg
Malvidin
28.45mg
Peonidin
1.18mg
Catechin
2.96mg
Epicatechin
2.27mg
Apigenin
2.17mg
Luteolin
0.03mg
Kaempferol
0.02mg
Myricetin
0.17mg
Quercetin
0.61mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:938.77kcal
46.94%
Fat:46.4g
71.38%
Saturated Fat:15.95g
99.67%
Carbohydrates:77.38g
25.79%
Net Carbohydrates:72.76g
26.46%
Sugar:9.01g
10.01%
Cholesterol:135.49mg
45.16%
Sodium:929.88mg
40.43%
Alcohol:4.59g
100%
Alcohol %:0.89%
100%
Protein:44.44g
88.87%
Vitamin K:295.71µg
281.63%
Vitamin A:8981.88IU
179.64%
Selenium:81.81µg
116.87%
Manganese:2.24mg
112.04%
Vitamin B3:18.71mg
93.53%
Vitamin B6:1.26mg
63.13%
Phosphorus:547.85mg
54.78%
Vitamin B2:0.82mg
48.06%
Copper:0.82mg
40.85%
Folate:155.05µg
38.76%
Vitamin E:5.76mg
38.41%
Magnesium:146.53mg
36.63%
Potassium:1281.54mg
36.62%
Vitamin B5:3.24mg
32.36%
Vitamin B1:0.43mg
28.78%
Zinc:3.48mg
23.19%
Iron:4.07mg
22.63%
Calcium:223.93mg
22.39%
Fiber:4.62g
18.48%
Vitamin C:7.43mg
9%
Vitamin B12:0.38µg
6.27%
Vitamin D:0.2µg
1.34%