Chicken Pizzola Recipe from Italy with Provolone, Carrot, Spinach, and Tomatoes

Chicken Pizzola

Chicken Pizzola Recipe from Italy with Provolone, Carrot, Spinach, and Tomatoes
Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Pizzola
Chicken Pizzola

Chicken Pizzola is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with gooey cheese, fresh spinach, and savory diced tomatoes. This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its unique flavors and presentation.

History

The origins of Chicken Pizzola are not well-documented, but it is believed to have Italian roots. The combination of chicken, cheese, and tomatoes is a classic flavor profile that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Place provolone cheese, spinach, and carrot sticks on top of chicken breasts.
  2. Roll up the chicken breasts and secure them with toothpicks.
  3. Heat oil in a frying pan and brown the chicken rolls for 5 minutes.
  4. Add a can of flavored diced tomatoes to the pan.
  5. Cover the pan and let the chicken simmer for 20 minutes.
  6. Serve and enjoy.

Variations

  • Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for a different flavor profile.
  • Add herbs and spices, such as basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes, to the tomato sauce for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to secure the chicken rolls with toothpicks to prevent them from falling apart during cooking.

- Browning the chicken rolls before simmering them in the tomato sauce helps to seal in the juices and enhance the flavor.

- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Pizzola with a side of pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken rolls before simmering them in the tomato sauce helps to seal in the juices and enhance the flavor.

- Covering the pan while simmering the chicken helps to keep it moist and tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use turkey cutlets or pork chops instead of chicken breasts for a different protein option.

- Substitute fresh tomatoes for the canned diced tomatoes for a fresher flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to cook. Simply brown them in the pan and add the tomato sauce when you're ready to eat.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Pizzola on a bed of pasta or rice, garnished with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Pizzola with a glass of red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Pizzola contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Pizzola contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Pizzola contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Pizzola contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Pizzola is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and gluten (from the breadcrumbs in the flavored diced tomatoes).

Summary

Chicken Pizzola is a well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Pizzola is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. With its flavorful filling and tender chicken, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Chicken Pizzola. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was known for her amazing culinary skills, and I always looked forward to trying her new creations.

As we chatted and sipped on glasses of chilled lemonade, Maria suddenly exclaimed, "I have a new recipe to share with you today! It's called Chicken Pizzola, and I learned it from my Italian grandmother. It's a family favorite, and I know you'll love it."

I watched eagerly as Maria gathered the ingredients and began to prepare the dish. The kitchen was filled with the enticing aroma of garlic, onions, and tomatoes simmering on the stove. Maria expertly seasoned the chicken with a blend of herbs and spices, adding a touch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

As the Chicken Pizzola cooked in the oven, Maria regaled me with stories of her grandmother's cooking adventures in Italy. She spoke fondly of the warm summer days spent harvesting fresh tomatoes from the garden and the cozy evenings gathered around the table with family and friends.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived as Maria placed the steaming hot Chicken Pizzola on the table. The dish was a sight to behold - tender pieces of chicken bathed in a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves. I could hardly wait to dig in.

With a fork in hand, I took my first bite of the Chicken Pizzola. The flavors exploded in my mouth - savory and tangy, with a subtle hint of sweetness from the tomatoes. The chicken was perfectly cooked, tender and juicy, and the cheese added a creamy richness that tied everything together.

I savored each bite, relishing the comforting warmth of the dish and the memories it evoked of family gatherings and shared meals. As I finished my plate, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, passed down through the generations just like Maria's grandmother had done.

Since that day, I have made Chicken Pizzola countless times, sharing it with friends and family who always ask for the recipe. Each time I prepare it, I think of Maria and her grandmother, and the special bond that food creates between loved ones.

As I sit at my kitchen table now, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of my own home, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures of good food and good company. And I know that as long as I have recipes like Chicken Pizzola to guide me, I will always feel connected to the past and the traditions that shape who I am.

Categories

| 7 Ingredient Challenge | Carrot Recipes | Chicken Breast Recipes | Italian Recipes | Provolone Recipes | Spinach Recipes | Tomato Recipes |

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