Craving a fun twist on a classic dish? Try my savory Chicken Parmesan Pillows! These tasty bites combine tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and warm, flaky pastry for a quick and satisfying dinner. Whether you’re in a rush or looking for a meal the whole family will love, these pillows have got you covered. Let’s dive into the simple steps that will make dinner a hit tonight!
Ingredients
To make savory chicken Parmesan pillows, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 package (1 lb) refrigerated puff pastry sheets
– 1 cup marinara sauce, for serving
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Each ingredient plays a key role in the flavor and texture of the dish. The shredded chicken gives it a hearty base. Ricotta cheese adds a creamy texture, while mozzarella and Parmesan bring rich flavor. The egg acts as a binder, holding everything together. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning enhance the taste, making the filling extra delicious.
Using refrigerated puff pastry sheets makes this dish easy and quick. They puff up beautifully, creating a golden crust. Serve your pillows with warm marinara sauce for dipping, and add fresh basil for a pop of color and freshness.
For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions to craft these delightful pillows. Enjoy the mix of flavors and textures in each bite!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
– In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
– Add the beaten egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.
– Lightly flour your work surface, then roll out the puff pastry sheets. Cut each sheet into four equal squares.
Filling and Shaping
– Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center of each pastry square.
– Carefully fold each square diagonally to form a triangle. Press and seal the edges tightly.
Baking and Serving
– Place the filled pillows on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
– While they bake, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over low heat.
– Once the pillows are done, let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with marinara sauce and fresh basil leaves.
For the full recipe, check the complete instructions above. Enjoy your cooking!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Filling
To enhance the flavor, you can add some sautéed onions or chopped spinach. These add depth and nutrients. For a creamy texture, blend the cheeses well. This makes the filling smooth and easy to spoon into the pastry.
Baking Tips
Bake at 400°F for the best results. This high temperature ensures the pastry puffs nicely. Keep an eye on them; they should take about 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden-brown color to know they are done.
Presentation Ideas
When serving, place the pillows on a bright platter. This adds a pop of color. For garnishing, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top. They add great flavor and make the dish look fancy. You can serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping, enhancing the overall experience. If you want more ideas, check out the [Full Recipe].
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
If you want to switch up the chicken, consider using turkey or cooked sausage. These meats can add different flavors and textures. For the cheese, try mixing ricotta with feta or goat cheese. This change can create a unique taste in each bite.
Dietary Adjustments
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free puff pastry. Many brands offer this today, making it easy to find. If you prefer vegan, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or lentils. Use cashew cheese instead of dairy cheese for a creamy texture without animal products.
Flavor Additions
To spice things up, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the filling. This will give your pillows a kick. You can also mix in fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a burst of flavor. Adding finely chopped spinach or bell peppers into the filling can boost nutrition and add color.
These variations make your chicken Parmesan pillows fun and exciting while keeping them delicious. Check the Full Recipe for the base method and let your creativity flow!
Storage Info
Short-Term Storage
To store leftovers, place the pillows in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they are fully cooled before sealing. This helps keep them fresh and tasty.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pillows on a baking sheet. Cover them loosely with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm. This keeps the pastry crispy and the filling soft.
Long-Term Storage
For long-term storage, freeze the chicken Parmesan pillows before baking. Wrap each pillow in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer.
When ready to cook, take them out and thaw overnight in the fridge. This helps them cook evenly. You can then bake them as per the full recipe instructions.
FAQs
What are Chicken Parmesan Pillows?
Chicken Parmesan Pillows are tasty pastries filled with chicken and cheese. They use puff pastry, which makes them light and flaky. Inside, you’ll find a mix of shredded chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. I also add garlic and Italian herbs for extra flavor. These pillows are baked until golden brown and served with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
How can I make these pillows vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for vegetables. Chopped spinach, mushrooms, or artichokes work well. You can also use lentils or chickpeas for protein. Keep the cheese mixture the same, or try adding feta for a twist. This way, you’ll still get that creamy and cheesy filling.
Can I make Chicken Parmesan Pillows ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep these pillows in advance. Assemble them and place them on a baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If you need to store them longer, freeze them before baking. Just place them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
What can I serve with Chicken Parmesan Pillows?
These pillows pair well with a side salad or steamed vegetables. You can also serve them with garlic bread for a complete meal. For a fun twist, try them with a side of pesto or garlic aioli for dipping. Fresh basil leaves also make a nice garnish, adding color and flavor.
You now have a complete guide to making Chicken Parmesan Pillows. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You can customize the recipe with various fillings and adjustments. Store your leftovers properly to keep them fresh.
Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving ideas. This dish promises to be a hit. Happy cooking!
![To make savory chicken Parmesan pillows, you'll need the following ingredients: - 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 package (1 lb) refrigerated puff pastry sheets - 1 cup marinara sauce, for serving - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in the flavor and texture of the dish. The shredded chicken gives it a hearty base. Ricotta cheese adds a creamy texture, while mozzarella and Parmesan bring rich flavor. The egg acts as a binder, holding everything together. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning enhance the taste, making the filling extra delicious. Using refrigerated puff pastry sheets makes this dish easy and quick. They puff up beautifully, creating a golden crust. Serve your pillows with warm marinara sauce for dipping, and add fresh basil for a pop of color and freshness. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions to craft these delightful pillows. Enjoy the mix of flavors and textures in each bite! - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. - In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. - Add the beaten egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined. - Lightly flour your work surface, then roll out the puff pastry sheets. Cut each sheet into four equal squares. - Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center of each pastry square. - Carefully fold each square diagonally to form a triangle. Press and seal the edges tightly. - Place the filled pillows on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. - While they bake, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over low heat. - Once the pillows are done, let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with marinara sauce and fresh basil leaves. For the full recipe, check the complete instructions above. Enjoy your cooking! To enhance the flavor, you can add some sautéed onions or chopped spinach. These add depth and nutrients. For a creamy texture, blend the cheeses well. This makes the filling smooth and easy to spoon into the pastry. Bake at 400°F for the best results. This high temperature ensures the pastry puffs nicely. Keep an eye on them; they should take about 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden-brown color to know they are done. When serving, place the pillows on a bright platter. This adds a pop of color. For garnishing, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top. They add great flavor and make the dish look fancy. You can serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping, enhancing the overall experience. If you want more ideas, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} If you want to switch up the chicken, consider using turkey or cooked sausage. These meats can add different flavors and textures. For the cheese, try mixing ricotta with feta or goat cheese. This change can create a unique taste in each bite. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free puff pastry. Many brands offer this today, making it easy to find. If you prefer vegan, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or lentils. Use cashew cheese instead of dairy cheese for a creamy texture without animal products. To spice things up, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the filling. This will give your pillows a kick. You can also mix in fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a burst of flavor. Adding finely chopped spinach or bell peppers into the filling can boost nutrition and add color. These variations make your chicken Parmesan pillows fun and exciting while keeping them delicious. Check the Full Recipe for the base method and let your creativity flow! To store leftovers, place the pillows in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they are fully cooled before sealing. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pillows on a baking sheet. Cover them loosely with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm. This keeps the pastry crispy and the filling soft. For long-term storage, freeze the chicken Parmesan pillows before baking. Wrap each pillow in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to cook, take them out and thaw overnight in the fridge. This helps them cook evenly. You can then bake them as per the full recipe instructions. Chicken Parmesan Pillows are tasty pastries filled with chicken and cheese. They use puff pastry, which makes them light and flaky. Inside, you’ll find a mix of shredded chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. I also add garlic and Italian herbs for extra flavor. These pillows are baked until golden brown and served with warm marinara sauce for dipping. To create a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for vegetables. Chopped spinach, mushrooms, or artichokes work well. You can also use lentils or chickpeas for protein. Keep the cheese mixture the same, or try adding feta for a twist. This way, you’ll still get that creamy and cheesy filling. Yes, you can prep these pillows in advance. Assemble them and place them on a baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If you need to store them longer, freeze them before baking. Just place them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. These pillows pair well with a side salad or steamed vegetables. You can also serve them with garlic bread for a complete meal. For a fun twist, try them with a side of pesto or garlic aioli for dipping. Fresh basil leaves also make a nice garnish, adding color and flavor. You now have a complete guide to making Chicken Parmesan Pillows. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You can customize the recipe with various fillings and adjustments. Store your leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving ideas. This dish promises to be a hit. Happy cooking!](https://tastyhatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/6ac4847c-7679-46dc-8034-b138b420b157-250x250.webp)