By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on July 12, 2023 | Last Updated on November 15, 2023
Carrabba’s Pollo Rosa Maria is a savory dish that combines tender chicken cooked in a marinade of fresh basil, lemon zest, and olive oil, topped with goat cheese and thinly sliced deli ham. It is served with a flavorful side of mushrooms cooked in lemon basil butter sauce.
This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Here, we will walk you through the recipe for making Carrabba’s Pollo Rosa Maria. So, keep reading!
What is Carrabba’s pollo rosa maria?
Carrabba’s pollo rosa maria is a signature dish from the Italian-American restaurant chain Carrabba’s Italian Grill.
It is a hand-breaded chicken breast served with lemon butter sauce, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes and capers over angel hair pasta.
This classic Italian dish has become one of the most popular entrees at Carrabba’s and is a fan favorite among customers.
The combination of fresh flavors and tender chicken creates an unforgettable dish perfect for any Italian food lover.
The copycat recipe we’ve shared here is a close replica of the original Carrabba version. It will bring the classic Italian flavors of Carrabba’s to your kitchen table.
What does it taste like?
Carrabba’s Pollo Rosa Maria is a savory dish with a complex flavor profile. The combination of chicken, goat cheese and deli ham gives it a salty and creamy taste, while the marinade adds freshness and zest.
Adding the mushrooms in lemon basil butter sauce adds an extra flavor to the dish. The end result is a juicy, flavorful and satisfying meal.
How did I first get introduced to Carrabba’s Pollo Rosa Maria?
I visited Carrabba’s Italian Grill for the first time with my family when I was a teenager. We had heard good things about their food and wanted to try it ourselves.
The dish that really caught our attention was their Pollo Rosa Maria. The combination of flavors and textures was unlike anything we had ever tasted before, and it quickly became our favorite dish.
I loved the way the flavors all worked together, and I was excited to learn how to make it at home. That’s when I found a copycat recipe for Carrabba’s Pollo Rosa Maria online. From there, I’ve been making this dish ever since!
Also read: Carrabba’s Fettuccine Weesie Recipe
How to make carrabba’s pollo rosa maria?
Making Carrabba’s Pollo Rosa Maria is relatively easy and only requires a few simple ingredients. Anyone can easily make this dish, even those new to cooking.
Now we will give you the ingredients and instructions to make a perfect Carrabba’s Pollo Rosa Maria.
Ingredient
For the Marinade
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice) and zested (set the zest aside)
- 1½ tablespoons chopped fresh basil
For the Chicken
- 4-6 ounces of goat cheese
- 4-6 slices of very thinly sliced deli ham (or prosciutto– see note)
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced or pounded to ½” thick (usually about 4-6 pieces)
For the Mushrooms with Lemon Basil Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1½ tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- the lemon zest (reserved from the juiced lemon)
Step by step instructions
Step 1
In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the marinade: chopped basil, olive oil, kosher salt and lemon zest. Mix well and set aside.
Step 2
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or large resealable plastic bag and pour half the marinade over them. Turn to coat evenly; then let them sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator. Reserve the remaining marinade.
Step 3
Take out 4-6 ounces of goat cheese and make it into thin slices (you can also buy pre-sliced goat cheese). Place 4-6 slices of deli ham on top of each piece of chicken breast. Top with 1-2 slices of goat cheese, depending on size.
Step 4
To make the mushrooms with lemon basil butter sauce, combine the reserved lemon zest, chopped basil, butter and kosher salt in a small bowl. Mix together until combined.
Step 5
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the mushrooms and butter mixture to it. Saute for about 5 minutes or until softened and golden brown, frequently stirring so that they don’t stick to the pan or burn.
Step 6
Remove from heat and set aside while you cook the chicken breasts in a separate skillet (or on the same skillet if there is enough space).
Step 7
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or as needed). Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through.
Step 8
Once the chicken is cooked through, add the mushrooms with lemon basil butter sauce to the skillet and stir everything together until combined. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes before serving.
Step 9
Serve Carrabba’s Pollo rosa maria over your favorite pasta dish or on its own with a side salad or vegetables of your choice.
Tips
- Make sure to buy thinly sliced deli ham (or prosciutto) so that it fits nicely on top of each piece of chicken breast; otherwise, you may have some pieces bigger than others which can affect cooking time and make them harder to roll up.
- To give this dish a little extra flavor, add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- If the chicken breasts are thick, you can pound them to an even thickness of ½ inch. This will help with even cooking time and makes it easier to roll them up with goat cheese and deli ham.
- If you don’t have any fresh lemon on hand, you can substitute with ¼ teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of bottled lemon juice.
- This dish can be served over rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option!
Carrabba’s Pollo Rosa Mariament
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt seasoning the marinade and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 3/4 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil offering a fragrant and herbaceous taste, infusing the marinade with a delightful aroma.
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil creating a smooth and velvety texture, coating the chicken and enhancing the flavors.
- 1/2 large lemon providing a bright and citrusy flavor, both in zest and juice form, adding a refreshing and tangy note to the marinade.
For the Chicken:
- 2-3 ounces of goat cheese providing a creamy and tangy taste, adding a luxurious and velvety texture to the stuffed chicken.
- 2-3 slices of very thinly sliced deli ham or prosciutto, adding a salty and savory element, wrapping the chicken with a layer of richness and depth.
- 3/4 pound of boneless skinless chicken breast thinly sliced or pounded to 1/2″ thick, ensuring tender and juicy chicken, perfect for rolling and stuffing.
For the Mushrooms with Lemon Basil Butter Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter creating a rich and velvety sauce, adding a luscious and creamy texture to the mushrooms.
- The lemon zest reserved from the juiced lemon, bringing a bright and zesty taste, adding a burst of citrusy freshness to the buttery sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt seasoning the mushrooms and balancing the flavors in the sauce.
- 4 ounces of sliced mushrooms offering an earthy and savory flavor, providing a satisfying bite and adding depth to the dish.
- 3/4 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil delivering a fragrant and herbaceous note, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the buttery sauce.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the marinade: chopped basil, olive oil, kosher salt and lemon zest. Mix well and set aside.
- Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or large resealable plastic bag and pour half the marinade over them. Turn to coat evenly; then let them sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator. Reserve the remaining marinade.
- Take out 4-6 ounces of goat cheese and make it into thin slices (you can also buy pre-sliced goat cheese). Place 4-6 slices of deli ham on top of each piece of chicken breast. Top with 1-2 slices of goat cheese, depending on size.
- To make the mushrooms with lemon basil butter sauce, combine the reserved lemon zest, chopped basil, butter and kosher salt in a small bowl. Mix together until combined.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the mushrooms and butter mixture to it. Saute for about 5 minutes or until softened and golden brown, frequently stirring so that they don’t stick to the pan or burn.
- Remove from heat and set aside while you cook the chicken breasts in a separate skillet (or on the same skillet if there is enough space).
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or as needed). Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, add the mushrooms with lemon basil butter sauce to the skillet and stir everything together until combined. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve Carrabba’s Pollo rosa maria over your favorite pasta dish or on its own with a side salad or vegetables of your choice.
Notes
- Make sure to buy thinly sliced deli ham (or prosciutto) so that it fits nicely on top of each piece of chicken breast; otherwise, you may have some pieces bigger than others which can affect cooking time and make them harder to roll up.
- To give this dish a little extra flavor, add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- If the chicken breasts are thick, you can pound them to an even thickness of ½ inch. This will help with even cooking time and makes it easier to roll them up with goat cheese and deli ham.
- If you don’t have any fresh lemon on hand, you can substitute with ¼ teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of bottled lemon juice.
- This dish can be served over rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option!
Nutrition Information
The nutrition facts for this Carrabba’s Pollo Rosa Maria dish are as follows:
- Calories: 279 kcal
- Protein: 23.2g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 6.4g
- Fibre: 0.8g
- Sugars: 0.7g
- Sodium: 587 mg
- Vitamin A: 9.7% RDI
- Vitamin C: 10.8% RDI
- Calcium: 6.3% RDI
- Iron: 11.4% RDI
This dish is a great source of protein and vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy and satisfying meal!
What to serve with Carrabba’s pollo rosa maria?
You can serve this dish over rice or quinoa with a side of your favorite vegetables. It also goes well with a simple garden salad, roasted potatoes, and grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Suggested Pairings:
- Roasted potatoes
- Grilled vegetables (such as zucchini or eggplant)
- Garden salad
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Steamed broccoli or cauliflower
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Rice pilaf with wild rice and mushrooms
- Vegetable stir-fry with peppers, onions, and carrots
- Couscous with roasted tomatoes and olives
- Lentil salad with feta cheese, tomato, and mint
- Quinoa tabouli with parsley and lemon
How to store leftover Carrabba’s Pollo rosa maria?
You can store leftover Carrabba’s Pollo Rosa Maria in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through before eating.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, this dish is safe for pregnant women, provided it is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F and all ingredients used are fresh and high quality.
It is important to make sure the chicken is cooked through before eating. Pregnant women should avoid consuming raw or undercooked meats. As always, consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
FAQs
Can I replace the deli ham with Italian sausage?
Yes, you can absolutely substitute the deli ham for Italian sausage. If using sausage, cook it completely before stuffing in the chicken breasts.
Can I use a different type of cheese than goat cheese?
Sure, you can use any semi-soft cheese like feta, mozzarella, or brie in place of the goat cheese.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Place the chicken in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container for longer storage.
Does this dish contain any allergens?
This dish contains dairy (goat cheese). If you have a food allergy, read the ingredient lists carefully before making this dish.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for reading! We hope this article has given you the information and tips needed to make a delicious Carrabba’s Pollo Rosa Maria at home.
This dish is full of flavor, and nutrients and can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. Don’t forget to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to create your own unique version!
Please share your thoughts in the comment section below. Also, share this with your friends and family to tell them about this amazing dish.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
