Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups

Introduction

These Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups transform a classic comfort food into a fun and elegant individual serving. They combine the creamy richness of lasagna with the convenience and flavor of ready-made rotisserie chicken. You’ll love how the pesto and cream added to the sauce create a uniquely rich and flavorful twist.

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 curly lasagna noodles
• salt for pasta water (as needed)
• 15 ounces part-skim ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 cups fully cooked shredded chicken breast (store bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
• 24 ounces marinara sauce (about 3 cups)
• ¼ cup half and half or heavy cream
• ½ cup pesto
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley or thinly sliced fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to the pasta water as needed. Cook the curly lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and lay the noodles flat on a clean surface or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, the grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until well combined.
3. Add the shredded chicken breast to the ricotta mixture and fold together until evenly distributed.
4. Spread the chicken and ricotta mixture evenly over each cooked lasagna noodle. Carefully roll each noodle up from one end to the other.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the marinara sauce, half and half or heavy cream, and pesto until smooth.
6. Spread about 1 cup of the prepared sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the rolled noodles seam-side down in the dish.
7. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top of the roll ups. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over everything.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the roll ups are heated through.
9. Garnish with the minced fresh parsley or thinly sliced fresh basil before serving.

Variations

• Bake in Individual Portions: Assemble each roll up in a smaller, individual oven-safe dish or ramekin for a personalized presentation.
• Pre-Make for Later: Assemble the roll ups and sauce the day before, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for an easy weeknight dinner.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Italian seasoning to the ricotta filling for an extra flavor boost.
• Alternative Garnish: Top with a sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan cheese instead of the fresh herbs for a different finish.

Tips for Success

• Use “no-boil” or oven-ready curly lasagna noodles to skip the boiling step and simplify prep, just be sure to adjust baking time if needed.
• Shred the mozzarella cheese yourself from a block for better melting and texture compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• To prevent the noodles from tearing while rolling, ensure they are cooked al dente (still slightly firm) and handle them gently.
• Let the baked roll ups sit for 5 minutes before serving; this allows the filling to set slightly for cleaner serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover roll ups, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire dish covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

FAQ

Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of curly ones?

Yes, you can. Flat noodles work well, though the curly ones help hold the filling more securely.

Do I have to use rotisserie chicken?

No, any fully cooked, shredded chicken breast will work. You can also use leftover homemade roasted or grilled chicken.

Can I make this without the pesto?

Yes, but the pesto adds significant flavor. If omitted, consider adding a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the sauce or filling.

What does the half and half do in the sauce?

It mellows the acidity of the marinara and creates a richer, creamier sauce base that complements the pesto.

Can I freeze Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups?

Yes. Assemble and bake them, then cool completely. Freeze in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.

Is the egg necessary in the filling?

The egg helps bind the ricotta filling, giving it structure and preventing it from being too runny. It’s recommended not to omit it.