Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups

Introduction

This twist on classic lasagna transforms it into elegant, single-serve roll-ups, perfect for a weeknight dinner or for entertaining. You’ll love how the creamy chicken and pesto filling combines with the comforting layers of cheese and marinara. It’s a fun, portion-controlled way to enjoy all the flavors you love without the fuss of layering.

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 6 (2 roll-ups per serving)

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. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the curly lasagna noodles according to package directions for al dente. Drain and lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 ½ cups of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. To the cheese mixture, add the shredded chicken and pesto. Gently fold everything together until evenly distributed.
5. In a separate bowl, stir together the marinara sauce and half and half. Spread about 1 cup of this thinned sauce mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
6. Lay out one lasagna noodle. Spoon about ⅓ cup of the chicken and cheese filling along the length of the noodle, then roll it up from one end to the other. Place the roll-up seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles and filling.
7. Pour the remaining marinara sauce mixture evenly over the top of all the roll-ups in the dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese over the top.
8. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with minced fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Variations

• Creamier Filling: Mix the ricotta mixture with a few extra tablespoons of half and half for an even more decadent texture.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese and chicken mixture before rolling.
• Individual Portions: Assemble the roll-ups in individual, oven-safe baking dishes for a beautiful presentation at dinner parties.
• Extra Crispy Top: Broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of cook time to get a golden, crispy cheese crust.

Tips for Success

• Let the cooked noodles cool slightly and lay them flat to handle; they will be much easier to fill and roll without tearing.
• Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is the ultimate time-saver and adds great flavor.
• Let the roll-ups rest for 5 minutes after baking; this allows the filling to set slightly for cleaner serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying.

FAQ

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the roll-ups completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time.

Can I use regular lasagna noodles?

Absolutely. Standard lasagna noodles work fine, but curly-edged noodles hold the filling in place a bit better.

What can I substitute for the pesto?

If you don’t have pesto, you can simply omit it. The filling will still be flavorful, or you could add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning instead.

Can I freeze Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups?

Yes, after assembling and before baking. Freeze the entire pan, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

My noodles are sticking together. What do I do?

After draining, toss the noodles very lightly with a tiny bit of olive oil or lay them out separately on parchment paper.

Do I have to use half and half in the sauce?

No, you can skip it for a thicker, more traditional marinara topping. The half and half just creates a creamier, richer sauce.