If you have ever wanted to make a comforting Italian favorite with your own special touch, this Delicious Homemade Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe is exactly what you need. It takes the classic lasagna concept and transforms it into perfectly portioned, flavorful roll-ups that combine tender shredded chicken, creamy ricotta, and bubbling mozzarella, all wrapped in tender lasagna noodles and smothered with vibrant marinara sauce. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and fresh herbs that feels like a warm hug from your favorite nonna’s kitchen. This recipe is as approachable as it is appetizing, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or dinner parties alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully simple, yet each ingredient plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture that make the dish sing. From the cheesy filling to the fresh basil, these components come together effortlessly to create something truly special.
- Lasagna Noodles (12 pieces): Cooked al dente to provide the perfect tender-yet-firm base for rolling.
- Cooked Chicken (2 cups): Shredded for easy mixing; rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut without sacrificing flavor.
- Ricotta Cheese (1 cup): Adds a creamy richness that balances the savory chicken perfectly.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups): Provides melty, gooey goodness both inside the roll-ups and on top.
- Marinara Sauce (2 cups): Whether homemade or store-bought, it brings acidity and depth.
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Grated for that sharp, nutty finish on top of the bake.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Minced to infuse the dish with its unforgettable aroma and warmth.
- Fresh Basil (¼ cup): Chopped to introduce a bright, herbal freshness that lifts the entire dish.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.
How to Make Delicious Homemade Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Noodles
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when you finish assembling. Then, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente — this means they’ll be tender yet firm enough to roll without breaking. Drain and carefully lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking and make rolling easier.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, and fresh chopped basil. Add salt and pepper to taste. This mixture brings together creamy, cheesy, and herby elements that make the filling irresistibly rich but still fresh and light.
Step 3: Roll Up the Lasagna
Take one cooked lasagna noodle and spoon a generous amount of the chicken and cheese filling at one end. Roll it up tightly so the filling stays inside as it bakes. Place each roll-up seam-side down in a baking dish that has a thin layer of marinara sauce spread across the bottom; this prevents sticking and adds extra flavor.
Step 4: Add the Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the arranged roll-ups to coat them well. Then sprinkle the rest of the shredded mozzarella and all the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top. This layer will melt and brown beautifully in the oven, creating a bubbly, golden crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt completely. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes so the cheese on top becomes irresistibly golden and bubbly. Let the dish cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to help everything set nicely.
How to Serve Delicious Homemade Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves on top before serving adds a fresh, peppery pop and a gorgeous visual contrast to the golden cheese. You can also add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a silky finish. These small touches really elevate this dish from comforting to spectacular.
Side Dishes
Serve these chicken lasagna roll-ups alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to complement the richness of the cheese and chicken. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini also pair beautifully, bringing both texture and a hint of earthiness that rounds out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, arrange the roll-ups in a circle on a large platter, garnish with chopped basil and cherry tomato halves, and serve family-style. Alternatively, make individual portions by placing one or two roll-ups in shallow bowls with a spoonful of extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping—such a fun and interactive way to enjoy this dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover roll-ups in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delightful. Make sure to cool them completely before storing to preserve the best texture.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the assembled but unbaked roll-ups in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure thorough cooking and bubbly cheese topping.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. For a crispier top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating. You can also microwave individual portions, but baking is best for preserving texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While ricotta and mozzarella give the classic texture and flavor, you can experiment with cottage cheese, fontina, or even a bit of cheddar for a sharper bite. Just keep cheeses that melt well for the best results.
Is it necessary to pre-cook the lasagna noodles?
Yes, cooking the lasagna noodles until al dente makes them pliable enough to roll without tearing. If you prefer, you can use no-boil noodles, but they may be more fragile when rolling, so handle them gently.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and fill the roll-ups with a mixture of spinach, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables alongside the cheeses and herbs for a delicious vegetarian twist.
How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?
The recipe is mild and family-friendly by default, but if you like spice, add red pepper flakes into the filling or sprinkle some cayenne on top before baking for a subtle kick that livens up the dish.
What type of marinara sauce works best?
Homemade marinara offers the freshest flavor, but a good-quality store-bought sauce works beautifully to save time. Look for one with simple, natural ingredients and a bright tomato taste to complement the other fresh ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Making this Delicious Homemade Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe is like gifting yourself and your loved ones a warm, satisfying Italian meal that’s full of love and flavor. It’s approachable enough for beginners but impressive enough to proudly serve guests. Give it a try soon—you’ll find it quickly becomes one of your go-to comfort foods with a fresh twist!
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Delicious Homemade Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Homemade Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups are a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy ricotta, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Rolled in al dente lasagna noodles and baked in savory marinara sauce, they make for a comforting and impressive meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Lasagna Roll-Up Filling
- 12 pieces Lasagna Noodles (Cooked al dente)
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken (Shredded, can use rotisserie chicken)
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (For a creamy filling)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Half for filling)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- ¼ cup Fresh Basil (Chopped)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Assembly and Topping
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Remaining half for topping)
- 2 cups Marinara Sauce (Homemade or store-bought)
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna roll-ups.
- Cook the noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until they are al dente. Drain them well and lay flat on a clean towel to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to create a flavorful filling.
- Roll the noodles: Take one lasagna noodle at a time, place a generous amount of the chicken and cheese filling at one end, then roll the noodle tightly. Place each roll seam-side down in a baking dish to keep them intact during baking.
- Assemble the dish: Pour half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the roll-ups snugly in the dish, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, coating the roll-ups evenly.
- Add cheeses and cover: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the roll-ups. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in while baking.
- Bake: Bake covered for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Rest and serve: Allow the lasagna roll-ups to cool for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Cooking noodles al dente ensures they remain firm and hold the rolls without falling apart.
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
- Covering the dish during the initial baking helps keep the moisture in, so the roll-ups don’t dry out.
- Feel free to add spinach or sautéed vegetables to the filling for added nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
