Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups recipe

Oh, lasagna. Just the word conjures up images of warm, comforting dinners and happy family gatherings. But let’s be honest, sometimes the classic layered lasagna can feel a bit…involved. That’s where these Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups swoop in to save the day (and dinner!). I first stumbled upon this recipe when I was looking for a way to make lasagna more fun and less time-consuming for a busy weeknight. Let me tell you, it was a game-changer! The individual rolls are not only adorable and perfectly portioned, but they also cook much faster than a traditional lasagna. My kids, who can be notoriously picky eaters, absolutely devoured these. The creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness rolled up in perfectly cooked lasagna noodles? It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. This recipe has become a regular in our rotation, and I’m so excited to share it with you. Trust me, once you try these Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups, they’ll become a family favorite in your home too!

Ingredients You’ll Need to Create Delicious Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups

To embark on this culinary adventure and create these delightful Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients. We’ve broken it down for you to make shopping and preparation a breeze:

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: This is the protein powerhouse of our dish. Opt for chicken breasts that are roughly the same size for even cooking. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor, just be sure to trim any excess fat.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the chicken. Olive oil adds a subtle fruity note and helps prevent sticking. You can substitute with another neutral cooking oil like canola or vegetable oil if needed.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs, typically including oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram, provides that classic Italian flavor profile we’re looking for.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a savory depth and aroma to the chicken. Fresh garlic can also be used, but garlic powder is a convenient pantry staple.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing its natural flavors. Use kosher salt or sea salt for best results.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice and complexity. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its superior flavor.

For the Creamy Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 cups Alfredo sauce: The heart of our creamy lasagna roll ups! You can use your favorite store-bought Alfredo sauce for convenience. Look for a high-quality brand that’s thick and flavorful. Alternatively, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can absolutely make your own homemade Alfredo sauce. A classic Alfredo consists of butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Homemade Alfredo takes this dish to another level of deliciousness, but store-bought works perfectly well for a weeknight meal.
• ½ cup ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese adds a creamy texture and a subtle tang that complements the Alfredo sauce beautifully. Use whole milk ricotta for the richest flavor and texture.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese is a must for any Alfredo-based dish. It adds a salty, nutty, and umami-rich flavor. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor. Pre-grated Parmesan often contains cellulose and doesn’t melt as smoothly.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Parsley adds a touch of freshness and brightens up the richness of the Alfredo sauce. Flat-leaf parsley (Italian parsley) is preferred for its stronger flavor.

For the Lasagna Roll Ups:

• 9 lasagna noodles: You’ll need lasagna noodles for the “roll up” part! Use regular lasagna noodles, not the no-boil variety. We’ll be par-boiling them to make them pliable enough to roll.
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella is the quintessential melting cheese for lasagna. It provides that gooey, cheesy pull we all crave. Use part-skim or whole milk mozzarella, depending on your preference. Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: We’ll use more Parmesan for topping the roll ups before baking.
• Optional: Fresh parsley, for garnish: For a final touch of freshness and visual appeal, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the finished lasagna roll ups before serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to create these mouthwatering Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups. Follow these directions carefully for perfect results every time:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This is crucial for food safety. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool slightly.
2. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it using two forks. You can also dice it into small pieces if you prefer a chunkier texture in your roll ups. Set the shredded chicken aside.
3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles: While the chicken is cooking and cooling, prepare the lasagna noodles. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package directions, but for 2-3 minutes less than the recommended time. We want the noodles to be par-cooked – still slightly firm but pliable enough to roll. This prevents them from becoming mushy during baking. Drain the noodles immediately and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Lay the noodles out in a single layer on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together while you prepare the filling.
4. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil. This will prevent the lasagna roll ups from sticking to the bottom of the dish.
5. Combine Alfredo Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Stir until well combined and creamy. This is the luscious base for our roll up filling.
6. Assemble the Lasagna Roll Ups: Now it’s time to assemble the magic! Take one par-cooked lasagna noodle and spread about ¼ cup of the Alfredo mixture evenly over the noodle, leaving a little space at one end for sealing. Sprinkle about ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the Alfredo sauce. Top with a generous portion of the shredded chicken. Starting at one end of the noodle, carefully roll it up tightly like a jelly roll. Place the rolled-up lasagna, seam-down, in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining lasagna noodles, Alfredo mixture, mozzarella cheese, and shredded chicken. Arrange the roll ups snugly in the baking dish.
7. Top and Bake: Once all the roll ups are assembled in the baking dish, pour the remaining Alfredo mixture evenly over the top of the roll ups, ensuring they are nicely coated. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
8. Bake to Golden Perfection: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the sauce is heated through and simmering. The internal temperature of the roll ups should reach 165°F (74°C).
9. Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the lasagna roll ups from the oven and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and the flavors to meld together beautifully. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts: A Delicious and Satisfying Meal

Understanding the nutritional content of your meals can be helpful for making informed choices. Please note that the following nutrition facts are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Servings: Approximately 9 roll ups

Serving Size: 1 roll up

Approximate Nutrition Facts per Serving (per roll up):

• Calories: 450-550 kcal
• Protein: 30-35g
• Fat: 25-30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15-20g
• Cholesterol: 150-180mg
• Sodium: 700-900mg
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
  • Fiber: 2-3g
  • Sugar: 5-7g

Important Note: These values are estimates. For more precise nutritional information, you can use online nutrition calculators and input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. This recipe is a hearty and satisfying meal, rich in protein and flavor. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Preparation Time: Get Dinner on the Table Faster

One of the great advantages of Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups is that they are quicker to prepare than traditional lasagna. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated preparation time:

• Prep Time: 30-40 minutes (includes chicken cooking & shredding, noodle cooking, sauce mixing, and roll up assembly)
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes (baking time)
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 5 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes

Tips to Speed Up Prep Time:

• Use pre-cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken can drastically reduce prep time. Simply shred or dice it and use it in the recipe.
• Use pre-shredded cheese: While freshly shredded is ideal, pre-shredded mozzarella and Parmesan can save you a few minutes.
• Prepare components in advance: You can cook the chicken and prepare the Alfredo mixture ahead of time (up to a day in advance). Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the roll ups when you are ready to bake.

How to Serve Your Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups: Complete the Meal

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups are delicious on their own, but they shine even brighter when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to create a complete and satisfying meal:

• Classic Salad:
  • Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing is a perfect classic pairing. The creamy dressing complements the richness of the lasagna roll ups.
  • Italian Salad: A simple Italian salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
  • Spinach Salad: A spinach salad with strawberries, goat cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette offers a slightly sweeter and tangier option.
• Vegetable Sides:
  • Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: For soaking up every last bit of that delicious Alfredo sauce! Warm, crusty garlic bread or soft breadsticks are always a welcome addition.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, green beans, or bell peppers provide a healthy and flavorful side. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs for extra flavor.
  • Steamed Vegetables: Steamed green beans, broccoli, or spinach are quick, easy, and healthy options.
• Soup (for a lighter meal):
  • Minestrone Soup: A hearty Italian vegetable soup like minestrone is a great pairing, especially in colder weather.
  • Tomato Soup: A classic tomato soup provides a lighter and slightly acidic counterpoint to the creamy lasagna.
• Drinks:
  • Red Wine: A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot pairs well with Italian dishes.
  • White Wine: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is also a refreshing choice.
  • Iced Tea or Lemonade: For a non-alcoholic option, iced tea or lemonade are always refreshing and family-friendly.

Additional Tips for Perfect Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups

To ensure your Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups are a resounding success, keep these helpful tips in mind:

1. Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Par-cooking the lasagna noodles is key. If you cook them completely, they will become too soft and may fall apart when you try to roll them. Cook them 2-3 minutes less than the package directions recommend, until they are pliable but still slightly firm.
2. Don’t Overfill the Roll Ups: While it’s tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, overfilling can make the roll ups difficult to roll and they may burst open during baking. Use a moderate amount of filling to ensure they roll up neatly and stay intact.
3. Use Quality Alfredo Sauce: The Alfredo sauce is a star ingredient in this dish. Opt for a high-quality store-bought sauce or, for an even more decadent experience, make your own homemade Alfredo sauce. The flavor and texture of the sauce will significantly impact the final result.
4. Ensure Chicken is Cooked Through: Always ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check. Overcooked chicken can become dry, so aim for just cooked through and tender.
5. Adjust Cheese to Your Preference: Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, but you can experiment with other cheeses to customize the flavor. Provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would also work well. Adjust the amount of cheese to your liking for a cheesier or less cheesy roll up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some frequently asked questions about making Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups:

Q1: Can I make these lasagna roll ups ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups are a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the roll ups completely, place them in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure they are heated through.

Q2: Can I freeze Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups?

A: Yes, they freeze beautifully! Assemble and bake the roll ups as directed. Allow them to cool completely. Then, wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or individually wrap roll ups for single servings. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. You can also reheat them from frozen, but it will take longer (approximately 45-60 minutes).

Q3: Can I use a different type of pasta noodle?

A: While lasagna noodles are traditional for roll ups, you could experiment with other wide pasta noodles like manicotti or cannelloni shells. However, lasagna noodles are the easiest to roll and hold their shape well.

Q4: Can I add vegetables to the filling?

A: Yes, you can definitely add vegetables to the filling! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers would all be delicious additions. Sauté your chosen vegetables until tender, and then add them to the Alfredo mixture along with the chicken and cheese. This is a great way to sneak in extra veggies and customize the flavor.

Q5: My Alfredo sauce seems thin. How can I thicken it?

A: If your Alfredo sauce is thinner than you’d like, you can thicken it in a couple of ways. If using store-bought sauce, you can simmer it in a saucepan over low heat for a few minutes, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. For homemade Alfredo, ensure you are using heavy cream and enough Parmesan cheese. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the sauce while simmering and cook until thickened, stirring constantly. Using ricotta cheese in the filling also helps to create a creamier and thicker overall texture in the roll ups.

Enjoy making and savoring these Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups! They are sure to become a new family favorite for weeknights and special occasions alike. Happy cooking!

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