Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups are a delicious twist on traditional lasagna, combining tender shredded chicken, rich pesto sauce, and gooey cheese all rolled up in lasagna noodles. These individual rolls are baked in a creamy Alfredo sauce, making each bite indulgent and full of flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, they’re elegant yet easy to prepare.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
lasagna noodles
cooked shredded chicken
cream cheese
pesto sauce
ricotta cheese
shredded mozzarella cheese
grated Parmesan cheese
garlic powder
salt
black pepper
Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
fresh basil (optional for garnish)
directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a clean surface.
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, pesto sauce, ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
Spread about 2 tablespoons of the chicken-pesto mixture evenly over each noodle.
Roll each noodle up tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Pour Alfredo sauce over the top of the roll ups, covering them generously.
Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 8 roll ups (serves 4).
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
Use spinach or kale in the filling for added greens.
Swap Alfredo for a tomato cream sauce for a tangier twist.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta if preferred.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, bake covered at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
You can freeze roll ups before baking—just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it’s a great time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe.
What kind of pesto is best?
Basil pesto is classic, but sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto can also work.
Do I have to use Alfredo sauce?
No, any creamy white sauce or even a béchamel can be used as a substitute.
Can I make these ahead?
Yes, assemble them up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready to serve.
Can I use gluten-free noodles?
Absolutely, just cook according to their package instructions.
How can I make this dish lighter?
Use light cream cheese, part-skim mozzarella, and a lighter Alfredo sauce.
Can I add vegetables?
Chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini make great additions to the filling.
Do the noodles need to be cooked fully?
They should be al dente so they hold their shape when rolled.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply use a larger baking dish or prepare in two pans.
Is this kid-friendly?
Definitely! The creamy sauce and cheesy filling are usually a big hit with kids.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups are a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s sure to impress your family or guests. With a luscious blend of cheese, pesto, and chicken all wrapped up in tender pasta, it’s a fun and satisfying meal that’s just as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners at home.
PrintCreamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These creamy chicken pesto lasagna roll ups are a delicious twist on traditional lasagna. Filled with shredded chicken, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and vibrant basil pesto, they’re rolled up in tender lasagna noodles and baked to bubbly perfection. Great for a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd
Ingredients
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9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
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2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)
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1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup basil pesto
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1 cup heavy cream
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups milk
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Make the cream sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Set aside.
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Make the filling: In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, pesto, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Assemble the roll ups: Lay lasagna noodles flat. Spread about 1/4 cup of filling onto each noodle, then roll them up.
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Layer and bake: Spread a thin layer of the cream sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Place roll ups seam-side down. Pour remaining sauce on top and sprinkle with more mozzarella.
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Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
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Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm.
Notes
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You can prep these a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
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Swap in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a veggie boost.
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Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll up
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
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