If you’re on the hunt for a comforting yet fresh twist on a classic Italian favorite, this Chicken Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender lasagna noodles filled with a creamy, cheesy blend of shredded chicken and spinach, all smothered in a luscious homemade sauce that bakes to bubbly, golden perfection. This dish brings together rich flavors and wholesome ingredients in a way that feels special but is surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether it’s a family dinner or an impressive dish to share with friends, these roll-ups deliver warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chicken Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy cheeses to the fresh spinach and savory chicken, these essentials are straightforward but necessary to create that perfect balance.
- Cooked chicken breast: Provides hearty protein and a tender texture that blends beautifully with the creamy filling.
- Frozen chopped spinach: Adds a vibrant color and earthy flavor; be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
- Ricotta cheese: Gives a smooth, creamy base that holds the filling together.
- Mozzarella cheese: Offers melty, stretchy goodness both inside the roll-ups and on top for that irresistible golden crust.
- Parmesan cheese: Delivers a nutty, salty depth that enhances every bite.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, ensuring the filling sets nicely during baking.
- Garlic and onion powder: Infuse the filling with aromatic warmth without overpowering.
- Lasagna noodles: Cooked al dente so they’re flexible and hold the filling perfectly.
- Butter, flour, and milk: The foundation for the creamy sauce that ties everything together.
- Optional nutmeg: Adds a subtle spiced note that elevates the sauce.
- Fresh parsley: For a pop of color and freshness when serving.
How to Make Chicken Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by warming your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple step ensures your roll-ups won’t stick and get a nice even bake.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Boil the lasagna noodles according to package directions until they’re al dente—firm but pliable. Once drained, lay them flat on parchment or wax paper to keep them from sticking to each other, making assembly a breeze.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, mix together your shredded chicken, well-drained spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, lightly beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This filling is the heart of the Chicken Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe, combining creaminess and flavorful layers in every bite.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then stir in flour and whisk for about a minute to cook out the raw taste. Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Let it simmer until thickened, then stir in Parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg if you’re using it. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and remove from heat. This rich sauce envelops the roll-ups in creamy goodness that harmonizes all the ingredients.
Step 5: Assemble the Roll-Ups
Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the sauce over the bottom of your baking dish to keep things moist and flavorful. Spread 2 to 3 tablespoons of filling evenly over each noodle, then roll them up tightly, placing each seam side down in the dish. This careful assembly helps the roll-ups keep their shape during baking.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Pour the remaining sauce over the roll-ups, then sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top for that perfect golden crust. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to bubble and become delightfully browned.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Let your Chicken Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe rest for about 5 minutes once out of the oven—this helps everything set slightly, so the rolls hold together when served. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley to brighten the presentation and flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a beautiful pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes that lift the dish. A light drizzle of olive oil or a little extra grated Parmesan can never go wrong either.
Side Dishes
Pair your roll-ups with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables for a balanced, colorful meal. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also make perfect companions, soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve each lasagna roll on a bright plate with a small spoonful of sauce beside it, garnished with microgreens or edible flowers for an elegant touch. For a buffet or casual gathering, place them in a warm casserole dish so everyone can serve themselves and enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The roll-ups keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make a fantastic lunch or dinner option, ready to warm you up on a busy day.
Freezing
If you want to prep this Chicken Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe ahead of time, freeze the assembled, unbaked roll-ups in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and bubbly. Cover with foil to keep moisture in and prevent over-browning, removing it towards the end to refresh the golden top.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, sauté it briefly until wilted, then drain any excess moisture before mixing it into the filling. This prevents the filling from becoming watery.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra spinach, mushrooms, or another favorite vegetable for a delicious meat-free alternative without losing any flavor.
Can I swap the sauce for marinara?
You can! While the creamy sauce in this Chicken Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe complements the filling beautifully, using marinara will give it a tangier, tomato-rich flavor. Just spread a thin layer before assembling the roll-ups.
How do I make sure the noodles don’t dry out?
Make sure to spread enough sauce at the bottom of the baking dish and cover the roll-ups with sauce and cheese. Covering the pan with foil during baking also locks in moisture effectively.
Can I prepare this dish vegan?
With some ingredient swaps, yes! Use vegan cheeses, a plant-based milk for the sauce, and replace the chicken with seasoned tofu or legumes. The technique remains the same and is just as delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and satisfying about this Chicken Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of cozy and fresh, cheesy yet light, and absolutely delightful to both make and eat. Give it a try for your next meal and watch it become your new favorite go-to comfort food, bringing smiles and full hearts around the table every single time.
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Chicken Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Chicken Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups are a comforting and delicious twist on traditional lasagna, featuring tender chicken, spinach, and a creamy cheese filling rolled inside lasagna noodles. Topped with a rich Parmesan sauce and baked to bubbly golden perfection, this dish is perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or finely chopped
- 1 (10 oz / 280 g) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Assembly
- 8 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente and drained
- Extra mozzarella and Parmesan for topping
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for the lasagna roll ups.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them and lay flat on parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking while you prepare the filling and sauce.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, thawed and drained spinach, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well blended and creamy.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Simmer this mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens. Then stir in grated Parmesan cheese, nutmeg (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat once smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups: Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Spread 2 to 3 tablespoons of the filling evenly over each cooked lasagna noodle. Roll up each noodle tightly and place seam-side down in the dish, lining them up neatly.
- Top and Bake: Pour the remaining sauce over the roll-ups. Sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top for a golden crust. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese topping is lightly golden.
- Serve: Allow the lasagna roll ups to rest for 5 minutes out of the oven to set. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving warm and enjoying.
Notes
- Ensure spinach is well-drained to prevent watery filling and sauce.
- You can substitute the white sauce with Alfredo or marinara sauce for different flavor profiles.
- Cooking noodles al dente is important so they hold their shape when rolled and baked.
- Use fresh grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
- Letting the dish rest after baking helps the roll ups hold together when served.
