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
Scale
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.
