Garlic Parmesan Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups

 Garlic Parmesan Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

Lasagna roll-ups are a fun and convenient way to enjoy all the flavors of lasagna without the mess of cutting and serving traditional layers. This version features succulent, shredded chicken seasoned with garlic and Parmesan cheese, all wrapped up in individual lasagna noodles. Topped with a creamy white sauce and baked to perfection, these roll-ups are ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling:

-2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast

-1 cup ricotta cheese

-1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

-¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

-2-3 cloves garlic, minced

-2 Parsley: Use 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley or substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried parsley for added flavor

Salt and pepper to taste

-For the Lasagna Roll-Ups:

-10-12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente according to package instructions

-1 Olive Oil: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the cooked noodles to prevent sticking

For the White Sauce:

-2 tablespoons unsalted butter

-2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

-1 ½ cups whole milk

-½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)

-¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

-¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for a hint of warmth)

For Topping:

-½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

-¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

-Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

1-Cook and Shred the Chicken: Start by cooking your chicken breast (boiled or baked) and shredding it into fine pieces. You’ll need about 2 cups of shredded chicken for this recipe.

2-Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix Thoroughly: Stir all ingredients together until they are well combined and evenly incorporated.

3-Set Aside: Cover and set the filling mixture aside while you prepare the lasagna noodles and the white sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Lasagna Noodles

1-Cook the Noodles: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook them according to package instructions until they are al dente. Be careful not to overcook, as they’ll continue to cook in the oven.

2-Drain and Cool: Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a large baking sheet. Prevent Sticking: After cooking, drain the noodles and drizzle with a bit of olive oil, gently tossing to coat and prevent them from sticking together.

Step 3: Make the White Sauce

1-Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

2-Add Flour: Once the butter is melted, add the flour, whisking constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. The mixture should turn slightly golden and smell fragrant.

3-Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, if using, continuing to stir to prevent lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes.

4-Add Parmesan and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if desired. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

5-Set Aside: Remove the sauce from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Roll-Ups

1-Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature before baking.

2-Spread Sauce: Pour a thin layer of the white sauce into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. This layer will help keep the noodles moist and prevent them from sticking to the dish.

3-Add Filling to Noodles: Lay a cooked lasagna noodle flat on a clean work surface. Spoon about 3-4 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto each noodle, spreading it evenly across the noodle’s length.

4-Roll and Arrange: Gently roll up each noodle from one end to the other and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat the process with each noodle until all the filling is used up.

Step 5: Top with Sauce and Cheese

1-Pour Sauce Over Roll-Ups: Once all the noodles are rolled and in the baking dish, pour the remaining white sauce over the top of the roll-ups. Use a spatula to spread the sauce evenly, making sure each roll-up is generously coated.

2-Sprinkle with Cheese: Top with an additional ½ cup of shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt and create a golden, bubbly topping as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake the Roll-Ups

1-Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

2-Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly and the edges start to turn golden brown.

3-Cool Slightly: Allow the lasagna roll-ups to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the sauce set slightly, making them easier to serve.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

1-Garnish with Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor, if desired.

2-Serve and Enjoy: Serve the lasagna roll-ups warm with a side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

-Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups

1-Make It Creamier: For a richer filling, add a few tablespoons of cream cheese to the chicken mixture. It makes the filling even creamier and adds a subtle tang.

2-Add Spinach or Mushrooms: For a veggie boost, add cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the filling. Both options pair beautifully with the garlic and Parmesan flavors.

3-Make Ahead: This recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover tightly with foil, then bake as directed. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

4-Freezing: These roll-ups freeze well. Simply prepare as directed but do not bake. Freeze the assembled roll-ups in the baking dish, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

5-Adjust Garlic Levels: If you’re a garlic lover, add an extra clove or two to the filling. Alternatively, reduce the amount for a milder garlic flavor.

Flavor Variations

1-Pesto Twist: Add 2-3 tablespoons of basil pesto to the chicken filling for an herbaceous, flavorful twist.

2-Four-Cheese Roll-Ups: Use a mix of cheeses, such as fontina, provolone, and Asiago, along with mozzarella and Parmesan, for a luxurious, four-cheese variation.

3-Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the white sauce for a subtle heat that complements the creamy flavors.

What Makes This Recipe Special

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups have everything you love about traditional lasagna but with a fun and elegant presentation. Each roll-up is individually packed with flavor, making it easy to serve and portion. The white sauce is rich and creamy, balancing out the savory chicken and cheese filling.

The garlic and Parmesan combination creates a comforting, familiar taste that’s sure to please. Plus, with each bite, you get a perfect balance of tender pasta, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

1-Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2-Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method helps maintain the texture.

Perfect Pairings

Serve these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups with:

-A Caesar salad or mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.

-Freshly baked garlic bread or breadsticks for extra garlic flavor.

-A glass of white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, which pairs well with creamy dishes.

-Final Thoughts

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups bring together comfort food classics in a way that’s simple yet elegant. Whether you’re making this dish for a family dinner, a special occasion, or meal prep, it’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the creamy, garlicky, cheesy layers, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for that perfect finishing touch!