Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups represent the perfect marriage of classic Italian comfort and modern home cooking convenience, delivering all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna in an elegant, individual presentation that feels special enough for dinner parties. These tender pasta rolls stuffed with creamy chicken and ricotta filling, then baked in a savory tomato sauce, offer everything you love about lasagna without the intimidating layering process. What makes this recipe so wonderfully appealing is its combination of sophistication and surprising simplicity—you’ll impress your family and guests with what appears to be complicated cooking, yet the actual preparation requires nothing more than rolling, filling, and baking. The individual portions make serving effortless, and cleanup becomes a breeze since there’s no bulky lasagna pan to manage. Whether you’re planning a special family dinner or preparing an impressive dish for entertaining, these roll-ups deliver restaurant-quality results that taste like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. This dish proves that spectacular meals don’t require complicated techniques or unusual ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Next, allow me to share why home cooks genuinely adore making Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups. First, the individual portion presentation automatically makes any meal feel more elegant and special without requiring additional effort or fancy plating skills. Additionally, these roll-ups can be assembled completely ahead of time, then simply popped into the oven when you’re ready to eat—perfect for busy days or entertaining when you want to minimize last-minute stress. The combination of tender pasta, creamy filling, and rich tomato sauce creates incredible depth of flavor while remaining accessible and approachable for cooks of all skill levels. Furthermore, leftover roll-ups reheat beautifully, making them excellent for meal prep and lunch the next day. The versatility of this recipe means you can easily customize the filling with different vegetables, cheeses, or seasonings to match your family’s preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Serves 6 people (12 roll-ups)
• 12 lasagna noodles • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts • Salt and black pepper to taste • 3 tablespoons butter • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 1 medium onion, finely diced • 8 ounces mushrooms, finely chopped • 15 ounces ricotta cheese, room temperature • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping • 1 large egg • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes • 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade) • ½ cup whole milk • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • ½ cup chicken broth or water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
First, remove the chicken breasts from the refrigerator and allow them to sit at room temperature for approximately ten minutes before cooking, which ensures even, gentle cooking throughout. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot. Once the pan is properly heated, carefully place the chicken breasts in the oil and cook for approximately six to seven minutes on the first side without moving them, which allows a golden crust to develop. Flip the breasts and cook for another six to seven minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit on an instant-read thermometer. Remove the cooked chicken to a clean cutting board and allow it to rest for five minutes before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
Create the Filling Base
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter foams and becomes fragrant, add the minced garlic and diced onion, stirring occasionally for about three to four minutes until both become soft and translucent. Subsequently, add the finely chopped mushrooms and cook, stirring frequently, for approximately five to six minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to soften. The mixture will seem wet initially, but this liquid will evaporate as the mushrooms continue cooking. Let the vegetables cook until they develop a slightly deeper color and most of the liquid has evaporated, which concentrates their flavors beautifully.
Combine the Ricotta Mixture
Transfer the cooked mushroom mixture to a large mixing bowl and allow it to cool for about five minutes. Add the chopped cooked chicken, ricotta cheese, one cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, fresh basil, parsley, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice to the bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined and the filling achieves a uniform, creamy consistency. Taste the filling and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed, remembering that the cheeses contribute saltiness, so season conservatively. This filling can be made up to twenty-four hours ahead and refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble the roll-ups.
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente, which means they should have a slight firmness when bent but not be hard or brittle. Drain the noodles carefully and lay them flat on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to prevent them from sticking together. Pat them gently dry with additional paper towels, as excess moisture will prevent the filling from adhering properly to the pasta.
Assemble the Roll-Ups
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread about ½ cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Working with one noodle at a time, place it on a clean work surface and spread approximately 3 tablespoons of the ricotta filling evenly along the entire length of the noodle, leaving about half an inch clear at the top edge. Starting from the bottom, roll the noodle tightly toward yourself, creating a compact roll that holds the filling securely without spilling. Place the roll seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining noodles and filling until all twelve roll-ups are neatly arranged in the dish, fitting them snugly but not so tightly that they’re pressed against each other.
Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining marinara sauce with the whole milk, stirring until smooth and well combined. Pour this sauce mixture evenly over all the assembled roll-ups, ensuring that each one is well covered but not drowning in sauce. The milk creates a slightly lighter, less acidic sauce that won’t overwhelm the delicate chicken and cheese filling. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and additional Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the roll-ups, creating a golden crust when baked.
Bake Until Golden
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for approximately twenty minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another fifteen to twenty minutes until the cheese on top becomes golden and bubbly, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. The roll-ups are done when a knife inserted in the center of one feels hot to the touch and the filling is heated through completely. Allow the dish to rest for five minutes before serving, which helps the structure set slightly and makes plating easier without falling apart.
Serve with Care
Using a wide spatula or serving spoon, carefully lift each roll-up from the baking dish and transfer it to individual serving plates or a serving platter. Spoon any remaining sauce from the bottom of the pan over the top of the roll-ups for extra flavor and moisture. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve immediately while everything is hot and the cheese is still melted and creamy.
Serving and Storing Tips
Serving Suggestions
These elegant roll-ups pair beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, which provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy filling. Next, serve alongside garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce. Additionally, a glass of medium-bodied red wine such as Chianti or Sangiovese complements the tomato sauce and chicken wonderfully. For entertaining, arrange the roll-ups on a large platter with fresh basil garnish for a stunning presentation that looks far more complicated than the actual preparation required. Consider serving this dish at family-style gatherings where everyone can admire the beautiful individual portions before enjoying them.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place individual roll-ups or the entire baking dish in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven, covered with foil, for approximately twenty minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave, covered loosely, for two to three minutes, though oven reheating produces superior results and prevents drying. These roll-ups also freeze beautifully for up to three months—assemble them completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then bake from frozen, adding approximately ten to fifteen minutes to the baking time. Thawing is not necessary when baking from frozen, making these perfect for advance meal preparation.
Helpful Notes and Tips
Ingredient Substitutions and Flexibility
One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its adaptability to different preferences and dietary needs. First, if you prefer using store-bought rotisserie chicken, simply shred approximately two cups of chicken meat from the bird, which saves time considerably. Additionally, you can replace the mushrooms with finely diced zucchini, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers based on your preferences. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and increase the ricotta to two cups, adding more vegetables for substance and flavor. Furthermore, if you’re dairy-free, substitute ricotta with cashew cream and use dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan alternatives for similar results.
Sauce Variations
Feel free to customize the sauce based on available ingredients and flavor preferences. Next, if you prefer a homemade marinara, prepare it while the chicken cooks for maximum freshness and flavor. You can also use vodka sauce or creamy tomato sauce instead of traditional marinara for a different flavor profile. Additionally, mixing marinara with a small amount of Alfredo sauce creates an interesting fusion approach that your family might enjoy.
Time-Saving Tips
Purchase pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from your grocery store, which cuts preparation time dramatically and delivers excellent results. Additionally, use pre-shredded mozzarella and Parmesan from your grocery store if you’re short on time, though freshly grated cheese creates a better texture when melted. Furthermore, assemble the entire dish the morning of and refrigerate it until dinner time, then simply pop it in the oven without thawing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One frequent error involves overfilling the noodles, which causes the filling to squeeze out during rolling and baking—use approximately three tablespoons per noodle for proper balance. Another common mistake is using noodles that are overcooked; they should still have slight firmness to prevent falling apart when rolled. Additionally, avoid adding cold filling to the assembled dish; always allow the ricotta mixture to reach room temperature before filling the noodles. Finally, don’t skip the resting period after baking, as this allows the structure to set slightly, making plating and serving much cleaner and easier.
Chef Tips for Excellence
First, the secret to perfectly tender roll-ups lies in not overbaking them—remove them from the oven as soon as the cheese becomes bubbly and golden, before the edges begin drying out. Second, always reserve some sauce to pour over the assembled roll-ups before baking; this keeps them moist and prevents drying during the cooking process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these roll-ups ahead of time and freeze them? Absolutely—assemble them completely, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months; bake from frozen, adding ten to fifteen minutes to the cooking time.
What if I don’t have lasagna noodles? Large pasta shells work wonderfully as an alternative, though they require slightly different filling amounts and may cook faster than noodles.
Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken breasts? Yes, cook one pound of ground chicken until no longer pink, then combine directly with the other filling ingredients without additional preparation steps.
How do I prevent the pasta from tearing when rolling? Ensure the noodles are cooked al dente and cooled slightly, pat them dry thoroughly, and spread filling gently but confidently without hesitation.
Is this dish suitable for freezing after baking? Yes, you can bake the roll-ups, cool them completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to three months; reheat gently from frozen in a 350-degree oven.
Conclusion
Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups represent the ultimate comfort food that balances elegance with accessibility, delivering impressive results that belie the straightforward preparation required. This dish proves that restaurant-quality meals are entirely achievable in your own kitchen when you combine quality ingredients with proper technique and care. Whether you’re preparing a special dinner for your family or impressing guests at an entertaining gathering, these roll-ups deliver consistent, delicious results that satisfy and delight. The individual portions automatically elevate any meal, making even everyday dinners feel like special occasions.
Now that you have the complete guide to creating beautiful Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups at home, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you try this recipe? How did it turn out for you and your family? Please save this recipe to your collection, pin it to your favorite Pinterest board, and share it with friends and family who appreciate elegant yet practical cooking. Your feedback and shares inspire us to keep developing more delicious recipes that bring joy and delicious meals to kitchens everywhere. Tag us on social media with your beautiful Chicken Lasagna Roll Up creations—we absolutely love seeing your culinary successes and hearing how this dish brought people together around your table!
