Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

These Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups are a dreamy twist on traditional lasagna that’s just as comforting but even easier to serve and more fun to eat. Picture tender lasagna noodles rolled up with juicy shredded chicken, creamy ricotta, flavorful pesto, and a blanket of rich Alfredo sauce—bubbling and golden from the oven. This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights and elegant enough to serve when guests come over. Best of all? You can prep it ahead of time, and leftovers reheat beautifully!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make Ahead: Perfect for prepping earlier in the day or even freezing for later—just bake when ready.
• Incredibly Flavorful: The combo of creamy pesto, Alfredo, and tender chicken is simply irresistible.
• Great for Leftover Chicken: Got leftover rotisserie chicken? This recipe makes the most of it!
• Kid-Approved and Crowd-Friendly: The roll-up style is fun to eat and perfect for portion control—great for parties or picky eaters.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what makes these lasagna roll ups so amazing:

• Lasagna noodles: Choose traditional lasagna noodles that can be boiled and rolled easily. Cook them al dente to prevent tearing.
• Shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here—tender, flavorful, and ready to go.
• Ricotta cheese: Adds a smooth, creamy base to the filling. Mix with parmesan for added flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the top, giving you that irresistible gooey finish.
• Parmesan cheese: For depth and that salty kick—don’t skip it.
• Pesto sauce: Use good-quality basil pesto (store-bought or homemade). It adds an herby, garlicky punch that transforms the dish.
• Alfredo sauce: This creamy sauce brings everything together. Use your favorite jarred version or homemade if you have time.
• Garlic powder and Italian seasoning: Simple, essential seasonings to amplify the flavor.
• Fresh parsley or basil: Optional, but a sprinkle on top adds color and a fresh finish.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes to the pesto or Alfredo for a touch of heat.
• Low-Carb Version: Try using thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant instead of pasta noodles.
• Cheese Swap: Try a mix of provolone, fontina, or even goat cheese for something a little different.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish entirely gluten-free without sacrificing taste.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Boil the lasagna noodles until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a lightly oiled surface to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella, parmesan, pesto, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until creamy and well combined.

Step 3: Roll It Up

Spread a generous spoonful of the filling over each noodle. Carefully roll them up from one end to the other.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Spread a layer of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the roll ups seam-side down. Top with more Alfredo sauce and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and a bit of parmesan.

Step 5: Bake

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let it rest for a few minutes out of the oven. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cook Extra Noodles: Always boil a couple of extra noodles in case a few break during cooking.
• Use Room-Temperature Ricotta: It spreads more easily and blends better with the other ingredients.
• Don’t Overfill: A couple of tablespoons of filling per noodle is plenty—too much will cause them to burst.
• Prevent Sticking: Lay boiled noodles on parchment or a drizzle of olive oil to keep them from sticking together.
• Let It Rest: Allow the lasagna roll ups to cool slightly before serving to help everything set.

How to Serve

These roll ups are satisfying on their own but shine even brighter with simple sides:

Pairings:

• A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast.
• Garlic bread or focaccia is ideal for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli complement the rich flavors.

Presentation:

• Serve 2–3 roll ups per person for a full meal.
• Sprinkle with extra parmesan and a light drizzle of olive oil or pesto before serving for an elevated touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, so it’s just as good the next day!

Freezing

These roll ups freeze beautifully. Assemble them (without baking), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Reheating

Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions with a splash of milk or Alfredo sauce to keep them moist.

FAQs

Can I make these roll ups ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the roll ups and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re going in cold.

What type of pesto works best?
A classic basil pesto works wonderfully, but feel free to experiment with sun-dried tomato pesto or even arugula pesto for a peppery twist.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Absolutely. Cottage cheese is a great substitute—just make sure to drain it well and consider blending it for a smoother texture.

What can I do if I run out of Alfredo sauce?
No worries! You can stretch it by mixing it with a bit of milk or cream, or substitute with a white béchamel sauce or even a mix of cream cheese and milk in a pinch.

Final Thoughts

These Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups are comfort food magic—easy to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy and satisfying, this dish is a must-try. Go ahead, roll them up, pop them in the oven, and get ready to fall in love with lasagna all over again!

Print