Creamy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups: A Comfort Food Masterpiece

Indulge in the rich, creamy, and satisfying flavors of Creamy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups—a modern twist on traditional Italian-American comfort food. These roll-ups combine tender lasagna noodles with a luxurious blend of shredded chicken, velvety Alfredo sauce, Parmesan cheese, ricotta, and spinach, all rolled up into bite-sized bundles and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or meal prep, these roll-ups offer restaurant-quality taste with home-cooked warmth. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to something deliciously comforting, this dish delivers every time.

The History Behind the Dish

Lasagna has long been a staple in Italian cuisine, traditionally consisting of layered sheets of pasta interspersed with meat, tomato sauce, and cheese. However, over time, American interpretations have evolved, embracing richer sauces and varied ingredients. The concept of lasagna roll-ups emerged as a creative alternative—offering individual portions that are easier to serve and more visually appealing. By replacing heavy marinara with creamy Alfredo sauce, popularized in mid-20th century America thanks to chefs like Fettuccine Alfredo’s namesake, Alfredo di Lelio, this version leans into decadence. Incorporating grilled or rotisserie chicken elevates it further into a protein-packed, family-friendly meal that blends Italian tradition with modern convenience.

Ingredients Breakdown: What Makes This Dish Shine?

The magic of Creamy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups lies in its balance of textures and flavors, achieved through carefully selected ingredients:

Lasagna Noodles: Flat, wide pasta sheets that become soft and pliable when boiled, forming the structural base of each roll-up.
Shredded Chicken: Cooked and pulled rotisserie chicken or grilled breast adds lean protein and savory depth without overpowering the creamy filling.
Alfredo Sauce: A smooth, buttery sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic, and butter—or store-bought for convenience—provides the signature richness.
Ricotta Cheese: Light yet creamy, ricotta acts as the binder for the filling, lending body and mild tang.
Spinach: Fresh or frozen (thawed and drained) spinach adds color, nutrients, and a subtle earthiness that balances the fat content.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating gooey pockets inside and a golden crust on top when baked.
Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp, salty kick that enhances the overall umami profile.
Egg: Mixed into the filling to help stabilize the roll-ups and prevent them from falling apart during baking.
Garlic & Herbs: Minced garlic, dried oregano, basil, and parsley bring aromatic complexity and Italian flair.
Salt & Pepper: For seasoning layers of flavor throughout.
Olive Oil: Used to prevent sticking and add a hint of fruitiness.

Optional additions include sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or red pepper flakes for heat, allowing endless customization based on preference.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
Cook Lasagna Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually about 8–10 minutes. Carefully drain and rinse under cold water. Lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to cool and prevent sticking.
Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, ½ cup grated Parmesan, 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup chopped fresh spinach (or thawed and squeezed frozen spinach), 1 beaten egg, 2 cloves minced garlic, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried basil, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
Warm the Alfredo Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm 2 cups of store-bought or homemade Alfredo sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. Set aside for later use.
Assemble the Roll-Ups: Spread about ½ cup of warmed Alfredo sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Take one cooled lasagna noodle and lay it flat on a cutting board. Spread approximately ⅓ cup of the chicken-ricotta mixture evenly along the length of the noodle, leaving a small border at each end. Gently roll the noodle from one end to the other, creating a tight cylinder. Place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining noodles and filling—should yield about 8–10 roll-ups depending on noodle size.
Top with Sauce and Cheese: Once all roll-ups are arranged in the dish, pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the top, covering each roll evenly. Sprinkle with an additional ½ cup shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese for a golden, bubbly finish.
Bake Until Golden: Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly browned.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the roll-ups to rest for 5–10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps them hold their shape when lifted out. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil if desired.

Tips for Perfect Lasagna Roll-Ups Every Time

Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cooking them al dente ensures they stay firm enough to roll without tearing. Overcooked noodles may break apart during assembly.
Dry the Spinach Well: If using frozen spinach, squeeze out excess moisture using a clean towel or paper towels. Wet spinach can make the filling too runny.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time and offers tender, flavorful meat. You can also poach or grill chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Add an Egg to the Filling: It acts as a binder, helping the roll-ups maintain structure during baking.
Roll Tightly but Gently: Apply even pressure when rolling to avoid cracking the noodles while ensuring the filling stays inside.
Let Them Rest: Allowing the roll-ups to sit for a few minutes post-bake makes them easier to serve neatly.
Freeze Before Baking: Assemble and freeze unbaked roll-ups in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Double the Batch: These reheat beautifully and make excellent leftovers for lunch or quick dinners.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is highly adaptable to suit dietary needs, flavor preferences, or seasonal ingredients:

Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts for heartiness.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure your Alfredo sauce is certified GF. Brands like Barilla or Jovial work well.
Dairy-Free/Lighter Alternative: Substitute ricotta with dairy-free cottage cheese alternative, use vegan mozzarella and Parmesan, and opt for a cashew-based or plant-based Alfredo sauce.
Keto-Friendly Twist: Replace traditional noodles with thinly sliced zucchini (zoodles) or eggplant slices. Use full-fat cheeses and heavy cream-based Alfredo to keep macros aligned.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or drizzle with spicy Alfredo sauce or sriracha after baking.
Mediterranean Style: Incorporate kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and oregano for a Greek-inspired variation.
Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups: Swap half the Alfredo sauce for buffalo sauce, mix hot sauce into the filling, and top with blue cheese crumbles before baking.
Seafood Alfredo Rolls: Replace chicken with flaked cooked shrimp or crab meat for an elegant seafood upgrade.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While undeniably rich and indulgent, Creamy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet with mindful modifications:

Nutrient Profile (Per Serving – Approx. 2 roll-ups):

Calories: ~450–550 kcal
Protein: ~30–35g (from chicken, cheese, and egg)
Fat: ~25–30g (mostly from cheese and cream; includes saturated fats)
Carbohydrates: ~30–35g (primarily from pasta)
Fiber: ~2–3g (enhanced with spinach and whole grain noodles)
Calcium: High (from ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan)
Iron & Vitamin A: Moderate (from spinach)

Healthy Swaps:
- Use whole wheat lasagna noodles for added fiber and complex carbs.
- Opt for low-fat ricotta or part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat content.
- Make homemade Alfredo with reduced cream or milk alternatives (e.g., evaporated skim milk).
- Increase vegetable content by adding pureed cauliflower into the Alfredo or mixing finely chopped kale into the filling.
Portion Control: Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal and increase satiety.
For Heart Health: Limit sodium by choosing low-sodium cheeses and reducing added salt. Monitor portion sizes due to high saturated fat content.
Allergen Notes: Contains dairy, eggs, and gluten. Always check labels if serving individuals with allergies, especially when using store-bought sauces.

Full Ingredient List

12 no-boil or regular lasagna noodles (about 8 oz)
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or grilled)
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped (or 1 cup thawed and drained frozen spinach)
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt (optional, adjust to taste)
2 ½ cups Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 tbsp olive oil or non-stick cooking spray
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Detailed Directions Recap

Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook lasagna noodles al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and lay flat on a towel.
In a bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, chicken, spinach, egg, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
Spread ½ cup Alfredo sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
Lay one noodle flat, spread ⅓ cup filling down the center, then roll tightly.
Place seam-side down in dish. Repeat with all noodles.
Pour remaining Alfredo sauce over rolls. Top with remaining cheeses.
Cover with foil; bake 25 minutes. Uncover; bake 10–15 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
Rest 5–10 minutes. Garnish and serve warm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the roll-ups up to one day in advance, cover, and refrigerate before baking. You can also freeze unbaked roll-ups for up to 3 months—thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes until heated through.

Why did my roll-ups fall apart?
This usually happens if the noodles were overcooked, the filling was too wet (especially spinach), or the egg was omitted. Make sure to dry spinach well and roll while noodles are intact.

Can I use no-boil noodles?
Yes, but ensure there’s enough sauce around and under the rolls so they absorb liquid and soften properly during baking.

Is Alfredo sauce the same as white sauce?
No. Alfredo is made with heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan, giving it a rich, cheesy consistency. Béchamel (white sauce) uses a roux of flour and milk and is lighter.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Place assembled roll-ups in a greased slow cooker, cover with sauce and cheese, and cook on low for 3–4 hours.

What sides go well with these roll-ups?
Pair with garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted broccoli, green beans, or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.

Summary

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups blend the comforting essence of classic lasagna with the elegance of individual servings, featuring tender noodles wrapped around a luscious filling of chicken, ricotta, spinach, and Parmesan, smothered in rich Alfredo sauce and baked to golden perfection.

An irresistibly creamy, hearty dish that’s customizable for various diets, easy to prepare ahead, and perfect for feeding families or entertaining guests—one delicious bite at a time.