Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll-Ups: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Favorite

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that’s packed with flavor and looks as amazing as it tastes, these Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll-Ups are exactly what you need. Imagine tender lasagna noodles filled with a creamy, cheesy chicken mixture, all rolled up and baked to perfection in a luscious cream sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s both impressive and easy to make.

Why You’ll Love These Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll-Ups

These lasagna roll-ups are a beautiful combination of rich, creamy textures and fresh, vibrant pesto flavors. Unlike traditional lasagna, these individual roll-ups are easy to portion, making them perfect for both family dinners and entertaining guests. The best part? They’re simple to prepare and look so elegant when served, making you feel like a chef without all the effort. You can also prep them ahead of time, store them for later, or even freeze them—perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd!

Let’s dive into the recipe, shall we? Here’s everything you need to make these delicious roll-ups!

Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 large egg
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Cream Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll-Ups

1. Prepare the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until they’re al dente. Once cooked, drain them and lay them flat on a baking sheet to keep them from sticking together. This step is crucial for keeping the noodles nice and separate while you prepare the filling.

2. Make the Cream Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Then, slowly whisk in the milk and cream to create a smooth, creamy mixture. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove it from the heat and set it aside. This creamy sauce will be the base for your lasagna rolls, and it’s absolutely heavenly.

3. Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, pesto, and egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix everything together until it’s well combined. The pesto adds a burst of flavor that makes these roll-ups stand out from traditional lasagna. If you like a little extra cheesy goodness, feel free to add more mozzarella to the mixture!

4. Assemble the Roll-Ups
Spread a thin layer of the cream sauce over the bottom of a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay each lasagna noodle flat and spread 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken pesto filling evenly over the surface of the noodle. Carefully roll up the noodles, making sure the seam is tucked underneath so the rolls stay together while baking.

Place each roll-up seam-side down in the baking dish. Once all the rolls are in, pour the remaining cream sauce over the top and sprinkle any leftover mozzarella or Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy finish.

5. Bake the Roll-Ups
Cover the dish with foil and bake the roll-ups in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. The creamy sauce will soak into the noodles, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

6. Serve and Enjoy
Let the lasagna roll-ups cool for just a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a touch of color and added freshness. Serve these with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread, and you’ve got the perfect dinner!

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Tips and Tricks for Perfect Lasagna Roll-Ups

• Use Fresh Noodles: Fresh lasagna noodles can be a game-changer for this recipe. They’re more pliable and easier to roll, but if you’re using regular noodles, just make sure to lay them flat to avoid sticking.
• Spinach Addition: For an extra veggie boost, stir some chopped spinach into the filling. It’ll add color and nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
• Get Creative with the Pesto: While basil pesto is the classic choice, you can switch things up with sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto for a unique twist. Each variety will give your roll-ups a different flavor profile.
• Add Extra Veggies: If you want to sneak in more veggies, consider adding roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, or even zucchini slices to the filling. These vegetables pair beautifully with the creamy chicken and pesto.
• Make it Spicy: For a little kick, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or finely diced jalapeños into the filling. It’ll add a nice warmth to balance the richness of the sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

These lasagna roll-ups are perfect for meal prep and make great leftovers. After they’ve cooled, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave them in 1-minute intervals.

Can You Freeze These Roll-Ups?
Absolutely! These roll-ups freeze wonderfully. You can freeze them either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and label it with the date. When ready to bake, cook them straight from the freezer (covered) for 45-50 minutes, uncovering the foil during the last 10 minutes. If you’ve baked them already, they’ll still freeze well—just reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

These creamy chicken pesto lasagna roll-ups are hearty enough to stand on their own, but they pair wonderfully with side dishes that balance their richness. Try serving them with:

• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• Garlic bread for a carb lover’s dream side dish.
• Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, or brussels sprouts, for a savory complement to the creamy dish.

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead of time?
  Yes! You can assemble the roll-ups and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great option if you want to make them ahead for dinner parties or busy evenings.
• What kind of pesto should I use?
  Basil pesto is the classic choice, but don’t hesitate to experiment with other types. Sun-dried tomato pesto or even spinach pesto can add an exciting twist to the dish.
• Can I use no-boil noodles?
  While no-boil noodles are convenient, they tend not to roll as well as regular lasagna noodles. Stick to traditional noodles for the best results.
• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
  Yes, you can freeze these roll-ups either before or after baking. They freeze beautifully and make for an easy dinner on a busy night.
• What’s a good side dish to serve with these?
  Try pairing these roll-ups with a simple green salad or garlic bread. Roasted veggies also complement the rich flavors of the roll-ups perfectly.

Final Thoughts

These Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll-Ups are a fun, flavorful, and comforting twist on traditional lasagna. The combination of creamy chicken, gooey cheese, and vibrant pesto is irresistible, and the fact that they’re so easy to make and serve in individual portions makes them a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or prepping for a special occasion, these roll-ups are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!