Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups

Creamy chicken pesto lasagna roll ups are a delicious twist on classic lasagna—individual rolls of tender pasta stuffed with creamy chicken, cheese, and pesto, all baked in a luscious white sauce. They’re easy to portion, loaded with flavor, and perfect for a comforting family dinner or an impressive meal for guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love these lasagna roll ups for their rich, creamy texture, cheesy layers, and vibrant pesto flavor. They’re simpler to assemble than a traditional lasagna, bake beautifully in one pan, and are easy to serve in neat portions. Great for making ahead, freezing, or feeding a crowd, this dish combines everything you love about creamy pasta with a fun and elegant twist.

ingredients

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

• Lasagna noodles
• Cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• Cream cheese or heavy cream
• Garlic (minced)
• Milk
• Butter
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions, drain, and lay flat on a baking sheet.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, ricotta, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, and pesto. Season with salt and pepper.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in cream cheese until melted, then gradually whisk in milk to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Season to taste.
4. Spread a thin layer of the cream sauce over the bottom of a greased baking dish.
5. Spoon the chicken pesto filling evenly over each lasagna noodle, then roll them up and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
6. Pour remaining cream sauce over the roll ups. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 (about 2 roll ups per person).
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Variations

• Spinach addition: Stir chopped spinach into the filling for extra veggies.
• Alfredo base: Swap the homemade cream sauce with your favorite jarred Alfredo for a shortcut.
• Low-carb version: Use zucchini or eggplant slices in place of lasagna noodles.
• Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling.
• Cheesy upgrade: Mix in provolone or fontina for a richer cheese profile.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in 1-minute intervals. To freeze, assemble the roll ups in a foil tray, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen (covered) for 45–50 minutes, uncovering for the last 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the roll ups and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

What kind of pesto should I use?

Basil pesto is traditional, but sun-dried tomato or spinach pesto also work beautifully.

Can I use no-boil noodles?

No-boil noodles typically don’t roll well—stick to traditional lasagna noodles for best results.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking—just make sure to wrap tightly and label with the date.

What’s a good side dish?

A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies make great sides for this rich dish.

Can I use cream instead of milk?

Yes, heavy cream will make the sauce even richer—just reduce slightly for thickness.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, omit the chicken and add roasted veggies or sautéed mushrooms instead.

How do I keep the roll ups from falling apart?

Don’t overfill them, and lay noodles flat immediately after boiling to keep them from sticking.

What cheeses melt best in this recipe?

Mozzarella gives great melt, Parmesan adds flavor, and ricotta provides creamy texture. Use all three for best results.

Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?

Yes, blend it for a smoother texture and use it 1:1 in place of ricotta.

Conclusion

Creamy chicken pesto lasagna roll ups are a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s bursting with cheesy, garlicky, herb-packed flavor. Easy to make, fun to serve, and perfect for meal prep or freezing, this recipe is a delicious way to switch up your pasta night routine. Once you try it, it just might become your new favorite lasagna.

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