Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Chicken pesto lasagna roll ups: Prepare to be amazed! Imagine the comforting flavors of classic lasagna, but reimagined into perfectly portioned, delightfully cheesy rolls. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience. Forget wrestling with layers of noodles and messy slices; these roll ups are elegant, easy to serve, and bursting with flavor.

While lasagna itself boasts a rich Italian heritage, tracing back centuries, these chicken pesto lasagna roll ups offer a modern twist on a beloved tradition. Pesto, originating from Genoa, Italy, adds a vibrant, herbaceous note that perfectly complements the creamy ricotta and savory chicken. It’s a fusion of classic techniques and contemporary tastes.

What makes these roll ups so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures – the tender pasta, the creamy filling, and the melted mozzarella on top. The pesto adds a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness, preventing it from feeling too heavy. Plus, they’re incredibly convenient! They’re perfect for meal prepping, potlucks, or even a weeknight dinner when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and surprisingly simple dish!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken Pesto Filling:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 cup prepared pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Lasagna Noodles:
• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• For the Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Cheese Topping:
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Chicken Pesto Filling:

1. First, make sure your chicken is cooked and shredded. You can bake it, boil it, or even use rotisserie chicken to save time. I usually bake mine – it’s super easy! Just season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Let it cool slightly before shredding with two forks.
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, pesto, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it really brings out the flavors! Give it a good mix until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You want a flavorful and well-balanced filling.
4. Set the filling aside while you prepare the lasagna noodles.

Cooking the Lasagna Noodles:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the olive oil to the water. This helps prevent the noodles from sticking together.
2. Add the lasagna noodles to the boiling water, making sure they are submerged. Cook according to package directions, but aim for al dente – about 8-10 minutes. You want them to be pliable enough to roll, but not too soft or they will tear.
3. Once the noodles are cooked, carefully drain them and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps prevent them from sticking together.
4. Lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking while you prepare the sauce.

Making the Tomato Sauce:

1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine.
5. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. The sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be!
7. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or sugar depending on your preference.

Assembling the Lasagna Roll-Ups:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
3. Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce (about 1 cup) evenly over the bottom of the baking dish. This will prevent the roll-ups from sticking and add flavor.
4. Take one lasagna noodle and lay it flat on a clean surface.
5. Spread about 1/4 cup of the chicken pesto filling evenly over the noodle, leaving a small border at the edges.
6. Carefully roll up the noodle tightly, starting from one end.
7. Place the roll-up seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
8. Repeat steps 4-7 with the remaining noodles and filling, arranging the roll-ups snugly in the baking dish.
9. Once all the roll-ups are in the dish, pour the remaining tomato sauce evenly over the top, making sure to cover all the roll-ups.
10. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce.

Baking the Lasagna Roll-Ups:

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to keep the cheese from burning and ensure that the roll-ups are heated through.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
4. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.
5. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
6. Serve hot and enjoy! These Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll-Ups are delicious on their own or with a side salad and some crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.

Tips and Variations:

• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with cooked spinach, mushrooms, or other vegetables.
• Add more veggies: Mix some chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or onions into the chicken pesto filling for added nutrients and flavor.
• Use different cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses in the filling or topping, such as provolone, fontina, or asiago.
• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce for a spicier kick.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the roll-ups ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Freeze for later: These roll-ups freeze well. Assemble them, but don’t bake them. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.
• A glass of your favorite wine.

Conclusion:

This Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation. Why? Because it effortlessly combines the comforting flavors of classic lasagna with a fun, modern twist that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. We’re talking about tender chicken, vibrant pesto, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella all nestled within perfectly rolled lasagna noodles. What’s not to love?

But beyond the deliciousness, this recipe is a must-try because it’s incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal when you’re short on time, yet elegant enough to serve to guests. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken or that jar of pesto you’ve been meaning to open. It’s a win-win situation all around!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Now, let’s talk about how you can make these Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups your own. While the recipe is fantastic as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking.

* Serving Suggestions: Serve these roll ups with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing will perfectly complement the richness of the lasagna. You could also pair them with some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. For a heartier meal, add a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.
* Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Instead of mozzarella, try using provolone or fontina for a slightly different flavor profile. You can also add some spinach or other leafy greens to the ricotta mixture for an extra boost of nutrients. If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey or Italian sausage. For a vegetarian option, use roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant instead of the chicken.
* Sauce it up: While the pesto provides a ton of flavor, you can also add a layer of marinara sauce to the bottom of the baking dish before placing the roll ups. This will add another dimension of flavor and keep the lasagna extra moist.
* Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture or sprinkle some on top of the roll ups before baking.

I’m confident that once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress everyone who tries it. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, and the ease of preparation makes it a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve made this recipe, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what you thought, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Sharing your feedback helps me improve my recipes and inspires other readers to give them a try. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your lasagna adventures. Don’t forget to share pictures of your creations on social media and tag me! I’m always excited to see what you come up with. Enjoy!

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