Garlic Parmesan Chicken Lasagna Rolls

The smell of garlic browning in butter is enough to make me forget whatever bad mood I was carrying into the kitchen. One rainy Thursday evening I stood over the stove stirring a Parmesan sauce that was definitely not part of any plan and realized I was accidentally inventing the best thing I would eat all week. These roll ups were born from leftover chicken and a stubborn refusal to make regular lasagna. They have been on repeat in my house ever since.

I made a double batch of these for a friend who had just moved into a new apartment and she stood in the kitchen eating one directly from the baking dish with a fork before the rest even made it to a plate.

Ingredients

• Shredded cooked chicken breast: Two cups is roughly one large breast and using a rotisserie bird saves you an entire step on a busy night.
• Ricotta cheese: Whole milk ricotta gives the filling a creamier body than the part skim version.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Divide this into one cup for the filling and one cup for the topping so you do not lose track.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Split between the filling the sauce and the topping and always grate it fresh if you can manage it.
• Minced garlic: Two cloves is a starting point and I have been known to double it without regret.
• Chopped fresh parsley: This brings a brightness that dried parsley simply cannot replicate here.
• Large egg: Binds the filling together so it holds its shape inside the roll.
• Salt and black pepper: Season the filling generously because the noodles themselves are plain.
• Lasagna noodles: Twelve noodles give you twelve roll ups and you should cook them one minute less than the box says.
• Marinara sauce: A good jarred marinara works beautifully but homemade will make you feel unstoppable.
• Unsalted butter: The starting point for the creamy sauce so use a quality butter you enjoy eating.
• All purpose flour: Just two tablespoons to thicken the milk into something luscious.
• Milk: Whole milk makes the richest sauce but two percent will also do the job.
• Garlic powder: Adds a mellow garlic note to the sauce that complements the fresh garlic in the filling.

Instructions

Warm up the oven:

Preheat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray so nothing sticks later.

Cook the noodles:

Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package but pull them one minute early then drain and lay them flat on a baking sheet so they do not curl or tear.

Build the filling:

Toss the shredded chicken ricotta mozzarella Parmesan garlic parsley egg salt and pepper into a big bowl and mix with your hands or a spoon until everything is evenly distributed and smells incredible.

Make the creamy sauce:

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat whisk in the flour and let it cook for one minute then slowly pour in the milk while whisking until it thickens and stir in the Parmesan and garlic powder before seasoning with salt and pepper.

Set the foundation:

Spread half a cup of marinara across the bottom of your baking dish so the roll ups have a saucy bed to rest on.

Fill and roll:

Spoon two to three tablespoons of filling down each noodle and roll it up tightly starting from one end like you are wrapping a small gift.

Arrange and sauce:

Place each roll seam side down in the dish then pour the creamy Parmesan sauce and remaining marinara over the top covering every exposed noodle.

Cheese it up and bake:

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over everything and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the cheese is golden and the edges are bubbling then let it rest for five to ten minutes before serving.

Save

There is something about pulling a bubbling dish of these roll ups from the oven that makes a regular weeknight feel like a tiny celebration.

Serving Ideas Worth Trying

A simple arugula salad with lemon juice and olive oil cuts through the richness of all that cheese and butter beautifully.

Making These Ahead of Time

You can assemble the entire dish cover it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking which makes this a brilliant option for entertaining without the last minute scramble.

Storage and Reheating Notes

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for three days and reheat gently in the oven or microwave without drying out.

• Cover with foil while reheating in the oven so the cheese does not brown further.
• A splash of milk over the top before microwaving helps revive the creamy sauce.
• These do not freeze well because the ricotta filling changes texture so enjoy them fresh.

Save

Keep this recipe close because once someone you love tries it they will ask for it again and again and you will be glad you know it by heart.

Questions & Answers

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken for the filling?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply shred the meat from the bones and use it in place of the cooked chicken breast. The seasoned flavor of rotisserie chicken actually adds depth to the filling.

→ How do I prevent the lasagna noodles from tearing when rolling?

Cook the noodles just until al dente, then drain and lay them flat on a lightly oiled baking sheet or parchment paper. This prevents sticking and keeps them pliable. Avoid overcooking, as soft noodles tear more easily during rolling.

→ Can I assemble these roll ups ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the roll ups, place them in the baking dish, and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the sauces and cheese topping just before baking. You may need to add 5 to 10 extra minutes to the baking time if going straight from the refrigerator.

→ What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese blended until smooth is a great substitute for ricotta. You can also use a mixture of cream cheese and a little milk to achieve a similar creamy texture. Keep in mind that substitutions may slightly alter the final flavor and consistency.

→ How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F covered with foil for about 20 minutes until heated through.

→ Can I freeze garlic Parmesan chicken lasagna roll ups?

Yes, they freeze well both before and after baking. For unbaked roll ups, assemble without the sauce topping, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add sauces, then bake as directed. Baked roll ups can also be frozen in individual portions for quick meals.