Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups are a delicious twist on classic lasagna, combining tender chicken, creamy ricotta, savory pesto, and gooey mozzarella all rolled up in pasta sheets. Baked in a rich Alfredo sauce, these roll ups are perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with minimal effort. They’re cheesy, flavorful, and fun to serve.

ingredients

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

lasagna noodles
cooked shredded chicken
ricotta cheese
mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
basil pesto
garlic powder
onion powder
salt
black pepper
heavy cream
butter
garlic cloves
flour
milk

directions

Boil the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a parchment-lined surface to cool slightly.

In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, pesto, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 more minute. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth. Simmer until thickened, then stir in remaining Parmesan. Remove from heat.

Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a greased baking dish.

Spread 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture over each lasagna noodle and roll tightly.

Place the roll ups seam-side down in the baking dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 8 roll ups (serves 4).
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Use spinach or kale in the filling for added greens.
Substitute rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Try sun-dried tomato pesto instead of basil for a different flavor.
Use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a GF option.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
Freeze baked roll ups in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these roll ups ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Absolutely, use about 2 cups of your favorite brand if you prefer to skip making it from scratch.

Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese works well and offers a lighter texture.

Can I add veggies to the filling?
Definitely! Chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini are great additions.

Why are my roll ups falling apart?
Make sure the noodles are not overcooked and roll them tightly for best results.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales easily to feed a crowd.

What pasta should I use?
Traditional wide lasagna noodles work best for rolling.

Do I need to cover them while baking?
Yes, to keep them moist. Uncover during the last 10 minutes for a golden top.

Is pesto too strong for this dish?
Not at all—the cream and cheeses balance it perfectly.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, just skip the chicken and add more veggies or use a meat substitute.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups are a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying dinner option that’s as easy to make as it is to love. With layers of flavor in every bite, they’re sure to become a favorite for both weeknights and special occasions.