If you’ve got some cooked chicken hanging out in the fridge, wait until you try this divine Leftover Chicken Stuffed Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe. It takes those humble leftovers and transforms them into a comforting, cheesy, and utterly satisfying meal that feels like a special occasion dinner any night of the week. Each bite brings together tender chicken, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and fragrant herbs all rolled up in tender pasta with a rich marinara sauce—a meal that’s both cozy and impressive without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays its role, from the creamy cheeses to the savory seasonings, making this recipe a joy to assemble and enjoy.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Using cooked chicken adds protein and a hearty base for the filling.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: This adds a luscious, creamy texture that binds everything together.
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: Mozzarella brings gooey stretch and that irresistible cheese pull.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan: Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor to deepen the savory profile.
- 1 large egg: Helps to hold the filling together for easy rolling and baking.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic boosts the aroma and complexity of the filling.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enriches the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance but not overpower the ingredients.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: For a subtle kick and balance.
- 8 cooked lasagna noodles: These serve as the perfect vessel to wrap your flavorful filling.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: The tomato sauce adds tangy, comforting moisture and ties everything together.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, bright garnish to finish the dish with a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Leftover Chicken Stuffed Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese and Chicken Filling
Start by mixing the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This mixture is the heart of your roll-ups, blending creaminess with savory flavors, so ensure everything is combined evenly for perfectly balanced bites.
Step 2: Cook and Prepare the Lasagna Noodles
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Rinse them under cold water to stop cooking, then spread them out flat on a clean kitchen towel or baking sheet to dry. This step ensures they won’t stick together when you start rolling them with the filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Roll-Ups
Take each noodle and spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken and cheese filling along one edge. Carefully roll the noodle up, keeping the seam side down to prevent them from unrolling during baking. Lay each roll-up snugly in a greased 9×13 baking dish, creating a beautiful array ready for sauce and cheese.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the roll-ups, making sure every noodle roll gets a nice coating of tomato goodness. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top for that irresistible golden crust once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes to warm through and meld flavors. Remove the foil and pop it back in the oven for another 10 minutes so the cheese on top melts beautifully and turns golden and bubbly—pure comfort food magic!
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the roll-ups rest for about 5 minutes. This short wait lets everything set nicely and makes serving a breeze. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley to add a burst of color and freshness that brightens up each cheesy, savory bite.
How to Serve Leftover Chicken Stuffed Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil bring vibrancy and a fresh note that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese and sauce. A light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also elevate the dish and make it extra inviting.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to lighten the meal and add some freshness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also a fantastic choice to soak up any extra marinara sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these roll-ups family-style directly from the baking dish for a cozy, rustic vibe or plate them individually with a drizzle of extra sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a restaurant-quality presentation that will impress any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Leftover Chicken Stuffed Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making for easy, flavorful lunches or dinners throughout the week without any hassle.
Freezing
You can freeze these roll-ups before baking by wrapping the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. They will maintain their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. For a quicker option, microwave individual servings but keep a watchful eye to avoid drying out the noodles.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Whether you have rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even leftover roast chicken, any cooked chicken works beautifully in this Leftover Chicken Stuffed Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe. Just shred it finely for best texture.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free noodles. Just make sure to cook them according to package instructions, as gluten-free variants sometimes require a bit of special care.
Can I prepare this recipe fully ahead of time and bake later?
Definitely. You can assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for busy days or entertaining without the last-minute rush.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta on hand, cottage cheese is a great substitute and will keep the filling creamy. Just blend it briefly if you’d prefer a smoother texture.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling or stir a little hot sauce into the marinara for a subtle heat. You can also serve it with spicy pepperoncini on the side for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
This Leftover Chicken Stuffed Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe is pure comfort food that turns simple leftovers into a mouthwatering meal packed with love and flavor. Trust me, once you try it, it will become your go-to for an easy yet impressive dinner. Gather your ingredients, roll up those noodles, and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Print
Leftover Chicken Stuffed Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A comforting and delicious leftover chicken dinner featuring cheesy chicken-stuffed lasagna roll-ups baked in marinara sauce, perfect for transforming cooked chicken into a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other
- 8 cooked lasagna noodles
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated to form a cohesive filling.
- Cook noodles: Boil lasagna noodles following package directions until al dente. Drain and lay them out flat on a clean surface or baking sheet to cool and dry, preventing sticking during rolling.
- Assemble roll-ups: Spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken and cheese filling evenly onto each lasagna noodle. Roll each noodle up gently from one end to the other and place the roll, seam-side down, into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish in a single layer.
- Add sauce and cheese: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the rolled noodles, ensuring each is well coated. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese on top to add a melty, golden layer.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil to keep moisture in. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and garnish: Let the baked roll-ups rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps set the filling. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh, colorful finish.
Notes
- You can use any cooked chicken, such as rotisserie or leftover baked chicken.
- If you prefer, substitute spinach or other herbs in place of parsley for garnish.
- For a lower fat version, use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella.
- Ensure noodles are fully cooled to prevent tearing when rolling with filling.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
