Get ready for a weeknight dinner hero that the whole family will cheer for! These Easy Chicken & Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups are a brilliant way to transform simple ingredients into a satisfying and comforting meal. They’re perfect for those busy evenings when you need something delicious on the table without a lot of fuss.
This recipe takes the classic flavors of lasagna and presents them in a fun, individual roll-up format. It’s a fantastic option for using up leftover shredded chicken and is surprisingly toddler-friendly, making it a win-win for parents looking for meals everyone at the table will enjoy.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
- Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
- Time Needed From Start To Finish
- How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
- Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
- Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
- How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
- Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe
Easy Chicken & Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Description
These Easy Chicken & Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups are a brilliant way to transform simple ingredients into a satisfying and comforting meal. They’re perfect for those busy evenings when you need something delicious on the table without a lot of fuss. This recipe takes the classic flavors of lasagna and presents them in a fun, individual roll-up format. It’s a fantastic option for using up leftover shredded chicken and is surprisingly toddler-friendly, making it a win-win for parents looking for meals everyone at the table will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. 1. Prepare the Lasagna Noodles: If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to package directions until al dente. Drain them well and lay them flat on a clean surface or parchment paper to prevent sticking. If using oven-ready noodles, you can skip the boiling step.
2. 2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, thawed and squeezed-dry spinach, ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. This is your flavorful core for the roll-ups.
3. 3. Assemble the Roll-Ups: Spread about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lay out one cooked lasagna noodle. Spread about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the chicken and spinach mixture evenly over the entire surface of the noodle.
4. 4. Roll Them Up: Starting from one short end, carefully roll up the noodle tightly. Place the rolled noodle seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining noodles and filling, arranging them snugly in the dish.
5. 5. Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the tops of the rolled-up noodles. Make sure each roll-up gets a good coating of sauce. Then, sprinkle the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce. You can also add a little extra Parmesan cheese at this stage if desired.
6. 6. Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375 F (190 C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the roll-ups are heated through. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: italian-american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1-2 roll-ups
Keywords: lasagna, chicken, spinach, roll-ups, easy, weeknight, family-friendly, comfort food, make ahead, meal prep
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This recipe is a true gem for anyone juggling a busy schedule but still wanting to serve a homemade, wholesome meal. It works so well because it simplifies the lasagna experience – no more wrestling with layers in a big pan! Each roll-up is a perfectly portioned bite of cheesy, saucy goodness, making it incredibly appealing, especially to younger eaters who might be intimidated by a large casserole. It’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping lunches for the week. You can serve it as a stand-alone dish or alongside a simple green salad for a complete meal. The use of pre-cooked shredded chicken significantly cuts down on preparation time, making it a practical choice for those hectic weeknights.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients for these chicken and spinach lasagna roll-ups is straightforward. Many of these items are likely already in your pantry or fridge, which helps make this a truly stress-free cooking experience. We’re focusing on readily available ingredients to ensure this recipe is accessible to everyone.
INGREDIENTS:
- 9-12 lasagna noodles, oven-ready or regular
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 24 ounces marinara sauce, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For simple substitutions, feel free to use rotisserie chicken for the shredded chicken, which is a fantastic time-saver. If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese can be a decent stand-in, though the texture will be slightly different. Any brand of marinara sauce you enjoy will work perfectly here, so pick your favorite! If fresh spinach is all you have, cook down about 10 ounces and squeeze out all the excess water before adding it to the mixture.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
This recipe is designed with efficiency in mind, ensuring you can get a delicious dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
This timing assumes you have your shredded chicken ready to go. If you need to cook chicken from scratch, add an additional 15-20 minutes for boiling or baking chicken breasts.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Creating these delightful lasagna roll-ups is a simple process. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.
- Prepare the Lasagna Noodles: If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to package directions until al dente. Drain them well and lay them flat on a clean surface or parchment paper to prevent sticking. If using oven-ready noodles, you can skip the boiling step.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, thawed and squeezed-dry spinach, ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. This is your flavorful core for the roll-ups.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups: Spread about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lay out one cooked lasagna noodle. Spread about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the chicken and spinach mixture evenly over the entire surface of the noodle.
- Roll Them Up: Starting from one short end, carefully roll up the noodle tightly. Place the rolled noodle seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining noodles and filling, arranging them snugly in the dish.
- Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the tops of the rolled-up noodles. Make sure each roll-up gets a good coating of sauce. Then, sprinkle the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce. You can also add a little extra Parmesan cheese at this stage if desired.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the roll-ups are heated through. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
These chicken and spinach lasagna roll-ups are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can omit the spinach or finely chop it so it’s less noticeable. Another great idea is to add a spoonful of cream cheese to the filling for an even creamier texture that kids often love.
If you’re looking to sneak in more veggies, consider adding finely diced bell peppers or grated zucchini (squeezed dry) to the chicken and spinach mixture. For a bit of a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the filling or sauce can add a nice warmth. These roll-ups are fantastic for a casual buffet or party; they’re easy to pick up and eat.
Serve them with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette, or some warm garlic bread for soaking up that delicious marinara sauce. For optional toppings, a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley before serving adds a lovely fresh aroma and color. A dollop of extra ricotta or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts could also elevate the dish for a special touch.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even simple recipes can have small pitfalls. Being aware of these common mistakes will help ensure your lasagna roll-ups turn out perfectly every time.
One common slip-up is overcooking the lasagna noodles. If they become too soft, they’ll be difficult to roll without tearing. Cook them only until al dente, meaning they still have a slight bite. Immediately drain and lay them flat to cool slightly, which also prevents them from sticking together.
Another mistake is not properly squeezing the moisture out of the thawed spinach. Excess water in the spinach will make your filling watery and can dilute the flavors. After thawing, place the spinach in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
Overfilling the noodles can also lead to issues. While it’s tempting to load them up, too much filling will make the noodles hard to roll and prone to bursting. Stick to the suggested 1/4 to 1/3 cup per noodle for optimal rolling and structural integrity.
Finally, not covering the dish during the initial baking phase can result in dry noodles or cheese that browns too quickly before the dish is fully heated through. The foil helps steam the roll-ups, ensuring they are moist and evenly cooked. Removing it at the end allows the cheese to get that perfect golden, bubbly finish.
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
These chicken and spinach lasagna roll-ups are excellent for making ahead and storing, making them a fantastic option for meal prep.
To Store Leftovers: Allow the baked roll-ups to cool completely. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions until heated through, or place them in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warm.
To Make Ahead: You can assemble the roll-ups completely, place them in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge about 30 minutes prior to baking, then follow the baking instructions, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time since they are starting from a colder temperature.
Freezing Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled and unbaked roll-ups. Place the assembled roll-ups (without sauce or cheese on top) in a freezer-safe baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then, add the sauce and cheese and bake as directed, adding extra baking time as needed until heated through and bubbly. You can also freeze individual baked roll-ups in an airtight container for easy grab-and-go meals.
Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe
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FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
