Name: Chicken and Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 9 lasagna noodles lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions and drained); 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded, rotisserie chicken works great or any cooked chicken breast); 2 cups fresh spinach (wilted, sautéed lightly until just wilted and excess moisture squeezed out); 1 cup ricotta cheese (creamy and mild, the base of the filling); 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded, for melty, stringy goodness inside and on top); 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated, adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the filling and topping); 2 cups marinara sauce (use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce); 2 cloves garlic (minced, for aromatic depth); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme); Salt and pepper (to taste); Olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)

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Lasagna is a timeless comfort food, but sometimes you want something a little different that still delivers on all the cheesy, saucy goodness. Enter Chicken and Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups — a fun, elegant twist on traditional lasagna that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. These roll-ups combine tender shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and a creamy ricotta mixture, all wrapped in tender pasta and smothered in marinara sauce. They bake to bubbly, golden perfection and serve up beautifully on a plate, making every bite a mouthwatering experience.

Why It Deserves a Spot

If you love lasagna but want to shake things up, this recipe is an absolute winner. The roll-up format is not only visually impressive but also makes portioning a breeze. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile — you can easily swap or add ingredients based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. The combination of chicken and spinach adds a healthy boost of protein and greens, while the cheeses bring just the right amount of creaminess and flavor. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to prepare, proving that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Ingredient Checklist

9 lasagna noodles — cooked according to package instructions and drained
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded — rotisserie chicken works great or any cooked chicken breast
2 cups fresh spinach, wilted — sautéed lightly until just wilted and excess moisture squeezed out
1 cup ricotta cheese — creamy and mild, the base of the filling
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded — for melty, stringy goodness inside and on top
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated — adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the filling and topping
2 cups marinara sauce — use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced — for aromatic depth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning — a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil — for greasing the baking dish

Equipment at a Glance

Large pot — to boil the lasagna noodles
Large skillet — to wilt the spinach and sauté garlic
Mixing bowl — for combining the filling ingredients
Baking dish (9×13 inches recommended) — to bake the roll-ups
Aluminum foil — to cover the dish while baking
Spatula or spoon — for spreading sauce and filling

Method: Chicken and Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups

Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Spinach and Garlic

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil, then sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and squeeze out any excess moisture from the spinach. Chop roughly.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, wilted spinach, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble the Roll-Ups

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil. Spread about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish. Lay one lasagna noodle flat and spread a generous layer of the chicken and spinach filling evenly over the noodle. Roll the noodle up from one end to the other. Place the roll seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles and filling.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the roll-ups. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly on top.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let the roll-ups cool for a few minutes before serving.

Variations by Season

Spring: Add fresh peas or asparagus tips to the filling for a bright, fresh flavor.
Summer: Swap marinara for a fresh tomato basil sauce or add roasted red peppers to the filling.
Fall: Incorporate roasted butternut squash or mushrooms for a hearty twist.
Winter: Use spinach and kale mix and add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for warmth.

Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary

Make sure to squeeze out excess water from the spinach. Too much moisture can make the filling runny and affect the texture.
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
Leftover Chicken and Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups make fantastic next-day lunches or freezer-friendly meals.
If you want a creamier filling, mix a bit of shredded mozzarella into the ricotta mixture before spreading.
For a richer dish, try swapping half of the ricotta with cottage cheese, or add a dollop of cream cheese.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

These roll-ups are perfect for make-ahead meals. You can refrigerate the assembled dish (covered tightly) for up to 24 hours before baking. For freezing, bake the roll-ups first, then cool completely. Wrap tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.

Quick Questions

Can I use fresh pasta sheets instead of dried noodles?

Absolutely! Fresh pasta cooks faster and is more tender, so reduce boiling time accordingly. Just be gentle when rolling to avoid tearing.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Yes, shredded turkey or even cooked beef can be used. For a vegetarian option, try sautéed mushrooms or lentils.

How do I make sure the roll-ups don’t fall apart?

Roll the noodles tightly but gently around the filling and place them seam side down in the baking dish. This helps them hold their shape during baking.

Can I make these roll-ups with a creamy sauce instead of marinara?

Definitely! For a creamy variation, try Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups, which swap marinara for a luscious Alfredo sauce, offering a rich and indulgent alternative.

The Last Word

Chicken and Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups are a delightful way to elevate your pasta night. They combine the best elements of classic lasagna with a twist that’s both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress without adding complexity to your cooking routine. With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and plenty of room for customization, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your dinner rotation. So grab those noodles, shred that chicken, and get ready to enjoy a comforting meal that feels special every time.

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