Oh my goodness, friends! You won't believe what happened yesterday! I was having one of those crazy weeknights when my grandma called to check in. When I told her I was staring blankly into my fridge wondering what to make for dinner, she laughed and said, "Why don't I come over and we'll whip up my chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach?" Let me tell you - it was EXACTLY what I needed!
Within 30 minutes, we were sitting down to these gorgeous little pasta bundles that looked like I'd spent all day making them (spoiler alert: we didn't!). The best part? My grandma showed me her secret trick for making these chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach extra creamy without getting soggy. Total game-changer!
You know what I love most about these? Chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach are like getting a warm hug on a plate! They've got all that cozy, cheesy comfort of traditional lasagna but in these cute individual roll-ups that make everyone feel special. My kids actually cheered when they saw them - yes, CHEERED for a dinner with spinach in it! Miracles do happen, friends! The combo of tender chicken, velvety alfredo sauce, and spinach (that sneaks in those veggies) is absolutely delicious. Even my pickiest eater grabbed seconds!
Jump to:
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make these delicious chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach. Check out the image below to see all the ingredients prepped and ready to go!
- Lasagna Noodles: These form the base of the roll ups, giving them structure. I recommend using dried lasagna noodles rather than the no-boil kind since we need them cooked in order to roll properly.
- Alfredo Sauce: This is where this recipe can be really easy or more complex if you like. I usually opt for jarred sauce, but when I have some homemade left over, I'll use that instead.
- Shredded Cooked Chicken: This recipe is a perfect opportunity to use up that leftover cooked chicken you've had sitting in the fridge or freezer. You can also use a rotisserie chicken from the store.
- Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses make this dish gooey and cheesy– just how I like it!
- Garlic Powder: Adds a little extra savory flavor to the filling.
- Lemon Zest: Brightens up the filling so it's not too heavy.
- Italian Seasoning: Adds classic Italian flavor to the filling.
- Fresh Spinach: I like to add chopped fresh spinach to boost the nutritional value and add beautiful color to our chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach.
The beauty of these chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach is that they use simple ingredients that come together to create something that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh spinach wrapped in pasta is simply irresistible!
Instructions
Follow these steps to make the perfect chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach. Don't forget to check out the step-by-step images to guide you!
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 baking dish with a bit of olive oil.
- Step 2: Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, but subtract 1 minute from the recommended time to keep them al dente. This will prevent them from becoming too soft and tearing when you roll them up. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water.
- Step 3: Prepare the filling by mixing 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup of alfredo sauce, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, ¼ cup of grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and the zest of half a lemon in a large bowl.
- Step 4: Add 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach to the chicken mixture and stir until well combined. The warmth from the chicken (if it's still slightly warm) will help wilt the spinach just enough.
- Step 5: Spread ½ cup of alfredo sauce across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
- Step 6: Lay out the lasagna noodles on a clean surface or baking sheet. Spread about 3 tablespoons of the chicken-spinach mixture evenly across each noodle, leaving a small border at the edges.
- Step 7: Roll up each noodle carefully from one short end to the other, keeping the filling inside. Place each chicken alfredo lasagna roll up with spinach seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Step 8: Pour the remaining alfredo sauce over the roll ups, making sure to cover them evenly. This will help keep them moist while baking.
- Step 9: Sprinkle with additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to create that perfect cheesy top.
- Step 10: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
- Step 11: For an extra golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Step 12: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach to set.
Cooking Tips
Don't worry if your first roll isn't perfect—by the third one, you'll be a pro! Here are a few tips to make these chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach foolproof:
To prevent the noodles from tearing, make sure to cook the noodles just to al dente – if the noodles are too soft, they can easily break. Rinsing the noodles under cold water will also prevent them from sticking to each other, which can lead to breaking.
I always like to make a couple of extra noodles just in case one tears or sticks together!
Place the roll ups seam-side down in the baking dish to keep them intact while they bake. This simple step makes a big difference in the final presentation of your chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach.
If you find the filling is a bit runny, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs to absorb some of the moisture. This will give you a filling that's easier to work with when making your chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach.
Personal Anecdotes
These chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach became my go-to for family gatherings after my kids absolutely loved them the first time I made them. My youngest, who normally picks spinach out of everything, didn't even realize it was in there! The way the spinach blends with the chicken and creamy alfredo sauce makes it nearly undetectable to picky eaters.
Grandma always says that the lemon zest is her secret weapon in these chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach. She started adding it years ago when she was looking for a way to cut through the richness of the alfredo sauce, and it's been a game-changer ever since. It's those little touches that make all the difference!
Substitutions
If you need to adjust these chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach for dietary preferences, here are some easy swaps:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles. They work just as well, though they might be slightly more delicate when rolling.
- Dairy-Free: Look for a dairy-free alfredo sauce alternative and use dairy-free cheese substitutes.
- Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and double the spinach, or replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture without the meat in your alfredo lasagna roll ups.
- Different Greens: If you don't have spinach, you can use well-chopped kale or Swiss chard in your chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups.
Variations
Want to mix up your chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach? Try these fun variations:
- Spicy Chicken Alfredo Roll Ups: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling for a kick.
- Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Rolls with Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for a tangy twist.
- Chicken Alfredo Roll Ups with Bacon: Mix in ¼ cup of crispy bacon bits to the filling for extra flavor.
- Seafood Alfredo Roll Ups: Replace the chicken with cooked shrimp or crab for a seafood version.
These variations keep the basic technique the same but give you different flavor profiles for your chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach.
Equipment
Here's what we use to make these chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach:
- A large pot for boiling the noodles
- A colander for draining
- A 9x13 baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A sharp knife for chopping the spinach
If you're using a smaller baking dish, you might need to reduce the recipe or use two dishes. The key is making sure your chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach have enough space in the dish so they're not too crowded.
Storage
Here's how to store these chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach and keep them fresh:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: These chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach freeze beautifully! After baking, let them cool completely, then freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They'll keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: For refrigerated roll ups, microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. For frozen, reheat covered in a 350°F oven for about 30-35 minutes.
To make ahead, prepare the chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach through step 9. Cover and place in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator and continue with step 10. You may need to add a few minutes to the bake time as this dish will be chilled.
Top Tip
My grandma's secret tip for perfect chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach is to let them rest for at least 5 minutes after baking before serving. This allows the roll ups to set up properly so they don't fall apart when you serve them. She also swears by adding a bit of the pasta cooking water to thin out the alfredo sauce if it's too thick—the starch in the water helps the sauce cling to the pasta better!
After 20 minutes in the oven, remove the foil so the chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach get toasty and golden brown. For crispy cheese, broil the roll ups after baking for 2-3 minutes. Just keep a close eye on them so they don't burn!
FAQ
What goes best with chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach?
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect alongside these rich and creamy chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach. Garlic bread is also a classic pairing. If you want to add more vegetables, roasted broccoli or sautéed zucchini complement the flavors nicely.
Does spinach need to be cooked before putting in lasagna?
For these chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach, you don't need to pre-cook the spinach as long as it's finely chopped. The heat from the warm chicken (if using) will slightly wilt it, and it will cook fully during baking. If you prefer, you can sauté it briefly with a bit of garlic for extra flavor.
What is the difference between chicken alfredo and chicken fettuccine?
Chicken alfredo refers to the sauce (a creamy white sauce made with butter, cream, and Parmesan), while chicken fettuccine refers to the type of pasta. Chicken fettuccine alfredo is the classic dish combining both elements. Our chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach use the same delicious sauce but with lasagna noodles instead of fettuccine.
How to make chicken alfredo lasagne?
Traditional chicken alfredo lasagna is made by layering lasagna noodles with alfredo sauce, chicken, and cheese, then baking. Our chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach use the same ingredients but roll individual portions instead of making one large casserole. The roll ups are more elegant for serving and cook faster than traditional lasagna.
Conclusion
Making these chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach with my grandma reminded me why I love cooking so much—it's not just about the food, but the memories we create along the way. These elegant little bundles take all the flavors of a classic comfort food and transform them into something special enough for company, yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
What I love most about this chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach recipe is how versatile it is. You can prep them ahead, freeze them for later, or customize them with different ingredients based on what you have on hand. They're a complete meal in one neat little package!
If you loved this recipe, check out these other family favorites: Mini Blueberry Muffins and Garlic Butter Steak Bites.
Give these chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups with spinach a try this week, and I promise they'll become a regular in your meal rotation. Happy cooking!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups with Spinach
Equipment
- 1 Large pot For boiling lasagna noodles
- 1 Colander For draining noodles
- 1 9×13-inch baking dish Grease with olive oil before baking
- 2-3 Mixing bowls Use separate bowls for filling and mixing
- 1 set Measuring cups & spoons For precise ingredient portions
- 1 Sharp knife For chopping fresh spinach
Ingredients
- 9 Lasagna noodles Cooked al dente, rinsed with cold water
- 2 cups Shredded cooked chicken Rotisserie chicken or leftovers work great
- 1.5 cups Alfredo sauce Jarred or homemade
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella Plus extra for topping
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan Plus extra for topping
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest Zest of half a lemon
- 2 cups Fresh spinach Finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil For greasing the baking dish
- Salt & pepper To taste (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions, but subtract 1 minute to keep them al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, 1 cup Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and lemon zest. Stir to mix.
- Add chopped fresh spinach to the chicken mixture and stir until well combined. If the chicken is still slightly warm, it will help wilt the spinach.
- Spread ½ cup of Alfredo sauce in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Lay lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface. Spread about 3 tablespoons of filling on each noodle, leaving a small border at the edges.
- Roll up each noodle from one short end to the other, keeping the filling inside. Place seam-side down in the prepared dish.
- Pour remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the roll ups. Top with extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden top. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the roll ups to set. Enjoy!
Notes
- Grandma’s Secret Tip: Add a splash of reserved pasta water to the Alfredo sauce if it’s too thick—helps it cling to the noodles!
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the roll ups a day in advance, cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready (add 5-10 extra minutes to the cook time).
- Freezer Friendly: Freeze baked roll ups individually for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, covered.
-
Substitutions:
- Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach.
- Swap chicken for mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and dairy-free cheese/sauce if needed.
- Pair With: A light green salad and garlic bread make the perfect dinner combo!
Leave a Reply