Chicken Spinach Lasagna Rolls Recipe

Picture this: a cozy evening, your favorite playlist on in the background, and the tantalizing aroma of a chicken and spinach lasagna that’s about to become your new culinary obsession. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this delicious adventure that’s part comfort, part indulgence, and wholly satisfying.

My Chicken Spinach Lasagna Rolls have a combination of flavors that I find very comforting. Each roll is a perfect meal all by itself, with cooked chicken, thawed spinach, creamy ricotta, and a hint of Italian seasoning.

Even with all that going on inside the roll, I still think the pureed tomato and mozzarella topping is what really makes this dish come together.

Chicken Spinach Lasagna Rolls Recipe Ingredients

• Lasagna noodles: Provide carbohydrates for energy, offering a satisfying base for the rolls.
• Cooked, shredded chicken: Rich in protein, it makes the dish hearty and fulfilling.
• Frozen spinach: High in fiber and vital nutrients, boosting the health quotient.
• Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and calcium, enhancing both texture and nutrition.
• Marinara sauce: Provides tangy flavors with antioxidants from tomatoes.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers a gooey topping, packed with calcium and protein.

Chicken Spinach Lasagna Rolls Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 3/4 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

How to Make this Chicken Spinach Lasagna Rolls Recipe

1. Set your oven temperature to 375° F (190° C) and use olive oil to coat a 9 by 13-inch baking dish lightly.

2. Prepare the lasagna noodles as directed on the package. Once cooked, drain the noodles and spread them out on a baking sheet. Use parchment paper, if you like, to prevent sticking.

3. In a big mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, thawed and drained spinach, ricotta cheese, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mixing until well blended.

4. Thinly spread a layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of the baking dish prepared for baking.

5. Take a lasagna noodle that has been cooked, and spread evenly over it about 1/3 cup of the mixture of chicken and spinach.

6. Carefully roll the noodle up and position it in the baking dish with the seam side facing down. Do this with the rest of the noodles and filling.

7. Distribute the leftover marinara sauce evenly over top of the lasagna rolls.

8. Distribute the freshly shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the rolls that are slathered in sauce.

9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

10. Take off the foil and bake for a further 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and browned. Let the rolls set for a few minutes before serving.

Chicken Spinach Lasagna Rolls Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9 by 13-inch baking dish
3. Baking sheet
4. Parchment paper (optional)
5. Large mixing bowl
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Cooking pot (for boiling noodles)
8. Colander (for draining noodles)
9. Mixing spoon or spatula
10. Aluminum foil
11. Cheese grater (if not using pre-shredded cheese)

FAQ

• Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?You can use fresh spinach. Sauté it briefly in olive oil until wilted; then drain any excess moisture before adding it to the filling.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time?Certainly! The lasagna noodles can be prepared, rolled, and then kept in the refrigerator for as long as 24 hours, without being baked. When it’s time to bake the noodles, they can be added to the oven for a few extra minutes for an al dente finish.
• Is there a vegetarian version of this?To create a delicious vegetarian option, just leave out the chicken and either ramp up the amount of spinach or throw in some other vegetables, like mushrooms or bell peppers.
• What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?Cottage cheese or, for that matter, cream cheese can function as substitutes, although their use will transfer a bit of the original flavor to a dish.
• How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?Add a small amount of olive oil to the cooked noodles and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet, or use parchment paper to make sure they don’t touch, if you’re stacking sheets.
• Can I freeze the lasagna rolls?Indeed, freezing the rolls is possible. To do so, construct the rolls with sauce and then freeze prior to baking. When you are ready for a roll (or several), thaw the roll in the refrigerator overnight. After full thawing, bake the roll according to the enclosed instructions.
• What is the best way to reheat leftovers?Reheat the lasagna rolls in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warm, about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Chicken Spinach Lasagna Rolls Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Whole wheat lasagna noodles or gluten-free lasagna noodles can be used in place of regular lasagna noodles.
Ricotta cheese: Use cottage cheese or mascarpone cheese instead. These substitutes yield a creamier texture in your final dish.
Pecorino Romano cheese can be used for a sharper-flavored option, Parmesan cheese can be substituted with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Marinara sauce: Substitute with either homemade tomato sauce or store-bought alfredo sauce for a creamy variation.
Provolone cheese or gouda for a different flavor profile. Swap mozzarella. Cheese: Alternatives

Pro Tips

1. Enhanced Flavor For a deeper flavor, consider sautéing the spinach with a little garlic or onion before mixing it with the other filling ingredients. This can add an extra layer of taste to the filling.

2. Noodle Perfection To prevent noodles from sticking together after cooking, add a splash of olive oil to the water before boiling them. This can also add a slight flavor boost.

3. Marinara Upgrade If time permits, enhance store-bought marinara sauce by simmering it with some fresh basil, oregano, or a pinch of red pepper flakes before using it in the dish. This can add complexity to the sauce.

4. Cheese Texture For a creamy and gooey finish, mix a little cream cheese into the ricotta filling. This will make the filling richer and more luscious.

5. Presentation Tip When serving, garnish the finished dish with freshly chopped parsley or basil. This adds a touch of color and a burst of freshness to each plate.