Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with dinner all over again. These Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups are everything you crave in a comforting, cozy meal—creamy, cheesy, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to make. Each roll is like a little bundle of joy, with juicy shredded chicken, herby pesto, and rich béchamel all wrapped up in tender lasagna noodles. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something indulgent but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Weeknight-Friendly: Prep it in under 30 minutes, pop it in the oven, and dinner is served. It looks fancy, but it’s totally doable, even on a Tuesday night.
• Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of basil pesto, creamy sauce, melty cheese, and savory chicken is out of this world. It’s a total flavor bomb.
• Great for Leftovers or Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. It reheats beautifully.
• Customizable: Use what you have on hand and make it your own—this recipe is super flexible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to create these roll ups that are bursting with creamy, cheesy, pesto perfection:

• Lasagna noodles: Use traditional lasagna noodles, cooked just until tender. They’ll hold the filling well and roll up easily.
• Shredded chicken: Use rotisserie chicken to save time, or poach and shred your own. It’s the protein that keeps this dish hearty and filling.
• Basil pesto: Store-bought or homemade—your call. Pesto adds a punch of flavor with garlic, basil, and Parmesan.
• Ricotta cheese: This gives the filling its signature creaminess. Cottage cheese works as a substitute if needed.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that stretchy, gooey texture we all love in lasagna.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the dish. Don’t skip it—it really ties everything together.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is best here for that deep aromatic layer.
• Milk: Used to make the creamy béchamel-style sauce. Whole milk gives the best richness.
• Butter and flour: To build the creamy white sauce. This simple roux is key for the luscious texture.
• Salt and pepper: To season all those creamy, cheesy layers just right.

Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some easy tweaks to change up the vibe:

• Spinach and Artichoke: Add a handful of chopped spinach or canned artichokes to the filling for extra veggies.
• Spicy Kick: Mix red pepper flakes or a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste into the pesto or béchamel.
• Alfredo Swap: Use Alfredo sauce instead of béchamel for a super rich, shortcut-friendly version.
• Meat Lovers: Mix in cooked crumbled sausage or bacon bits for an extra savory layer.
• Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and load up the filling with sautéed mushrooms or roasted zucchini.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Boil the lasagna noodles until they’re al dente—soft but still sturdy. Drain and lay them flat on parchment paper or a lightly greased baking sheet so they don’t stick.

Step 2: Make the Béchamel

In a saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Let it cook for a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper, and stir in a little Parmesan for extra flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta, half the mozzarella, a spoonful of pesto, and minced garlic. Stir until everything is well mixed and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Roll Ups

Spread a spoonful of the filling across each lasagna noodle. Roll them up gently, from one end to the other, and place seam-side down in a baking dish that’s been coated with a layer of béchamel.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Once all the rolls are in the dish, pour the rest of the béchamel on top. Dot with extra pesto and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover loosely with foil and bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes, then uncover and broil for a few minutes to get that golden, bubbly top.

Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve

Allow the roll ups to sit for a few minutes after baking so they can set. Then serve warm, with all that creamy sauce spooned over the top.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Prevent Sticking: Lay the noodles flat on parchment after boiling to avoid tearing or sticking together.
• Use Room Temp Ingredients: Ricotta and pesto mix better when they’re not straight from the fridge.
• Don’t Overfill: A thin layer of filling goes a long way—overfilling can make rolling tricky.
• Let It Sit Before Serving: Just 5-10 minutes of rest after baking helps the sauce thicken and the flavors settle.

How to Serve

These roll ups are a full meal on their own, but a few sides can make it extra special:

Salad:

Serve with a crisp Caesar salad or a lemony arugula salad to balance the richness.

Bread:

A slice of warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for mopping up that creamy sauce.

Wine Pairing:

Try a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio—it cuts through the creaminess beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better as they sit!

Freezing

These roll ups freeze like a dream. Assemble them in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until warmed through. Or microwave individual portions with a splash of milk to keep the sauce from drying out.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the roll ups a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just pop them in the oven when ready to bake—perfect for prepping before a busy evening.

What kind of pesto works best?
Classic basil pesto is the go-to, but sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto can give a nice twist. Just make sure it’s flavorful and not too oily.

Can I use oven-ready lasagna noodles?
You can, but they don’t roll as easily and may crack. If using them, be sure to boil briefly to soften before assembling.

How do I keep the sauce from drying out when reheating?
Add a splash of milk or chicken broth before reheating, and cover with foil or a microwave-safe lid to keep moisture in.

Final Thoughts

These Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups are the kind of dinner that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar with minimal effort. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bright, bold flavor—they’re the perfect comfort food with a little gourmet twist. Whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself, give this one a try. It might just become a new favorite in your dinner rotation.

Print