Rotisserie Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups: A Quick & Easy Comfort Food Recipe

Are you looking for a delicious and comforting weeknight meal that’s easy to prepare? Look no further than these Rotisserie Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups! This recipe takes the classic flavors of lasagna and transforms them into convenient, individual servings. Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken significantly cuts down on prep time, making it a perfect option for busy families or anyone who wants a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe is versatile, customizable, and sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the details!

## Why You’ll Love These Rotisserie Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups

* **Quick and Easy:** Rotisserie chicken is the star of the show, drastically reducing cooking time. The whole recipe can be assembled in under an hour.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** Lasagna is a beloved comfort food, and these roll-ups deliver all the cheesy, saucy goodness in a fun and manageable format.
* **Individual Servings:** The roll-up format makes portion control easy and is great for kids (and adults!).
* **Versatile and Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or sauces.
* **Great for Leftovers:** These roll-ups are just as delicious the next day, making them perfect for lunch or another dinner.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious lasagna roll-ups:

* **1 pound lasagna noodles:** Use regular lasagna noodles, not the no-boil kind. You’ll need to cook them according to package directions before assembling the roll-ups.
* **3 cups shredded cooked rotisserie chicken:** Remove the skin and bones from a store-bought rotisserie chicken and shred the meat. This is the biggest time-saver in the recipe.
* **1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese:** Ricotta cheese is the creamy base of the filling. Opt for whole milk ricotta for the best flavor and texture.
* **1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese:** Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the filling.
* **1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley:** Fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness and color to the filling.
* **1 egg, lightly beaten:** The egg helps bind the filling together.
* **1 teaspoon garlic powder:** Garlic powder adds a savory depth to the filling.
* **1/2 teaspoon salt:** Adjust to taste.
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper:** Adjust to taste.
* **3 cups marinara sauce:** Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce. For an extra layer of flavor, consider using a sauce with Italian sausage.
* **2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese:** Mozzarella cheese is the perfect topping for these roll-ups. It melts beautifully and adds a gooey, cheesy finish.
* **Optional toppings:** Fresh basil leaves, red pepper flakes, extra Parmesan cheese.

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Rotisserie Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups

Follow these easy steps to create your own batch of mouthwatering rotisserie chicken lasagna roll-ups:

**1. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:**

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
* Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become difficult to roll.
* Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also prevent them from sticking together.
* Lay the cooked noodles on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to dry slightly.

**2. Prepare the Chicken and Cheese Filling:**

* In a large bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
* Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

**3. Assemble the Lasagna Roll Ups:**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
* Spread a thin layer (about 1 cup) of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
* Take one lasagna noodle and spread about 1/3 cup of the chicken and cheese filling evenly over the surface of the noodle.
* Carefully roll up the noodle from one end to the other, creating a tight roll.
* Place the rolled-up noodle seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
* Repeat the process with the remaining lasagna noodles and filling, arranging the roll-ups snugly in the baking dish.

**4. Add Sauce and Cheese:**

* Pour the remaining marinara sauce (about 2 cups) evenly over the lasagna roll-ups.
* Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the sauce.

**5. Bake the Lasagna Roll Ups:**

* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
* Bake for 20 minutes.
* Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.

**6. Let Rest and Serve:**

* Remove the lasagna roll-ups from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes them easier to handle.
* Garnish with fresh basil leaves, red pepper flakes, or extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
* Serve hot and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

Here are some helpful tips and variations to make this recipe your own:

* **Add Vegetables:** Mix sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini into the chicken and cheese filling for added nutrients and flavor.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses in the filling, such as provolone, fontina, or Asiago.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce for a little heat.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Replace the rotisserie chicken with cooked vegetables, such as roasted eggplant or bell peppers.
* **Use a Different Sauce:** Try using a pesto sauce, Alfredo sauce, or a creamy tomato sauce instead of marinara.
* **Freeze for Later:** Assemble the lasagna roll-ups, but do not bake them. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
* **Prep Ahead:** Cook the lasagna noodles and prepare the filling ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
* **No-Boil Noodles (Use with caution):** While traditional lasagna noodles are preferred, you *can* use no-boil noodles. However, make sure there’s plenty of sauce to hydrate them. You might need to add a little extra water or chicken broth to the sauce. Also, be aware that the texture might not be quite as good.
* **Add Italian Sausage:** Brown some Italian sausage (removed from its casing) and add it to the marinara sauce for a richer flavor.
* **Use a Piping Bag:** For even distribution of the filling, transfer it to a piping bag (or a large Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off) and pipe the filling onto the lasagna noodles.

## Serving Suggestions

These Rotisserie Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of side dishes:

* **Garlic Bread:** A classic pairing for any Italian dish.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lasagna.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy and flavorful side.
* **Caprese Salad:** Sliced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
* **Soup:** A light soup, such as minestrone or tomato soup, can be a comforting addition to the meal.

## Recipe Card

Here’s a printable recipe card for your convenience:

**Rotisserie Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups**

**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 30-35 minutes
**Serves:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound lasagna noodles
* 3 cups shredded cooked rotisserie chicken
* 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 3 cups marinara sauce
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* Optional toppings: Fresh basil leaves, red pepper flakes, extra Parmesan cheese

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
3. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
5. Spread about 1/3 cup of the chicken and cheese filling evenly over each lasagna noodle. Roll up tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
6. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the roll-ups and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, red pepper flakes, or extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

## Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)

* Calories: Approximately 450-550
* Protein: 35-45g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.*

## Conclusion

These Rotisserie Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups are a fantastic way to enjoy the classic flavors of lasagna without all the fuss. They’re quick, easy, customizable, and perfect for a weeknight meal. So, grab a rotisserie chicken and get ready to roll up some deliciousness! Your family will thank you.

Enjoy!