Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups are an elegant and ingenious reimagining of classic Italian comfort food, transforming the traditional layered casserole into beautiful, individualized portions that are as impressive to serve as they are delicious to eat. This recipe masterfully combines the creamy, dreamy richness of a from-scratch Alfredo sauce with a savory, hearty filling of rotisserie chicken, cottage cheese, and mozzarella, all wrapped in tender lasagna noodles. The genius of the roll-up format lies in its visual appeal and perfect portion control, allowing each serving to be a self-contained bundle of flavor where the creamy filling is enveloped in pasta and generously draped with more of the luxurious, nutmeg-kissed Alfredo sauce and a final blanket of melted cheese. It’s a dish that feels special and refined, yet is built upon accessible, convenient ingredients.
The brilliance of this recipe extends beyond its presentation to its flawless, creamy Alfredo sauce—a silky emulsion of butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan, subtly spiced with Italian seasoning and a hint of nutmeg for warmth. Using cottage cheese in the filling is a stroke of practical genius, providing a lighter, tangier creaminess that perfectly complements the rich sauce and savory chicken. As the roll-ups bake, the sauce bubbles and thickens, the cheese melts into a golden cap, and the flavors meld into a cohesive, deeply satisfying whole. These roll-ups are the perfect solution for a dinner party where you want to impress without stress, or for a family meal where everyone gets their own perfectly crafted portion of cheesy, chicken-filled delight. It’s a recipe that proves creativity and comfort can exist in one stunning dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Elegant Individual Portions: Beautiful, easy-to-serve roll-ups make this dish perfect for entertaining and special occasions.
- Creamy, Dreamy Alfredo Sauce: A rich, from-scratch sauce with Parmesan, nutmeg, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes.
- Savory, Satisfying Filling: The combination of rotisserie chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and mozzarella is hearty and flavorful.
- Great Use for Rotisserie Chicken: Transforms a convenient store-bought staple into a spectacular homemade meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be assembled hours in advance and baked just before serving, making it ideal for easy entertaining.
Ingredients:
For the Roll-Ups & Filling:
12 lasagna noodles, uncooked
2 cups (16 oz) small-curd cottage cheese
2 large eggs
2 cups (8 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
3 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced
For the Alfredo Sauce:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 ½ cups (about 5 oz) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook Noodles & Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook lasagna noodles in salted boiling water until al dente according to package directions. Drain and lay noodles flat on parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese, eggs, 1 ½ cups of the mozzarella cheese, and the cooked chicken until well combined. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a large saucepan or skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until smooth. Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes.
Step 4: Simmer and Thicken Sauce
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, whisking frequently. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes until it begins to thicken. Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Assemble the Roll-Ups
Spread about ¾ cup of the Alfredo sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Lay one cooked noodle flat on a clean surface. Spread a heaping ⅓ cup of the chicken and cheese filling evenly along the length of the noodle. Roll the noodle up from one end to the other and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining noodles and filling.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Spoon the remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the tops of the roll-ups. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese.
Step 7: Bake and Serve
Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips:
- Prevent Sticky Noodles: After draining, toss noodles with a tiny bit of olive oil or lay them out separately to prevent them from gluing together.
- Freshly Grate Parmesan: For the smoothest, creamiest sauce, use a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents.
- Don’t Overfill: Use about ⅓ cup of filling per noodle. Overfilling can cause the rolls to burst open during baking.
- Shred Chicken Finely: Finely shredded or diced chicken incorporates better into the filling and makes rolling easier.
- Adjust Sauce Thickness: If your sauce seems too thick after adding the cheese, whisk in a splash of milk or chicken broth. If too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered in the baking dish or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave. For larger amounts, cover with foil and reheat in a 325°F (165°C) oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
- Freezing: Assemble the roll-ups in the baking dish with sauce and cheese. Do not bake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the bake time.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the entire dish up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the bake time.
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups are the perfect marriage of elegance and comfort. They turn a weeknight staple into a special occasion meal, delivering creamy, cheesy, chicken-filled satisfaction in every beautifully presented bite.
