Chicken Alfredo Roll Ups

This indulgent chicken alfredo roll-up recipe transforms classic lasagna noodles into elegant spirals of creamy, cheesy goodness. My family calls them "fancy pasta night" but they're surprisingly simple to prepare with impressive results.

I developed this recipe when searching for ways to repurpose leftover rotisserie chicken. What started as a weeknight experiment quickly became our most requested comfort food for Sunday family dinners.

• Lasagna noodles: Choose traditional flat noodles rather than the ruffled edge variety for easier rolling
• Alfredo sauce: Use store bought for convenience or homemade for extra richness
• Shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken provides the best flavor but any cooked chicken works wonderfully
• Garlic powder: Adds depth without overpowering the delicate sauce
• Italian seasoning: This blend brings herbal complexity with minimal effort
• Mozzarella cheese: Freshly grated melts more smoothly than pre shredded varieties
• Fresh parsley: Optional but adds color and a bright finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Preheat your oven to exactly 375°F for optimal melting without burning. Spray your baking dish thoroughly with non stick spray, ensuring complete coverage including the corners where cheese tends to stick.

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil before adding the lasagna noodles. Cook them until just al dente about 1 minute less than package directions. They should be pliable enough to roll but firm enough to hold their structure. Drain and immediately lay flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Mix the Filling:

Combine half the Alfredo sauce with all the shredded chicken in a medium bowl. Add the seasonings and 1 cup of mozzarella. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated. The mixture should be thick enough to spread but not so loose that it slides off the noodles.

Assemble the Roll Ups:

Spread the chicken mixture evenly across each noodle leaving a small border at the edges. Start at one short end and roll firmly but gently to create tight cylinders. Place each roll up seam side down in your prepared baking dish to prevent unraveling during baking.

Sauce and Cheese:

Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce directly over the roll ups ensuring each one is covered. This prevents the pasta from drying out during baking. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over the top focusing on good coverage rather than thickness.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake uncovered for exactly 20 minutes or until the cheese develops a golden appearance with bubbling edges. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the filling set.

I particularly love using smoked mozzarella for an unexpected depth of flavor in this dish. My grandmother always said good Italian cooking should balance richness with simplicity and these roll ups achieve that perfect harmony with minimal ingredients.

Make Ahead Magic

These roll ups shine as a make ahead meal. Prepare everything up to the baking step then cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to two days. When ready to enjoy simply add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time starting with the foil on and removing it for the final 10 minutes.

Creative Variations

Transform these roll ups by experimenting with different fillings. Try spinach and ricotta for a vegetarian option or swap the chicken for Italian sausage. The Alfredo base works beautifully with countless flavor combinations while maintaining the elegant rolled presentation.

Serving Suggestions

These alfredo roll ups pair perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. The brightness cuts through the rich creaminess of the dish. For a complete meal add garlic bread and roasted vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes which roast beautifully alongside the pasta dish.

Frozen Assets

These roll ups freeze exceptionally well making them perfect for meal prepping. Freeze individual portions after baking and cooling completely. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for about 25 minutes or until heated through. The texture remains nearly identical to freshly made which is rare for freezer meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Yes, store-bought Alfredo sauce works perfectly, but for extra flavor, you can make homemade Alfredo sauce.

→ What type of chicken should I use?

Use cooked shredded chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, baked chicken breasts, or even leftover chicken.

→ How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?

After boiling, lay out the noodles on parchment paper to cool and dry, ensuring they don’t stick together.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the roll-ups and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ What can I add to enhance the flavors?

You can add sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for extra flavor.