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This creamy chicken Alfredo roll-up recipe transforms ordinary lasagna noodles into an elegant dinner that looks impressive but requires minimal effort. The combination of tender shredded chicken, velvety Alfredo sauce, and melty mozzarella creates a comforting meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
I first created these roll-ups when hosting a dinner party where I needed something that would impress without keeping me in the kitchen all day. The presentation received so many compliments that they've become my go-to dish whenever company comes over.
Ingredients
- Lasagna noodles: Cook up perfectly for rolling without breaking when you follow package directions
- Alfredo sauce: Provides the creamy base; try homemade for best flavor but quality store-bought works well too
- Shredded chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor
- Garlic powder: Infuses the filling with aromatic depth
- Italian seasoning: Adds classic herb notes that complement the creamy sauce
- Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all flavors together
- Mozzarella cheese: Fresh is best for its superior meltability and mild flavor that doesn't overpower
- Fresh parsley: Optional but adds bright color and fresh flavor contrast
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and generously spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. This temperature allows for perfect melting of the cheese while heating everything through without drying out the pasta.
- Cook the pasta:
- Boil the lasagna noodles following package directions until al dente. Be careful not to overcook them as they need to hold their structure for rolling. After draining, lay each noodle flat on parchment paper with small spaces between them to prevent sticking.
- Mix the filling:
- Combine half of your Alfredo sauce with all the shredded chicken in a medium bowl. Add the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Mix thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed for consistent flavor in each roll-up.
- Assemble the roll-ups:
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly across each noodle, leaving a small border at the edges. Start at one end and carefully roll each noodle over the filling, maintaining an even pressure to create tight, uniform rolls. Place each roll-up seam-side down in your prepared baking dish.
- Add final touches:
- Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the roll-ups, ensuring each one gets covered. This prevents them from drying out during baking. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella evenly over the top for that irresistible cheese pull.
- Bake to perfection:
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the cheese melts completely and begins to bubble around the edges. Watch carefully in the final minutes to prevent over-browning. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color.
My secret for making these extra special is using a combination of regular and smoked mozzarella cheese. The subtle smoky flavor adds incredible depth that complements the creamy Alfredo sauce. My family now refuses to eat them any other way and always knows when I've taken this extra step.
Make-Ahead Options
These roll-ups are perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking time; refrigerate covered with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature, then bake as directed, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time if still cold.
Perfect Pairings
These creamy roll-ups pair beautifully with acidic sides that cut through the richness. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides the perfect balance. For a complete meal, add garlic bread and roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, which both complement the flavors without competing with the main dish.
Clever Variations
The basic recipe serves as an excellent template for customization. Try adding sautéed spinach and artichoke hearts for a vegetable boost, or substitute the chicken with Italian sausage for a more robust flavor profile. For seafood lovers, crabmeat makes an elegant variation, especially when paired with a touch of Old Bay seasoning in the filling.
Troubleshooting Tips
Let lasagna noodles cool just enough to handle safely, but work with them while still warm. Cold noodles tend to crack when rolled. If you find your noodles tearing slightly, don't worry. Place them in the baking dish with the tear on the bottom, and the sauce and cheese will help bind everything together during baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I prevent the cake from becoming too dry?
To prevent dryness, avoid overcooking the cake. Check for doneness after 2 hours on high heat or 3.5 hours on low by inserting a toothpick into the middle. It should come out mostly clean.
- → Can I use a different size crock pot?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time as needed. A smaller crock pot may require longer cooking to avoid undercooking, while a larger one may reduce the time slightly.
- → Can I substitute the cocoa powder with hot chocolate mix?
While you could use hot chocolate mix, it might result in a sweeter, less intense chocolate flavor. For best results, stick with unsweetened cocoa powder.
- → Can I make this dessert in advance?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat leftovers by warming them in the microwave or crock pot. Add a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream before serving.
- → What toppings pair well with this dessert?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even chocolate shavings complement the warm lava cake beautifully. Fresh berries can add a touch of acidity to balance the richness.