Description
These Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups are a delightful twist on classic lasagna, offering individual portions packed with flavor. Tender lasagna noodles are filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture of shredded chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and vibrant basil pesto, then bathed in a luscious homemade cream sauce. They’re easy to assemble, bake up beautifully, and are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe elevates lasagna from a heavy casserole to an elegant and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 8 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions and drained
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for convenience)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade, your choice!)
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole milk or 2% work best for richness)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation:
- Paso 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents the lasagna roll ups from sticking.
- Paso 2: Make the cream sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Paso 3: Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
- Paso 4: Add the garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.
- Paso 5: Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, pesto, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined. The egg acts as a binder, helping the filling hold its shape during baking.
- Paso 6: Assemble the roll ups: Lay the cooked lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface (a cutting board or parchment paper works well).
- Paso 7: Spread 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken filling evenly over each noodle, leaving a small border at one end to help seal the roll up.
- Paso 8: Starting from the end with the filling closest to the edge, carefully roll up each noodle from one end to the other.
- Paso 9: Add to baking dish: Spread a thin layer of the cream sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will keep the roll ups moist and prevent them from sticking.
- Paso 10: Place the roll ups seam-side down in the baking dish. This will prevent them from unrolling during baking.
- Paso 11: Pour the remaining cream sauce evenly over the top of the roll ups.
- Paso 12: Sprinkle with extra mozzarella or Parmesan cheese, if desired, for an extra cheesy topping.
- Paso 13: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Paso 14: Let the lasagna roll ups cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents burning your mouth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Elevated Lasagna: Offers a sophisticated twist on a classic comfort food.
- Individual Portions: Perfect for portion control and elegant presentation.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of chicken, pesto, and creamy sauce is irresistible.
- Easy to Customize: Adapt the recipe to your liking with different cheeses, vegetables, or sauces.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and freeze for a quick and easy meal.
Presentation Suggestions:
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley over the baked roll ups for a pop of color and freshness.
- Plate Individually: Arrange 2-3 roll ups per plate and drizzle with a little extra cream sauce.
- Side Dish: Serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Bread: Offer a slice of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious cream sauce.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors of the dish.
Tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Overcooked noodles will be difficult to roll and can become mushy. Cook them al dente.
- Cool Noodles Slightly: Letting the cooked noodles cool slightly before filling them makes them easier to handle.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ricotta and eggs will ensure that the filling mixes together smoothly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the cream sauce and filling before assembling and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Prevent Sticking: Make sure the baking dish is well-greased to prevent the roll ups from sticking.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes
Información nutricional: (Approximate, may vary based on specific ingredients)
- Calorías: 450-550 per serving (2 roll ups)
- Proteínas: 30-35 grams per serving
- Sodio: 600-800 mg per serving
Conclusión
These Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of flavors and the ease of preparation make this recipe a winner for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for a special gathering, these roll ups are sure to delight. Get ready to experience lasagna in a whole new way!
Preguntas y respuestas:
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese in the filling?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses based on your preferences. Provolone, Asiago, or Fontina would all be delicious additions or substitutions for mozzarella. Just keep in mind that different cheeses have varying levels of saltiness, so you may need to adjust the amount of salt you add to the filling.
Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding vegetables. Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers would be excellent additions. You could also add cooked lentils or beans for added protein.
Q3: Can I make the cream sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cream sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, gently reheat the sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth and creamy. You may need to add a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
Q4: Can I freeze the assembled lasagna roll ups before baking?
A: Yes, these lasagna roll ups freeze very well. Assemble them as directed, then wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the roll ups in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the roll ups are still slightly cold.
Q5: My cream sauce is too thick. How can I thin it out?
A: If your cream sauce is too thick, simply whisk in a little extra milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Be sure to whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
