Lasagna has always been the star of Italian-inspired dinners—layers of pasta, cheese, sauce, and filling baked together into one bubbling masterpiece. But what if you could enjoy the same flavors of lasagna in a tidier, more fun-to-serve package? Enter Chicken and Spinach Lasagna Rolls—a cozy, hearty, and creative twist on a timeless classic.
These little rolled-up bundles take everything you love about lasagna—creamy ricotta, flavorful chicken, wholesome spinach, and gooey cheese—and turn it into perfectly portioned servings that are easy to bake, store, and even freeze. They’re a family favorite because they look impressive, taste comforting, and work just as well for weeknight dinners as they do for dinner parties.
In this guide, you’ll not only get the step-by-step recipe, but also cooking tips, ingredient substitutions, serving ideas, storage instructions, nutrition details, and creative variations to make this dish your own.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, this article will help you master Chicken and Spinach Lasagna Rolls like a pro.
What Are Chicken and Spinach Lasagna Rolls?
Traditional lasagna is built in layers—pasta, cheese, sauce, meat, repeat. While delicious, it can be messy to serve and time-consuming to assemble. Lasagna rolls solve both problems by transforming each noodle into its own mini lasagna.
Here’s how it works:
- Cooked lasagna noodles are laid flat.
- A creamy filling made with ricotta, spinach, chicken, and seasonings is spread across each one.
- The noodles are rolled up like a jelly roll, nestled in marinara sauce, topped with mozzarella, and baked until golden and bubbly.
Each roll is individually portioned, which makes serving easy and presentation beautiful. Plus, they freeze wonderfully, meaning you can prepare them ahead and bake whenever you need a quick, comforting meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons these lasagna rolls deserve a spot in your meal rotation. Here are the biggest ones:
- Perfect Portions – No more uneven slices. Each roll is one serving, making dinner stress-free.
- Family-Friendly – Kids love the fun roll-up format, and adults appreciate the classic flavors.
- Customizable – Swap proteins, add extra veggies, or change the sauce to suit your taste.
- Meal-Prep Friendly – Make ahead, refrigerate, or freeze for busy nights.
- Less Messy than Traditional Lasagna – Rolling instead of layering means neater prep and serving.
- Comforting Yet Balanced – Cheesy and satisfying, with protein-rich chicken and nutrient-dense spinach.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses everyday ingredients that you may already have on hand. Each plays an important role in flavor and texture.
- Lasagna Noodles (10 pieces) – Regular or whole wheat. Cook until just al dente to avoid tearing when rolling.
- Shredded Chicken (2 cups) – Rotisserie chicken saves time, but leftover roasted or poached chicken works perfectly.
- Ricotta Cheese (1 ½ cups) – Provides creamy richness. You can use part-skim for a lighter option.
- Egg (1) – Helps bind the filling together.
- Fresh Spinach (2 cups, sautéed and chopped) – Adds color, nutrients, and freshness. Frozen spinach can be used if well-drained.
- Mozzarella Cheese (1 ½ cups, divided) – Melty and stretchy for that classic lasagna vibe.
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated) – Adds depth and umami flavor.
- Marinara Sauce (2 cups) – Use a quality store-bought jar or homemade sauce for best results.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp) – Brings a subtle garlic kick. Fresh minced garlic can also be used.
- Italian Seasoning (½ tsp) – For that herbaceous flavor profile.
- Salt & Pepper – To taste.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional) – For garnish and freshness.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about lasagna rolls is their versatility. Here are a few easy swaps and add-ins:
- No Chicken? Try ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- No Ricotta? Cottage cheese or mascarpone can be used instead.
- Different Greens – Kale, Swiss chard, or arugula make tasty substitutes for spinach.
- Different Sauce – Use Alfredo, pesto, or a creamy béchamel for a twist.
- Veggie Boost – Add mushrooms, zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichokes to the filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and lay flat on parchment paper or lightly oiled baking sheets to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, spinach, shredded chicken, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Roll the Noodles
Spread 2 tablespoons of the filling across each noodle. Starting from one end, roll tightly into a cylinder. Place seam-side down into a 9×13-inch baking dish lined with a thin layer of marinara sauce.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the rolls, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella.
Step 5: Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let rolls sit for 5–10 minutes to firm up before serving. Garnish with basil or parsley.
Tips for Perfect Lasagna Rolls
- Lay noodles flat immediately after draining to prevent clumping.
- Don’t overstuff the noodles—too much filling will cause them to burst.
- Cover with foil for most of the baking time to keep rolls moist.
- Letting the dish cool slightly before serving helps them hold their shape.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning in the filling before rolling.
What to Serve With Chicken and Spinach Lasagna Rolls
Pairing is key to making this dish feel like a complete meal. Consider:
- Bread – Garlic bread, focaccia, or toasted baguette slices.
- Salads – Caesar, arugula with lemon vinaigrette, or mixed greens.
- Vegetables – Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or carrots.
- Drinks – A glass of red wine, sparkling water with lemon, or iced tea.
Storage and Reheating
One of the biggest advantages of lasagna rolls is how well they store and reheat.
- Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer (Unbaked) – Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
- Freezer (Baked) – Cool completely, then wrap and freeze. Reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through.
- Microwave – For single servings, reheat on medium power until hot.
Nutritional Information (Per Roll – Approximate)
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 13g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble up to 2 days ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
2. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, but soften them in hot water before rolling and use extra sauce to ensure they cook through.
3. Can I make them gluten-free?
Absolutely—use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
4. Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes, substitute dairy-free ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan alternatives.
5. How do I prevent watery filling?
Drain spinach well and avoid using watery sauces.
Recipe Variations
- White Lasagna Rolls – Use Alfredo or béchamel sauce instead of marinara.
- Mediterranean Style – Add olives, artichokes, and feta cheese to the filling.
- Vegetarian Version – Skip chicken and add roasted mushrooms or zucchini.
- Kid-Friendly – Use extra mozzarella and mild marinara with fewer herbs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking noodles, making them too fragile to roll.
- Using too much filling, which causes them to split.
- Forgetting to cover with foil, leading to dry rolls.
- Not letting rolls rest before cutting or serving.
Final Thoughts
Chicken and Spinach Lasagna Rolls are proof that comfort food can be practical, fun, and versatile. With creamy ricotta, tender chicken, fresh spinach, and golden mozzarella all wrapped in pasta and marinara, this dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition.
Whether you make it ahead for meal prep, serve it fresh for Sunday dinner, or freeze it for busy nights, this recipe will become one of your most reliable go-tos.
Give it a try, and don’t forget to experiment with different variations—after all, the best recipes are the ones that evolve with your taste.
Printable Recipe Card
Chicken and Spinach Lasagna Rolls
Yield: 10 rolls (Serves 4–5) | Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
- 10 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups fresh spinach, sautéed and chopped
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook noodles until al dente. Lay flat.
- Mix ricotta, egg, spinach, chicken, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spread filling onto noodles, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a dish with marinara.
- Top with remaining sauce and mozzarella.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes covered, then uncover and bake 10 more minutes.
- Rest before serving. Garnish with herbs.
