Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups are a delicious twist on traditional lasagna, featuring tender lasagna noodles rolled around a rich filling of shredded chicken, ricotta, and pesto, then topped with a creamy white sauce and melted cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, these roll ups are comforting, flavorful, and easy to portion out.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

lasagna noodles
shredded cooked chicken
ricotta cheese
cream cheese
pesto sauce
mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
garlic
butter
milk
flour
salt
black pepper
Italian seasoning

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain and lay flat on a parchment-lined surface.

In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, ricotta, cream cheese, pesto, 1/2 of the mozzarella, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix until well blended.

Spread about 2 tablespoons of the filling over each lasagna noodle and roll them up tightly.

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in flour and cook for another minute to form a roux.

Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.

Spread a layer of the sauce over the bottom of the baking dish. Place the roll ups seam-side down in the dish.

Pour remaining sauce over the roll ups and top with the rest of the mozzarella.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 10 roll ups.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

Substitute shredded turkey or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Add sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for extra flavor.
Use Alfredo sauce instead of homemade white sauce for a shortcut.
Top with fresh basil or a drizzle of extra pesto before serving.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
Freeze assembled but unbaked roll ups for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

No-boil noodles are not ideal for roll ups, as they tend to crack—stick with traditional noodles.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the roll ups and refrigerate them a day in advance before baking.

Is homemade pesto necessary?

Store-bought pesto works great, but homemade adds a fresh touch if you have time.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking?

After boiling, lay noodles flat on parchment or drizzle with a bit of olive oil.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, cottage cheese can replace ricotta, and provolone or fontina can be used instead of mozzarella.

Can this be made vegetarian?

Yes, omit the chicken and add roasted veggies like zucchini or mushrooms to the filling.

How do I prevent watery lasagna?

Drain the ricotta and fully cook any added veggies to reduce moisture.

Can I add red sauce?

Yes, a spoonful of marinara on top before baking gives a tangy contrast to the creamy pesto.

Are these kid-friendly?

Absolutely—creamy and cheesy, they’re a hit with kids.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger pan or two baking dishes to accommodate the extra roll ups.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups bring together the comfort of lasagna with the fresh flavor of pesto in a neat, easy-to-serve format. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, they deliver big flavor with minimal fuss. Make them once, and they’ll become a favorite go-to in your meal rotation.