Hearty & Healthy Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups: An Easy Weeknight Dinner Delight

Are you tired of the same old chicken dinners? Does the thought of another plain grilled chicken breast make you sigh? If so, you’re in the right place! Chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein, a staple in many healthy eating plans, including Weight Watchers (where it’s often a zero-point food). However, its versatility can sometimes be overlooked, leading to repetitive meals that quickly become boring. This recipe for Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups is here to revolutionize your dinner routine, offering a fun, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying way to enjoy chicken. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that’s surprisingly easy to prepare and packed with delightful flavors. Get ready to impress your family and your taste buds with this delicious and filling dish!

Traditional lasagna, while undeniably comforting, often demands a significant time commitment, making it a challenging choice for busy weeknights. But fear not! Our Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups offer all the hearty satisfaction of lasagna with a fraction of the effort. This recipe is designed for simplicity, utilizing readily available ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at any local grocery store. There’s no need for exotic components or multiple trips to specialty shops. These roll ups come together quickly, making them an ideal solution for those hectic evenings when you crave a homemade, wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without this fantastic, fuss-free chicken lasagna roll up recipe.

Why These Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups Will Become Your New Favorite!

Quick & Satisfying: A Hearty Meal in Under 40 Minutes.

Imagine coming home after a long, demanding day, craving a warm, comforting dinner but dreading the extensive cooking and cleanup. These chicken lasagna roll ups are your answer! With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a bake time of around 25 minutes, you can have a truly satisfying, home-cooked meal on the table in less than an hour. They are incredibly hearty, providing that cozy, full feeling perfect for chilly evenings or any time you need a substantial meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or your precious time. This recipe proves that quick meals can also be deeply fulfilling and delicious.

Smart Use of Leftovers: An Excellent Way to Repurpose Cooked Chicken.

This recipe is a brilliant solution for minimizing food waste and maximizing convenience. Do you often find yourself with leftover shredded chicken from a previous meal, or perhaps half a rotisserie chicken? Instead of letting it go to waste or serving it in another uninspiring way, transform it into these delectable lasagna roll ups! Using pre-cooked chicken drastically cuts down on your preparation time, making this an even quicker meal. It’s a flavorful and creative way to give new life to ingredients you already have, saving you both time and money.

Minimal Ingredient List: Only Seven Simple Items Needed.

One of the biggest frustrations in cooking can be tracking down a long list of obscure ingredients. We understand that. That’s why this chicken lasagna roll up recipe is a breath of fresh air. You only need seven common ingredients, most of which are probably already in your kitchen pantry or easily found at any standard grocery store. This simplicity means less time shopping, less money spent on specialty items, and more time enjoying the cooking process and the delightful outcome. It’s truly a testament to how incredible flavors can be created from straightforward components.

Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups:

Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze. We focus on common, wholesome items that come together to create a truly impressive dish. For the best results, opt for quality ingredients where possible, especially with your pasta sauce and cheeses, as they form the backbone of the flavor.

• 8 cooked lasagna noodles
• 12 oz cooked, shredded chicken (approximately 3 cups)
• 1 ¾ cup light or reduced fat tomato pasta sauce
• ⅔ cup shredded, reduced fat mozzarella cheese
• 4 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons bread crumbs
• Dried parsley (for garnish and flavor)

Mastering Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these delicious roll ups is simpler than you might think. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a perfectly baked, cheesy, and satisfying meal. The key is in the layering and gentle handling of the noodles to ensure they hold their shape and deliver maximum flavor in every bite.

1. Begin by preparing your lasagna noodles. Boil them according to the package instructions until al dente. It’s crucial not to overcook them, as they need to be pliable enough to roll without tearing. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and lay them flat on a clean surface, like a cutting board or baking sheet, to prevent sticking.
2. While your noodles are cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch casserole dish by lightly spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. This will ensure your roll ups don’t stick and make cleanup much easier.
3. In a medium bowl, combine your cooked, shredded chicken with ¾ cup of the light tomato pasta sauce. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated. This creates a flavorful and moist filling that will be the heart of your roll ups.
4. Now for the assembly! Take one cooked lasagna noodle and lay it flat. Spoon about 4 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto one end of the noodle. Using the back of a spoon or a knife, gently spread the mixture evenly across the noodle, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of the grated parmesan cheese over the chicken mixture. Carefully roll the noodle up from one end to the other, creating a tight but not overly compressed roll.
5. Place each completed roll up seam-side down into your prepared casserole dish. Repeat this process until all 8 noodles have been filled and rolled. Once all the rolls are snugly arranged in the dish, pour the remaining 1 cup of pasta sauce evenly over them, ensuring each roll is nicely covered.
6. Finish by generously sprinkling the shredded mozzarella cheese, the remaining parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, and dried parsley over the top of the sauce-covered rolls. This creates a beautiful, golden-brown crust and adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.
7. Bake the dish in your preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through. The bread crumbs should be lightly toasted. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the roll ups to set, making them easier to serve and preventing the cheese and sauce from being too hot.

This recipe yields 8 delightful rolls, perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping. Each roll offers a balanced nutritional profile, making it a smart choice for those mindful of their diet. The nutritional information for 1 roll is as follows: Calories 197, Fat 4 g, Saturated fat 1.4 g, Carbs 27 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Sugars 5 g, Sodium 386 mg, Protein 14 g. Enjoy your homemade, healthy, and incredibly flavorful chicken lasagna roll ups!

Understanding Your WW Points for Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups

For those following the Weight Watchers program, these Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups are an excellent choice, designed to be delicious while helping you stay within your daily points. Here’s a breakdown of the point values for each component and the final point value per roll, calculated using the WW app recipe creator. This makes it easy to track and enjoy your meal guilt-free.

• Cooked lasagna noodles: 19 points
• Cooked shredded chicken: 0 points (often a zero-point food)
• Light tomato pasta sauce: 5 points
• Shredded light mozzarella: 7 points
• Grated parmesan cheese: 4 points
• Bread crumbs: 2 points
• Dried parsley: 0 points

Based on these ingredient values, each roll up clocks in at approximately 5 points using the WW app recipe creator. This makes it a fantastic option for a filling and satisfying meal that aligns with your wellness goals.

If you’re using an older version of WW or different plans, here’s a breakdown of the points for reference:

Personal Points: 2-5, depending on your individual 0PP foods.

Blue Plan: 4 SmartPoints per roll, calculated using the WW recipe builder.

Green Plan: 5 SmartPoints per roll, calculated using the WW recipe builder.

Purple Plan: 2 SmartPoints per roll if you opt for whole wheat pasta, using the WW recipe builder.

PointsPlus (older calculator): 5 PP per serving.

Creative Variations to Customize Your Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups:

While the classic Chicken Lasagna Roll Up is undeniably delicious, this recipe offers a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to suit your personal preferences or what you have on hand.

• Enhance with Fresh Herbs: While dried parsley is convenient, fresh herbs can elevate the flavor profile significantly. Swap dried parsley for fresh, finely chopped parsley for a brighter, more vibrant taste. Fresh basil is another fantastic addition, pairing wonderfully with the tangy tomato sauce and creamy mozzarella. You could also sprinkle in a pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning for an extra layer of classic Italian flavor.
• Explore Different Meats: If you’re looking for a different spin, consider switching out the chicken. Lean ground turkey is an excellent alternative that keeps the dish light and healthy while offering a slightly different texture and flavor reminiscent of traditional lasagna. Extra lean ground beef can also be used for a heartier, more classic lasagna experience. For those who love the creamy, cheesy element of traditional lasagna, incorporating a dollop of fat-free ricotta cheese into the chicken mixture before rolling can add a rich depth and a delightful texture, all while keeping the points low.
• Change the Sauce Profile: For a completely different culinary adventure, replace the tomato sauce with a light or fat-free Alfredo sauce. This transforms the dish into a luscious Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Up, offering a rich, creamy, and indulgent experience without the heavy calories. You could also try a pesto-based sauce for a fresh, herbaceous flavor, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce if you enjoy a little kick.
• Incorporate Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and add extra flavor by finely chopping vegetables and mixing them into the chicken filling. Sautéed spinach, diced zucchini, finely chopped mushrooms, or bell peppers would all be delicious additions. Make sure to cook down any vegetables with high water content before mixing to avoid a watery filling.

Expert Tips & Tricks for Perfect Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups:

To ensure your Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips and tricks. They’ll streamline your cooking process and enhance the final dish.

• Effortless Shredded Chicken: My go-to method for perfectly shredded chicken is using a slow cooker. I place chicken breasts in the crock pot with a little broth (chicken or vegetable) and cook on high for about 3 hours, or until easily shreddable. This method yields incredibly tender, juicy chicken that’s a breeze to shred and can be stored in the fridge for use in recipes like this throughout the week. Alternatively, a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver.
• Meal Prep and Storage: These chicken lasagna roll ups are fantastic for meal prepping! Once cooked, let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven. For longer storage, these roll ups freeze exceptionally well. Place cooled rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for an hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preventing Sticky Noodles: After boiling your lasagna noodles, rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Laying them out flat on a lightly oiled surface or parchment paper also helps.
• Serving Suggestions: These hearty roll ups are a complete meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. For an extra touch of indulgence, serve them with a slice of garlic bread or some steamed green beans.

Other Delicious & Healthy Recipes You’ll Love:

If you enjoyed the ease and flavor of these Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups, you might also like some of our other healthy and hearty dishes:

• Buffalo Chicken and Potato Casserole
• Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Bubble Up