There is something truly magical about a warm plate of pasta at the end of a long day. It comforts you like a warm hug. If you are a fan of rich and creamy flavors, then you are going to be obsessed with this Chicken Alfredo recipe. It takes everything you adore about the classic dish and wraps it up into fun and manageable lasagna roll ups.
This dish is perfect for home cooks who want to put a delicious meal on the table without needing a degree in culinary arts. The combination of tender chicken, gooey cheese, and a velvety homemade sauce creates a flavor profile that is hard to beat. Plus, the individual portions make serving a breeze. Let us dive into why this Chicken Alfredo Recipe Easy style is about to become your new weeknight favorite.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You might be wondering why you should make roll ups instead of a traditional layered lasagna. The answer is simple. Roll ups are incredibly fun to make and eat. They offer a perfect ratio of sauce to noodle in every single bite. You never have to worry about a dry corner piece again. The creamy sauce coats every inch of the pasta, ensuring maximum flavor distribution.
Another reason this dish shines is its versatility. It fits perfectly into the category of Shredded Chicken Recipes that save you time. You can use a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store or leftovers from a previous meal. This shortcut means you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying dinner with your family. It is a smart way to stretch your grocery budget while still feeling like you are eating a restaurant quality meal.
Finally, the sauce is a game changer. While jarred sauce is convenient, nothing beats an Alfredo Sauce Homemade with love. This version uses cream cheese for extra stability and richness. It is thick, savory, and coats the back of a spoon perfectly. Once you try making it from scratch, you will find it hard to go back to the store bought version. It really is that good.
Ingredients
To make this delicious Chicken Alfredo dish, you will need a handful of simple ingredients. Most of these are likely already in your pantry or refrigerator. Here is what you need to gather before you start cooking.
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley
Let us talk about the noodles for a moment. You want standard lasagna noodles for this. Avoid the oven ready kind because they do not roll up as easily without breaking. Boiling them yourself gives you control over the texture. You want them pliable but not mushy.
The dairy selection is crucial here. Heavy cream provides the luxurious texture that defines a great Alfredo Sauce Homemade base. The addition of cream cheese might sound unusual, but it acts as a binder. It keeps the sauce thick and smooth, preventing it from separating while it bakes in the oven.
For the cheese, try to grate your Parmesan fresh if you can. Pre shredded cheese often has anti caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Freshly grated cheese melts like a dream. The mozzarella adds that classic cheese pull we all love in baked pasta dishes.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this dish is a fun process. It is a great recipe to get the kids involved with, especially the rolling part. Follow these steps to create the perfect dinner.
Step 1: Prep The Kitchen
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures your oven is at the right temperature when you are ready to bake. Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and spray it generously with nonstick spray. This will make cleanup much easier later on. Nobody likes scrubbing stuck cheese off a pan.
Step 2: Cook The Noodles
Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook your lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This means they should still have a slight bite to them. Once they are done, drain the water. Lay the noodles flat on a sheet of parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Make The Sauce Base
Now it is time to make the magic happen. Grab a medium saucepan and place it over medium heat. Add the salted butter and the softened cream cheese. Whisk them together as they melt. You want this mixture to be completely smooth before moving to the next step. This base ensures your Chicken Alfredo sauce is rich and creamy.
Step 4: Season And Simmer
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly. Add the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3 to 5 minutes. You will notice it starting to thicken up nicely. The smell of garlic and herbs will start to fill your kitchen.
Step 5: Add The Parmesan
Turn the heat down to low or remove the pan from the heat entirely. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is velvety smooth. This is the hallmark of a great Alfredo Sauce Homemade recipe. Once smooth, set the sauce aside for a moment.
Step 6: Assemble The Roll Ups
This is the fun part. Take your laid out noodles. Spread about 2 tablespoons of your creamy sauce over each noodle. Use a spoon to spread it from end to end. Next, distribute the shredded chicken evenly among the noodles. Top the chicken with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Be generous but save a little cheese for the top.
Step 7: Roll And Arrange
Carefully roll up each noodle from one end to the other. Try to keep the filling inside as you roll. Place each roll seam side down in your prepared baking dish. Placing them seam side down keeps them from unrolling while they bake. Pack them in gently so they fit snugly.
Step 8: Top And Bake
Pour the remaining sauce over the tops of the roll ups. Make sure to cover the edges of the noodles so they do not dry out in the oven. Sprinkle any remaining cheese over the top for that golden crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You are looking for bubbly cheese and slightly browned edges.
Step 9: Garnish And Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the sauce set slightly so it is not too runny when you serve it. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade masterpiece.
How To Store Leftovers
If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, they store beautifully. This makes the recipe a fantastic option for meal prep. You can enjoy the flavors of Chicken Alfredo for lunch the next day, and it might even taste better as the flavors meld together overnight.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled roll ups in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 or 4 days. Make sure the container is sealed tight to keep the pasta from drying out. The sauce will thicken in the fridge, but that is normal.
For freezing, you can freeze the baked dish or individual portions. Use a freezer safe container or wrap the roll ups tightly in foil. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating requires a little care to keep the sauce creamy. The best method is to use the oven. Cover the dish with foil and heat at 350°F until warmed through. If using a microwave, add a splash of water or milk to the dish before heating. This helps bring the creamy texture back to life.
Tips
Success is in the details. Here are a few tips to ensure your Chicken Alfredo Recipe Easy attempt turns out perfectly every single time. These small adjustments can make a big difference in the final result.
First, do not rinse your pasta after boiling. The starch on the noodles helps the sauce cling to them better. Just drain them and lay them flat immediately. Rinsing cools the pasta down too fast and washes away that helpful starch.
When shredding your chicken, try to make the pieces small. Large chunks of chicken can make rolling the noodles difficult. Fine shreds ensure a smooth roll and a better bite. This is a key rule for all Shredded Chicken Recipes intended for stuffing or rolling.
If your sauce feels too thick while cooking, do not panic. You can whisk in a little pasta water or extra milk to thin it out. If it is too thin, just let it simmer for another minute or two. Remember that it will thicken more as it cools and bakes.
Finally, use room temperature cream cheese. If you throw cold cream cheese into the hot pan, it might clump up instead of melting smoothly. Taking it out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking ensures a silky smooth sauce base.
Conclusion
This Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups recipe is a true winner for any home cook. It combines the comfort of pasta with the ease of a casserole style dish. It is rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you are cooking for a special occasion or just a regular Tuesday night, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal stress.
By using simple ingredients and smart shortcuts like pre cooked chicken, you save time without sacrificing taste. The homemade sauce elevates the dish far above anything you could pour from a jar. Give this recipe a try this week. Your family will thank you, and you might just find yourself adding it to your regular rotation.
FAQ
Here are some common questions about making these lasagna roll ups. These answers should help you troubleshoot or customize the recipe to fit your needs.
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Yes, you absolutely can. Simply swap the regular lasagna noodles for a gluten free variety. Most major grocery stores carry them now. Just be careful when boiling them, as gluten free pasta can be a bit more fragile. The sauce ingredients are naturally free of gluten, so you are safe there.
Can I Add Vegetables?
Definitely. Spinach is a popular addition to Chicken Alfredo. You can stir fresh spinach into the sauce until it wilts, or layer it on the noodles before rolling. Broccoli also works well, but make sure to steam it and chop it into small pieces first so it fits inside the rolls.
What If I Do Not Have Heavy Cream?
Heavy cream gives the best texture, but you can use half and half in a pinch. The sauce might be slightly less thick, but it will still be delicious. Avoid using skim milk, as it will not provide the richness needed for a proper Alfredo sauce and might curdle.
Can I Prepare This In Advance?
Yes, this is a great make ahead meal. You can assemble the roll ups completely, cover the dish tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time since the dish will be cold from the fridge.
Easy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups
This easy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups recipe is a weeknight winner! Tender chicken and gooey cheese are rolled into lasagna noodles and baked in a rich, homemade cream cheese Alfredo sauce. It’s a no-fuss, comforting meal the whole family will love.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter and softened cream cheese. Whisk until completely smooth.
- Slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until it begins to thicken.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is velvety smooth.
- Spread about 2 tablespoons of sauce over each cooked noodle. Top with shredded chicken and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Roll up each noodle and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the roll ups, ensuring the edges are covered. Sprinkle with any remaining mozzarella.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Let rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving warm.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a silky smooth sauce base without clumps.
Do not rinse your pasta after boiling. The starch on the noodles helps the sauce cling better.
If the sauce seems too thick, whisk in a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, simmer for another minute or two.
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