If you’re craving something creamy, cheesy, and downright comforting—but still want dinner on the table without spending all night in the kitchen—these Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups are calling your name. They’ve got everything you love about classic lasagna, but in a fun, easy-to-serve format that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Each roll is stuffed with juicy chicken, creamy ricotta, and rich basil pesto, then smothered in a velvety white sauce and melty mozzarella. It’s comfort food with a fresh, herby twist that you’ll want to make again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and Elegant: These roll ups look impressive but are surprisingly simple to make—great for casual dinners or even small gatherings.
Full of Flavor: The combination of chicken, pesto, and creamy cheese is seriously crave-worthy.
Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters tend to love these, thanks to the cheesy, familiar flavors.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make them ahead, freeze, and bake when needed—dinner, solved.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why it matters:

Lasagna noodles: Use traditional or oven-ready noodles; they’re the base of your roll and hold everything together.
Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here and saves time—tender and flavorful.
Ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy, mild base to the filling; make sure to drain any excess liquid for best texture.
Mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, melty topping. Don’t be shy—extra cheese makes everything better.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick to both the filling and the sauce.
Basil pesto: Choose a good-quality jarred pesto or homemade if you’ve got the time; it brings herby richness to every bite.
Garlic: Adds a savory depth to the sauce—don’t skip it!
Butter and flour: Used to create a roux for the creamy white sauce.
Milk: The base of the béchamel-style sauce; whole milk gives the best richness.
Salt and black pepper: To season the sauce and balance the flavors.
Italian seasoning (optional): If you want to add an herby boost, sprinkle a little into the filling or sauce.

Variations

Looking to mix things up? Here are a few fun ways to make this recipe your own:

Spinach Ricotta Roll Ups: Add chopped cooked spinach to the ricotta mixture for an extra veggie boost.
Alfredo Swap: Use Alfredo sauce instead of homemade white sauce if you’re short on time.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: Try a tomato-based pesto for a different but equally delicious twist.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini to the ricotta filling.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and swap the flour in the sauce for a gluten-free version.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then stir in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic. Stir in a bit of Parmesan for extra flavor. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Boil the lasagna noodles until al dente, then lay them flat on parchment paper or a clean surface to cool. Be gentle—they’re fragile when hot!

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, ricotta, some mozzarella, pesto, and Parmesan until well combined. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Roll Ups

Spread a spoonful of filling along each noodle, then gently roll it up. Place seam-side down in a baking dish that’s been coated with a layer of the white sauce.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Pour remaining white sauce over the roll ups, then sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake at 375°F for about 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overfill the Noodles: A thin layer of filling goes a long way and keeps the rolls from bursting.
Use Room Temperature Ricotta: It blends better and makes spreading easier.
Cover with Foil (Then Uncover): Cover with foil while baking to prevent over-browning, then uncover for the last 10 minutes for that golden cheesy finish.
Cook Extra Noodles: A couple may tear while boiling—having extras on hand saves the day.

How to Serve

These roll ups are rich and filling, so serve them with something light and fresh:

Side Dishes:

A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
Garlic bread or crusty Italian rolls for soaking up the sauce.
Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for a bright, healthy contrast.

Garnishes:

Fresh basil or chopped parsley adds a nice burst of color and freshness.
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan right before serving is always a good idea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Wrap individual roll ups or the entire baking dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions with a splash of milk to keep them moist.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely! A good-quality store-bought pesto works great in this recipe. Just check the ingredients for fresh basil and real Parmesan for the best flavor.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the roll ups up to a day in advance and refrigerate them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.

Do I have to make the white sauce from scratch?
Not at all! You can use jarred Alfredo sauce for convenience, but making it fresh adds a homemade touch and richer flavor.

Can I make it without ricotta?
Sure! Swap the ricotta with cottage cheese or a mix of cream cheese and shredded mozzarella if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups are a fun, delicious twist on a classic dish that’s both comforting and full of flavor. They’re easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to a hearty, satisfying meal. Give them a try—you’ll be adding this one to your dinner rotation in no time.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe