Description
This Leftover Chicken Dinner is a delicious and comforting baked dish that transforms shredded cooked chicken and lasagna noodles into cheesy, flavorful roll-ups. Layered with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a savory blend of garlic and Italian seasoning, these chicken and cheese rolls are baked in marinara sauce until bubbly and golden, making a perfect family-friendly meal using leftover chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Other Ingredients
- 8 cooked lasagna noodles
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until fully incorporated.
- Cook and prepare noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a clean surface or baking sheet to cool and dry, preventing them from sticking together.
- Assemble rolls: Spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken and cheese filling onto each cooked noodle. Roll each noodle up gently, starting from one end, and place the rolls seam-side down in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Add sauce and cheese: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the rolled noodles. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
- Bake the dish: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Rest and garnish: Allow the baked chicken rolls to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a bright, fresh flavor and appealing presentation.
Notes
- Make sure to cook the lasagna noodles al dente so they hold their shape when rolled.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.
- If preferred, substitute marinara sauce with your favorite pasta sauce or homemade tomato sauce.
- Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
