Description
Blackened Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups feature tender blackened chicken and a rich, creamy alfredo sauce loaded with fresh garlic and parmesan cheese. Lasagna sheets are filled with a savory mixture of ricotta, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella and colby jack cheese, diced chicken, and chopped spinach. The roll-ups are then smothered in alfredo sauce, topped with shredded cheese, and baked until golden and bubbly for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Lasagna Roll Ups
- 12 lasagna noodle sheets
- 3 chicken breasts (thighs, cutlets or tenders work too)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning (see seasoning blend below)
- 1/2 block cream cheese, softened
- 1 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 12 oz frozen chopped spinach (drained well)
- prepared chicken, diced
- 1 8 oz block mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided)
- 1 8 oz block colby jack cheese (shredded, divided)
- salt and pepper to taste
Alfredo Sauce
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 6-8 large cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1-2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Cajun Seasoning Blend
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika (regular paprika can be used)
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Optional Serving
- garlic bread or Texas toast
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make Cajun Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Mix well to create the cajun seasoning blend.
- Season and Cook Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts evenly with 2 tablespoons of the cajun seasoning blend. Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until fully cooked and blackened on the outside, about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from heat, let rest briefly, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook Lasagna Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a baking sheet to cool without sticking.
- Prepare Cheese and Spinach Filling: In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, drained chopped spinach, half of the shredded mozzarella, half of the shredded colby jack cheese, diced chicken, 2-3 teaspoons of cajun seasoning blend, and salt and pepper to taste until combined.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Slowly stir in heavy whipping cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning and grated parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Assemble Roll Ups: Spread a generous layer of the cheese and chicken filling evenly onto each lasagna noodle sheet. Carefully roll each sheet into a roll and place seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the prepared alfredo sauce evenly over the roll ups. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and colby jack cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
- Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, serve with garlic bread or Texas toast to complement this rich and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked through and blackened for the best flavor and texture.
- Drain the frozen spinach thoroughly to avoid watery filling and soggy noodles.
- You can substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer filling.
- For a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the cajun seasoning blend.
- If short on time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken seasoned with cajun spices to speed up preparation.
- Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps the roll ups hold their shape when serving.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for a more flavorful alfredo sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll up
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg