Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Lasagna Rolls 🥦🍗
Indulge in the creamy, savory goodness of Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Lasagna Rolls—a comforting twist on traditional lasagna. These rolled-up delights are filled with tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and ricotta cheese, all wrapped in lasagna noodles and smothered in a rich Alfredo sauce. The dish is a perfect balance of textures and flavors, offering you a warm, satisfying meal that’s both hearty and comforting. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe brings warmth and indulgence to the table.
Ingredients Overview
- Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup): The base for your Alfredo sauce, adding richness and depth of flavor.
- Minced Garlic (3 teaspoons): Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
- Thick-Cut Bacon (6 strips, cooked and crumbled): Adds a smoky, crispy element that balances the creaminess of the sauce.
- Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors of the sauce and ingredients.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mild, earthy spice to the sauce.
- Crushed Red Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Brings a subtle heat to balance the richness of the sauce, optional but recommended.
- Heavy Cream (2 cups): Creates the silky, rich texture of the Alfredo sauce.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup): Adds a nutty, salty flavor to the Alfredo sauce, while also acting as a thickener.
For the Lasagna Rolls:
- Lasagna Noodles (9 noodles, cooked): These wide noodles will hold all the delicious filling when rolled up.
- Ricotta Cheese (1 1/2 cups): Creamy and mild, ricotta forms the base of the filling.
- Rotisserie Chicken (2 cups, chopped): Time-saver! Pre-cooked, tender chicken adds protein without extra cooking time.
- Broccoli Florets (2 cups, steamed and chopped): Adds a fresh, healthy element to the filling, balancing out the richness of the cheese and sauce.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, divided): A melty, gooey cheese that tops the dish and gets perfectly golden in the oven.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Enhances the richness of the filling and adds a slight sharpness.
- Chopped Parsley: A fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and light flavor to finish the dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Prepare Alfredo Sauce
- Melt Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter.
- Add Garlic & Bacon: Stir in 3 teaspoons minced garlic, most of the crumbled bacon, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Heavy Cream: Pour in 2 cups of heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted. Set the sauce aside.
Assemble the Lasagna Rolls
- Cook Lasagna Noodles: Cook 9 lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Lay them flat on parchment paper to cool.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese, 2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken, 2 cups steamed and chopped broccoli florets, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Fill and Roll: Spread a generous amount of the filling onto each lasagna noodle. Carefully roll them up, starting from one end and rolling tightly.
- Arrange in Dish: Place each rolled lasagna noodle seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
Bake
- Top with Sauce: Pour the Alfredo sauce generously over the lasagna rolls.
- Add Cheese & Bacon: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and leftover crumbled bacon over the top.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the lasagna rolls for 30-35 minutes or until they are bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy!
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Wrap individual lasagna rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before microwaving or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella? Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone or even a sharp white cheddar for extra flavor.
Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce? Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own Alfredo sauce from scratch, go ahead. The homemade touch will elevate the dish even further.
Is there a low-fat option for this recipe? You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half and use low-fat ricotta and mozzarella cheese to reduce the fat content.
Can I use a different pasta? This recipe is best with lasagna noodles, but if you’re looking for an alternative, you can try using large pasta shells and stuff them with the filling.
Can I add more vegetables? Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the filling for extra nutrition.
How do I avoid overcooking the noodles? Make sure to cook your noodles until al dente (firm to the bite), as they will continue to cook in the oven.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes! Skip the chicken and bacon and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach to make it vegetarian.
How can I add more flavor to the filling? For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or fresh basil to the filling mixture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the lasagna rolls and refrigerate them overnight. Just bake them the next day when you’re ready.
Do I have to use rotisserie chicken? No, you can use any cooked chicken you prefer. Grilled, baked, or leftover roasted chicken works well too.
What should I serve with lasagna rolls? Serve with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Can I make this dish spicy? To spice things up, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the filling or sauce.
What’s the best way to chop broccoli? Steam the broccoli first, then chop it into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure it mixes well into the filling.
Can I add fresh herbs to the sauce? Yes, adding fresh basil or parsley can enhance the flavor of the Alfredo sauce.
How do I know when the dish is done? The lasagna rolls should be bubbling around the edges and golden brown on top when ready.
Can I cook the lasagna rolls in an air fryer? This recipe is best in the oven, but if you’re adventurous, you can try baking them in an air fryer, though timing and texture may vary.
Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain the broccoli well before adding it to the filling.
Can I use gluten-free lasagna noodles? Yes, substitute with your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles.
How do I prevent the lasagna rolls from sticking together? Lay the cooked noodles on parchment paper or lightly oil them to prevent sticking while they cool.
Can I use turkey bacon? Yes, turkey bacon can be a healthier alternative to regular bacon, but it won’t be as crispy.
20 Secrets for Achieving Culinary Perfection
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Perfect Noodle Cook Time: Don’t overcook the noodles; they should be al dente.
- Balanced Seasoning: Season the chicken filling generously to enhance its flavor.
- Use Full-Fat Cheese: Full-fat ricotta and mozzarella give the richest, creamiest texture.
- Heavy Cream Magic: Use heavy cream for the Alfredo sauce to keep it luscious and rich.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overstuffing the lasagna rolls to prevent tearing the noodles.
- Cheese Layer: Adding cheese halfway through baking ensures a gooey top layer.
- Crisp Bacon: Cook bacon until it’s very crispy for the best texture in the filling and topping.
- Resting Time: Allow the lasagna rolls to rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
- Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a vibrant finish.
- Extra Cheese Topping: For extra indulgence, sprinkle more Parmesan over the top before serving.
