If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to transform leftover chicken into something spectacular, you’re in for a treat. This Leftover Chicken Stuffed Lasagna Rolls in Marinara Sauce Recipe is the perfect way to reinvent your dinner with a cozy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying meal. Imagine tender lasagna noodles generously stuffed with a rich chicken and cheese filling, bathed in a luscious marinara sauce, and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s comfort food elevated, making the most out of your leftovers while bringing family and friends eagerly around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and that irresistible cheesy pull. From creamy ricotta to aromatic garlic and fresh parsley, get ready for a handful of ingredients that come together effortlessly to create something unforgettable.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The hearty base that brings protein and a delightful texture to the filling.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and richness, balancing the savory chicken.
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: Provides that classic gooey stretchiness—divided for mixing and topping.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan: Offers a sharp, nutty kick to deepen the flavor profile.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together with a velvety finish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Injects a fragrant punch of savory goodness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb mix that complements every other ingredient perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and ties the dish together.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle warmth without overpowering.
- 8 cooked lasagna noodles: The soft wraps that hold all the delicious filling in place.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: The tangy, savory sauce that breathes life into the dish.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: A bright, fresh finishing touch that adds color and vibrancy.
How to Make Leftover Chicken Stuffed Lasagna Rolls in Marinara Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Begin by combining shredded chicken, ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures every roll will burst with savory, cheesy goodness.
Step 2: Cook and Prepare the Noodles
Cook your lasagna noodles following the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, lay them flat on a clean surface or baking sheet to cool and dry, preventing them from sticking together or tearing during rolling.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Spoon about a 1/4 cup of the filling onto each noodle, spreading evenly but leaving space at the edges. Carefully roll each noodle from one end to the other, ensuring a tight yet gentle roll to keep the filling intact. Place each roll seam-side down in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish for even baking.
Step 4: Add Marinara and Cheese Topping
Pour the 2 cups of marinara sauce evenly over the rolled noodles, making sure every roll is generously coated. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese on top to get that gorgeous golden crust during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to let the cheese bubble and turn that perfect golden brown.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once baked, allow the rolls to rest for about 5 minutes—this helps the filling to set slightly for easier serving. Finally, sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley on top to add a refreshing and vibrant finish.
How to Serve Leftover Chicken Stuffed Lasagna Rolls in Marinara Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a splash of color and brightness that contrasts beautifully with the warm, rich flavors of the rolls. For an extra special touch, a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can awaken the palate.
Side Dishes
These lasagna rolls pair perfectly with a crisp green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette or some garlic butter roasted vegetables. A side of crusty garlic bread or a simple loaf to soak up that marinara sauce also makes for an ideal accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving these rolls individually on small plates with a drizzle of extra marinara creates a charming portion-perfect experience. Alternatively, plating the entire pan with extra garnish at the center of the table invites a family-style feast full of warmth and sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This recipe is perfect for batch cooking since the flavors continue to meld beautifully over a day or two.
Freezing
If you plan to freeze, assemble the rolls in the baking dish but do not bake. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure thorough heating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For best results, heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, uncovered at the end to revive the golden, bubbly cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan work wonderfully together, you can experiment with fontina, provolone, or even a sharp cheddar for a unique twist. Just keep the balance of creamy, stretchy, and sharp cheeses in mind.
Is it necessary to cook the lasagna noodles first?
Yes, cooking the noodles ensures they are soft enough to roll without cracking. Alternatively, some no-boil noodles might work if used carefully, but traditional cooked noodles give the best texture for rolling.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Definitely! The filling can be mixed a day in advance and stored in the fridge. This can save a lot of prep time on the day you want to bake the rolls.
Is this Leftover Chicken Stuffed Lasagna Rolls in Marinara Sauce Recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, and it freezes beautifully. Just assemble the rolls without baking, freeze them tightly covered, and bake when needed. It’s a lifesaver for busy days or unexpected guests.
What can I substitute if I don’t have leftover chicken?
If you don’t have leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken from the store or cooked shredded turkey make great alternatives. You could also try shredded cooked vegetables for a vegetarian twist, though it will change the flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Leftover Chicken Stuffed Lasagna Rolls in Marinara Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s comforting, flavorful, and smartly uses what you have on hand to craft something truly special. Next time you find yourself with leftover chicken, give these lasagna rolls a try—you’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients can turn into a memorable meal everyone will ask for again and again.
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Leftover Chicken Stuffed Lasagna Rolls in Marinara Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Leftover Chicken Dinner features cheesy, flavorful chicken and ricotta-stuffed lasagna noodle rolls baked in a rich marinara sauce. It’s a comforting and easy way to transform leftover cooked chicken into a hearty baked pasta dish with Italian-inspired flavors, perfect for a family meal.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
- 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
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 cooked lasagna noodles
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined to form a flavorful filling.
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the lasagna noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, lay them flat on a surface to cool and dry so they don’t stick when rolling.
- Assemble the rolls: Spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken and cheese filling onto each cooked noodle. Carefully roll each noodle up tightly and place it seam-side down in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, arranging the rolls snugly in the dish.
- Add sauce and cheese: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the assembled noodle rolls, making sure each is covered. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top for a golden cheesy crust.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Rest and garnish: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a bright and fresh finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure the lasagna noodles are cooled and dried after cooking to prevent sticking during rolling.
- You can substitute leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken if preferred.
- For a lower-fat option, use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheese.
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time and baked later; simply cover and refrigerate before baking.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven.
