Imagine tender chicken kissed with bold spices, wrapped up in cheesy, creamy goodness—that’s exactly what makes the Blackened Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe unforgettable. It’s a comfort food celebration with a little spicy kick that always impresses at dinner.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Blackened Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Blackened Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Blackened Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Every time I make this Blackened Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe, my kitchen fills with sizzling spices and creamy richness that’s downright irresistible. Here’s why you’ll want to add it to your meal rotation ASAP.
- Flavor-packed layers: The blackened chicken provides a smoky, spicy punch that pairs perfectly with the velvety Alfredo sauce.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prep these roll ups in advance and pop them in the oven when ready—ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining.
- Comfort food elevated: It’s classic lasagna, but rolled, which means every bite is packed with cheesy, garlicky goodness and a refreshing touch of spinach.
- Customizable spice level: Easily adjust the Cajun seasoning to make it as mild or bold as you like.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe brings together creamy cheeses, tender chicken, and fresh garlic in a way that feels decadent yet approachable. Each ingredient adds a layer of flavor or texture that makes these roll ups sing.
- Lasagna noodle sheets: Using wide, sturdy noodles makes rolling up the filling easy without tearing.
- Chicken breasts: I like using boneless skinless for tender, easy-to-cut pieces, but thighs add juiciness if you prefer.
- Olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken and building flavor in the seasoning.
- Cajun seasoning: The star spice blend giving the chicken that irresistible blackened crust and the sauce its signature kick.
- Butter and garlic: Infuse the Alfredo sauce with rich, aromatic notes that make all the difference.
- Heavy whipping cream: Creates the silky, luscious texture that transforms this sauce into a dream.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
- Cream cheese and ricotta: Together, they make the filling extra creamy and keep the roll ups moist.
- Frozen chopped spinach: Drained well, it adds color, nutrients, and a fresh dimension that balances the richness.
- Mozzarella and Colby Jack cheese: These melt beautifully on top, creating a golden, bubbly crust.
- Smoked paprika, cayenne, onion powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, thyme, oregano: Combining these spices creates the homemade Cajun seasoning with a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy.
Make It Your Way
I love tweaking this Blackened Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe depending on what we have in the fridge or my mood – it’s very forgiving and flexible!
- Variation: One time, I swapped chicken for shrimp, blackening them the same way, and it was amazing with a hint of coastal flair.
- Diet Adaptation: Use gluten-free lasagna sheets if you’re avoiding gluten, and the roll ups come out just as delicious.
- Heat Level: If you want to dial down the spice, simply reduce the cayenne and paprika, or swap in mild paprika.
- Veggie Boost: You can add sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers in the filling – they add such great texture and flavor.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Blackened Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Blacken the Chicken
Start by mixing your Cajun seasoning with smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and the rest of the spices—making your own blend is a game changer. Pat dry the chicken breasts, brush them lightly with olive oil, then evenly coat with the seasoning mix. Sear in a hot pan with olive oil for about 5-6 minutes per side until a dark crust forms and the chicken is cooked through. Let it rest so the juices redistribute, then dice it into bite-size pieces. This step is key to getting that authentic smoky, spicy flavor that sets these roll ups apart.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Sauté the minced garlic gently in butter until fragrant but not brown—this releases the sweet garlic aroma without bitterness. Pour in heavy cream and add a teaspoon or two of Cajun seasoning for consistency in flavor. Slowly whisk in parmesan cheese and soften cream cheese until the sauce is smooth, rich, and velvety. Adjust salt and pepper as you go—you want that perfect savory balance to complement the spicy chicken.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, blend ricotta, softened cream cheese, drained chopped spinach, diced blackened chicken, and a bit of the Cajun seasoning. This combo packs moisture, creaminess, and a hit of spice right into each roll. It’s like a flavor party in every bite. Don’t skip draining the spinach well — too much moisture can make the roll ups soggy.
Step 4: Assemble the Roll Ups
Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente—firm but flexible. Lay each noodle flat on a clean surface, spread a generous layer of your filling evenly, then gently roll it up from one end to the other. Arrange them seam side down in your greased baking dish, which keeps them intact while baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the Alfredo sauce evenly over the roll ups, then top with shredded mozzarella and Colby Jack cheeses. Bake at 375°F for about 35 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving – it helps everything set so your roll ups slice neatly and don’t fall apart.
Top Tip
From my many attempts with this recipe, a few key tips really make the difference between a good and a great dinner.
- Patience on the chicken: Let your seasoned chicken rest after cooking—it keeps it juicy and lets the spices settle before dicing.
- Drain spinach thoroughly: Excess water from spinach can turn your filling watery and make rolling messy.
- Don’t overcook noodles: Lasagna sheets should be pliable but still a bit firm since they’ll cook more in the oven.
- Generous cheese topping: The melty cheese crust on top adds that irresistible golden finish and extra flavor punch.
How to Serve Blackened Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the finished roll ups for a pop of color and freshness. A little cracked black pepper on top never hurts, and a drizzle of extra creamy Alfredo sauce always takes it over the top.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to lighten things up. For a cozy meal, I often throw some garlic bread or Texas toast in the oven to soak up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I love serving each rolled lasagna on individual plates with a drizzle of sauce artistically swirled around and a sprig of fresh herbs on top. It feels elegant but stays deliciously casual.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always store leftover roll ups covered tightly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully and even taste better as the flavors meld overnight.
Freezing
This recipe freezes really well—just assemble the roll ups, don’t bake, and freeze them individually on a tray before transferring to a bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight and bake as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Covering them helps keep the cheese moist and melty instead of drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken can save time. Just make sure it’s seasoned well to keep the bold blackened flavor. You might want to toss it briefly in the pan with a bit of Cajun seasoning to refresh the spices before mixing into the filling.
You can substitute heavy cream with half and half mixed with a bit of butter for richness, or use whole milk combined with cream cheese for a thick, creamy texture. Just note that the sauce may be slightly lighter and less rich.
The key is to not overfill the noodles and roll them up gently but firmly. Placing the rolls seam-side down in the baking dish helps them hold during cooking. Also, letting them rest after baking gives the filling time to set, preventing them from unrolling when sliced.
Definitely! Making a batch of Cajun seasoning ahead is a great idea—it keeps well stored in an airtight container for weeks, so you’ll always have it ready to spice up your dishes, including this recipe.
Final Thoughts
The Blackened Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes when I want something that’s comforting but not boring. The combination of spicy blackened chicken and indulgent creamy sauce wrapped in cheesy noodles just hits all the right notes. I hope you try this recipe and enjoy it as much as I do—because good food shared with friends always tastes better.
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Blackened Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Blackened Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups combine tender, spiced chicken with a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce loaded with garlic and Parmesan. Filled with a blend of ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, Colby Jack, and spinach wrapped in lasagna noodles, these roll ups are baked to golden perfection, making a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
Lasagna and Chicken
- 12 lasagna noodle sheets
- 3 chicken breasts (thighs, cutlets or tenders work too)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (see seasoning recipe below)
Cajun Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika (regular paprika works too)
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
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
- Salt and pepper to taste
Filling
- ½ block cream cheese, softened
- 1 15 oz container ricotta cheese
- 12 oz frozen chopped spinach, drained well
- 2-3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- Prepared chicken, diced
- 1 8 oz block mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
- 1 8 oz block Colby Jack cheese, shredded (divided)
Optional for Serving
- Garlic bread or Texas toast
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook and Blacken Chicken: Coat the chicken breasts with olive oil and 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until fully cooked and blackened on the outside, then dice into pieces.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and 1-2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, then simmer gently. Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
- Cook Lasagna Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a clean surface to cool slightly.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, drained chopped spinach, diced blackened chicken, ½ of the shredded mozzarella, ½ of the shredded Colby Jack cheese, and 2-3 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Mix well until evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Roll Ups: Spread a generous amount of the cheese and chicken filling onto each lasagna noodle sheet, then roll up carefully to enclose the filling.
- Arrange and Top: Place each roll-up seam side down into the prepared baking dish. Pour the Alfredo sauce evenly over the roll ups. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and Colby Jack cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the roll ups rest for a few minutes before serving. Optionally serve with garlic bread or Texas toast.
Notes
- Ensure the spinach is thoroughly drained to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
- Cajun seasoning can be adjusted to taste depending on desired heat level.
- Lasagna noodles should be cooked al dente to prevent roll ups from becoming mushy.
- Using a mix of mozzarella and Colby Jack cheeses gives a balanced flavor and meltiness.
- Allow the roll ups to rest after baking so the filling sets and slices more cleanly.
- For extra garlic flavor, consider brushing garlic butter on toast served alongside.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
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