Spicy Lasagna Roll-Ups
A quick, flavorful twist on classic lasagna — tender chicken, creamy ricotta, and spinach rolled into lasagna sheets, topped with tomato sauce and Parmesan for a satisfyingly spicy Italian dinner ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 tsp dry basil, crumbled ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf, crumbled ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 boned chicken breast, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 can tomatoes, chopped with juice ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste ⓘ
- 8 lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated ⓘ
- 1 cup part-skim Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg or mace ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, basil, crumbled bay leaf, half the minced garlic, and pepper; cook uncovered until onion is soft, about 5 minutes.
- Remove 2 tablespoons of the mixture and set aside for later use.
- Add chopped chicken to the skillet and stir for 3 minutes.
- Reduce heat and add chopped tomatoes with juice and tomato paste; cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Set the chicken and sauce mixture aside.
- (Further assembly steps for rolling up lasagna sheets with ricotta, spinach, and Parmesan cheese are omitted in the provided text.)
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can substitute ground turkey or beef for the chicken if desired. If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add more spinach or mushrooms. Using no-boil lasagna noodles can save time, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they're fully cooked.
Serving Suggestions
These spicy lasagna roll-ups pair beautifully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For extra flavor, drizzle with a little balsamic glaze before serving. You can also enjoy them with a side of steamed vegetables or a light Italian vinaigrette. Explore more Italian recipes to complement this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Lasagna Roll-Ups contains roughly 1221 calories, with 21g protein, 222g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (153% of the Daily Value), potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1141mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these lasagna roll-ups ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the roll-ups and assemble them in advance. Just cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are chilled when placed in the oven.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth or cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk for a similar texture. These alternatives can provide a different flavor and richness to the dish.
Can I freeze the spicy lasagna roll-ups?
Yes, you can freeze these roll-ups either before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, extending the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).