Spicy Lasagne Roll-Ups
Spicy Lasagne Roll-Ups feature seasoned chicken, spinach, and cheeses rolled in lasagne noodles, offering a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil, crumbled ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried marjoram, crumbled ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf, crumbled ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 4 oz. boned, skinned chicken breast, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can low sodium tomatoes, chopped with juice ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. low sodium tomato paste ⓘ
- 8 lasagne noodles, ruffled edge ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup part skim Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. fresh spinach, chopped or thawed frozen spinach, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground mace or nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a heavy 10-inch skillet over moderate heat for 1 minute.
- Add the chopped onion, dried basil, dried marjoram, crumbled bay leaf, half of the minced garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Cook uncovered until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes.
- Remove 2 tablespoons of the mixture and set aside for later use.
- Add chopped chicken breast to the skillet and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes with juice, tomato paste, and remaining garlic. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook lasagne noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped spinach, ground mace or nutmeg, and a pinch of cream of tartar.
- Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce over each lasagne noodle.
- Place a spoonful of the cheese and spinach mixture on one end of each noodle.
- Roll up the noodles to enclose the filling and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Pour remaining tomato sauce over the roll-ups and sprinkle with additional Parmesan if desired.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or even shredded rotisserie chicken as a substitute. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with lentils or mushrooms. Feel free to mix in different cheeses, such as mozzarella, for a creamier texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spicy Lasagne Roll-Ups with a side salad for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a light Italian vegetable medley pairs beautifully with this dish. Consider a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top for added flavor and color. For a complete meal, browse more Italian recipes that complement these roll-ups.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the roll-ups in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Lasagne Roll-Ups contains roughly 1030 calories, with 37g protein, 202g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (312% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 710mg per serving (31% 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 roll-ups ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the roll-ups in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you're ready to bake, remove the cover and heat them as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth. Cream cheese mixed with a little milk or sour cream can also work as a substitute. Adjust the seasonings accordingly to ensure the filling remains flavorful.
Can I freeze these lasagne roll-ups?
Absolutely! These roll-ups freeze well. Assemble them fully, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual.
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).