There’s something irresistible about that smoky, spicy kick paired with creamy comfort, and that’s exactly why this Blackened Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen. Each bite delivers rich, cheesy goodness wrapped around perfectly seasoned chicken, with a garlicky Alfredo hug that feels like a warm embrace.
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
I still remember the first time I made these roll-ups—they were a real crowd-pleaser. The combination of textures and flavors keeps everyone coming back for seconds, and it’s easier to pull together than you might think.
- Bold Flavor Fusion: The blackened chicken brings a smoky, spicy edge that pairs perfectly with creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Layered Creaminess: Ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella team up for a luscious filling that’s both cheesy and velvety.
- Vegetable Boost: Sneaking in spinach adds freshness and nutrients without overwhelming the dish.
- Easy Entertaining: Prepping these roll-ups ahead and popping them in the oven means less stress on game day or family dinners.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe balances rich dairy, tender chicken, and aromatic spices beautifully. Choosing fresh, quality ingredients makes all the difference, and I always recommend picking good Parmesan and fresh garlic to elevate the sauce.
- Lasagna noodle sheets: Regular noodles hold their shape well and roll easily; no- boil types save time but watch cooking times.
- Chicken breasts (or thighs): I prefer breasts for lean protein, but thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor.
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken and adding richness without overpowering other flavors.
- Cajun seasoning: This homemade blend packs that signature smoky heat essential for blackened chicken.
- Butter: Forms the base of the Alfredo sauce for that silky texture.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce its vibrant aroma and bold flavor.
- Heavy whipping cream: The creaminess cornerstone for the luxurious Alfredo sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth—always opt for freshly grated for best taste.
- Sour cream and ricotta cheese: Ricotta brings creaminess and tenderness to the filling; softened cream cheese adds extra richness.
- Frozen chopped spinach: Drained well so it doesn't make the filling watery, plus it adds a lovely pop of green and nutrition.
- Mozzarella and Colby jack cheese: Shredded and mixed to create a melty, gooey top crust and filling layer.
- Seasonings (paprika, cayenne, onion powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, thyme, oregano): These create a complex, smoky, and slightly sweet blackening seasoning that truly makes the chicken pop.
Make It Your Way
I love playing around with this roll-ups recipe. Sometimes I'll swap out spinach for kale or roasted red peppers for a little extra color and flavor punch. You should feel free to make it your own—after all, that’s what makes cooking fun!
- Variation: Once, I used smoked gouda instead of Colby jack for a deeper smoky profile and it was amazing. Give swapping cheeses a try to find your favorite blend.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and load up on mushrooms and spinach for a meatless version that’s just as creamy and satisfying.
- Add heat: If you like it spicy, sprinkle a few red pepper flakes on top before baking or toss finely diced jalapeños into the filling.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Blackened Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your spices and blacken the chicken
I mix smoked paprika, cayenne, onion powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, thyme, and oregano to make the blackening seasoning. Then I rub it generously on the chicken breasts. Heating olive oil in a pan, I sear the chicken over medium-high heat until it’s beautifully charred on the outside and cooked through inside—about 5-6 minutes per side. This step is key for infusing that signature smoky flavor.
Step 2: Cook the lasagna noodles and prep the filling
While the chicken rests, I boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until just tender—remember, they’ll cook more in the oven, so no overcooking! Next, I mix together ricotta, softened cream cheese, drained spinach, diced blackened chicken, a pinch of cajun seasoning, and shredded mozzarella and Colby jack cheeses for a flavorful filling.
Step 3: Whip up the garlicky Alfredo sauce
In a saucepan, I melt butter over medium heat, add generous minced garlic, and cook just until fragrant. Then I pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese, seasoning with a little salt, pepper, and a touch of Cajun seasoning for continuity of flavor. Stir it gently until it thickens to a creamy, dreamy sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the roll-ups and bake
Lay the noodles flat and spread an even layer of the filling on each. Roll ‘em up tightly and place them seam-side down in a greased 9x13 dish. Pour Alfredo sauce evenly over the top, then cover with the remaining shredded cheeses. I bake everything at 375°F for about 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Top Tip
After making this dish countless times, I've learned some little tricks that really up your game and keep the roll-ups perfectly creamy and flavorful.
- Rest the chicken: Let your blackened chicken rest before dicing it so the juices redistribute and don’t dry out the filling.
- Don’t overcook noodles: Slightly undercooked noodles hold their shape and roll better, avoiding mushiness after baking.
- Drain spinach well: Excess moisture from spinach can make the filling watery—using a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out water is a game changer.
- Use fresh garlic: It makes a huge difference in your Alfredo sauce’s flavor, so don’t skip it or substitute with pre-minced in a jar.
How to Serve Blackened Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these roll-ups with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and a little cracked black pepper to add some visual texture. Sometimes, a light drizzle of extra Alfredo sauce on the plate makes each bite even more indulgent.
Side Dishes
Garlic bread or Texas toast is a must-have on the side—they soak up that extra sauce so well! A crisp Caesar salad or roasted asparagus also balances the richness and adds a fresh crunch that I love.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served these roll-ups individually plated with a small ramekin of extra Cajun-spiced Alfredo sauce for dipping. It adds a fancy touch and lets everyone personalize their spice level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover roll-ups covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the cheese melty rather than soggy.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! I assemble the roll-ups and freeze them before baking—just wrap well in foil and plastic wrap. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
Reheating in the oven at 350°F covered with foil keeps the roll-ups moist and gooey. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to dry out the sauce and make the noodles rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! Pre-cooked chicken can save you time. Just make sure it’s well seasoned or toss it briefly in some Cajun seasoning and olive oil to keep that smoky flavor before adding to the filling.
Absolutely! Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and double-check that your Cajun seasoning and other ingredients don’t contain any gluten. The rest of the recipe stays the same and tastes just as delicious.
The spice level is moderate and can easily be adjusted by varying the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper. If you prefer mild, reduce the cayenne and opt for mild paprika instead of smoked for less intensity.
Yes! You can assemble the roll-ups a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, just bake them as directed. This is a great way to save time and keep stress low before your guests arrive.
Final Thoughts
This Blackened Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe holds a special place for me because it’s the perfect blend of comfort and spice—rich enough for a cozy night in, yet exciting enough to impress family or friends. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe as your secret weapon for delicious, fuss-free dinners that everyone raves about. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!
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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
Description
Blackened Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups feature tender blackened chicken combined with a creamy, garlic-infused Alfredo sauce loaded with parmesan cheese. The lasagna sheets are filled with a rich blend of ricotta, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella and Colby Jack cheeses, chopped spinach, and seasoned chicken. Rolled up and smothered in the luscious Alfredo sauce, these roll-ups bake to a golden, cheesy perfection, making for an irresistible comforting meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3 chicken breasts (thighs, cutlets or tenders work too)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cajun 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
Lasagna and Filling
- 12 lasagna noodle sheets
- 1 15 oz ricotta cheese
- ½ block cream cheese, softened
- 12 oz frozen chopped spinach (drained well)
- Prepared chicken, diced
- 1 8 oz block mozzarella (shredded, divided)
- 1 8 oz block Colby Jack cheese (shredded, divided)
- 2-3 teaspoons cajun seasoning
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
Optional Serving
- Garlic bread or Texas toast for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cajun seasoning: In a bowl, mix smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, dried thyme, and dried oregano to create the cajun seasoning blend.
- Cook chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until well-blackened and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from heat and dice into bite-size pieces.
- Cook lasagna noodles: Boil lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat to cool, preventing sticking by brushing lightly with olive oil if needed.
- Make Alfredo sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and 1-2 teaspoons cajun seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer and whisk in grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- Prepare filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, drained chopped spinach, diced chicken, 2-3 teaspoons cajun seasoning, and half of the shredded mozzarella and Colby Jack cheeses. Mix thoroughly to combine.
- Assemble roll ups: Lay one lasagna noodle flat, spread an even layer of the filling mixture over it, then carefully roll it up. Repeat with remaining noodles and filling.
- Arrange in baking dish: Place each roll up seam side down into the greased baking dish. Pour the Alfredo sauce evenly over the roll ups and sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and Colby Jack cheeses on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve: Let the roll ups cool slightly before serving. Pair with garlic bread or Texas toast if desired for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chopped spinach is well drained to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the cajun seasoning to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Use fresh garlic in the Alfredo sauce for the best flavor.
- Let the roll ups rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help the sauce thicken and prevent burns.
- Substitute gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this recipe gluten free if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll up
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
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