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If you are craving the comfort of cheesy lasagna but want something extra special, this blackened chicken alfredo lasagna roll up recipe delivers bold flavor and creamy texture every time. Each rolled noodle is stuffed with a luscious cheese mixture, juicy cajun-spiced chicken, and fresh spinach, then blanketed in a garlicky homemade alfredo sauce and baked until bubbling. It is perfect for impressing guests or making a cozy family dinner feel like a treat.
I first made this when my parents visited one winter and we needed a hearty meal that still impressed. They loved the touch of spice from the cajun seasoning and now it is my go-to comfort bake for friends.
Ingredients
- Lasagna noodles: Wide pasta sheets hold lots of rich filling and are easy to roll Choose noodles that hold together well when boiled
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Both work for this filling Use fresh chicken for juiciness and flavor
- Olive oil: For coating chicken and building a beautiful golden crust Choose extra virgin for depth
- Cajun seasoning: Adds a smoky spicy kick to the chicken and filling Freshly mixed herbs and spices boost flavor Use store-bought or blend your own
- Butter: Base for the alfredo sauce Use real butter for best texture
- Fresh garlic: Essential for fragrant creamy sauce Use large cloves from firm fresh bulbs
- Heavy whipping cream: Makes the alfredo luxuriously thick and rich
- Parmesan cheese: Gives nutty salty depth to the sauce and topping Buy in a block and grate yourself for best taste
- Salt and black pepper: To highlight all the savory flavors in the dish
- Cream cheese and ricotta: For the filling these make it creamy and luscious Ricotta should be whole milk for the richest taste and smooth texture
- Frozen chopped spinach: Offers freshness and color Be sure to thaw and squeeze dry fully
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey texture Use whole milk mozzarella and shred it at home if you can
- Colby jack cheese: Adds a creamy and sharp note to the cheese mix Always shred your own for the best melt
- Onion powder cayenne paprika brown sugar dried thyme and oregano: Used in the blackened cajun spice blend for bold authentic flavor Check your spices are fresh and aromatic
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Prepare your chicken by pounding each breast or thigh to a quarter inch thickness for even cooking. Rub every piece thoroughly with olive oil and coat generously with cajun seasoning. Heat a large skillet over medium heat add olive oil and lay in the chicken. Let it cook undisturbed for three to four minutes so a nice crust forms then flip once and turn the heat to low. Cook for another three minutes to finish. Cover the chicken loosely with foil and let it rest for five to ten minutes before dicing into bite-sized pieces. Resting keeps the chicken tender and juicy.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same skillet without cleaning it add butter over medium low heat. Let it melt and scrape up the flavorful bits left from the chicken. Add minced garlic and stir just until it is fragrant about one minute. Slowly whisk in heavy cream letting it heat gently and thicken for about five minutes. Add a teaspoon of cajun seasoning salt and pepper whisking well. Now stir in grated parmesan cheese letting it melt in so the sauce becomes creamy and just coats the back of your spoon. Turn off the heat and keep it warm while you prepare other steps.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Boil lasagna noodles to al dente following the instructions on the package. Meanwhile add softened cream cheese ricotta cheese spinach cajun seasoning diced chicken and half of both shredded cheeses to a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly combined. This should be a scoopable mixture for filling.
- Assemble and Bake Lasagna Roll Ups:
- Drain noodles and separate them right away so they do not stick. Spoon a cup of alfredo sauce over the bottom of your greased casserole pan. Lay noodles flat on a clean surface. Scoop about half a cup of the filling onto the end of each noodle and roll up tightly. Place each roll seam-side down in the dish side by side. Repeat until you have filled the pan. Pour the remaining alfredo sauce evenly over the rolls making sure every piece is covered. Sprinkle the rest of your shredded cheeses right over the top. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for about thirty five minutes until bubbling and golden around the edges. Let rest briefly before serving.
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My favorite part of this dish is the homemade cajun seasoning I make in a big batch and sprinkle it on everything from roasted veggies to popcorn. One year my son insisted on adding extra parmesan and we have never looked back that golden cheesy top is now a family must.
Storage Tips
These roll ups store beautifully Make sure they cool completely before covering tightly and refrigerating Leftovers will keep for up to four days Freeze individual portions wrapped well and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating For best results reheat in the oven covered with foil to keep things moist
Ingredient Substitutions
If you prefer turkey or rotisserie chicken use that The filling also works with kale instead of spinach If you do not have colby jack try all mozzarella plus a bit of sharp cheddar Cottage cheese is a good stand in for ricotta if needed
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Serving Suggestions
Serve each roll with a side of simple salad and maybe some garlic bread or Texas toast People love spooning a bit of extra alfredo from the bottom of the pan over each portion A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil brings color and a little extra fragrance
Cultural and Historical Context
Lasagna itself has roots in medieval Italy but rolling up the noodles instead of layering them is a fun modern American twist that helps with portioning and adds a little wow at the table Blackened chicken and cajun seasoning draw from Louisiana cuisine and when paired with cheesy pasta it is the ultimate comfort fusion
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes the chicken blackened?
The chicken is coated with Cajun spices and seared at high heat, creating a flavorful, charred crust that adds smokiness to each bite.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works as a convenient substitute. Add Cajun seasoning before assembling for extra flavor.
- → Is fresh spinach possible instead of frozen?
Fresh spinach can be used—simply sauté it first to reduce moisture before mixing with the cheeses.
- → How do I keep the roll ups from sticking?
Separate cooked noodles immediately after draining, and spread a bit of sauce in the baking dish to prevent sticking.
- → Can this dish be assembled ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.