Cheesy Southwest Chicken Lasagna Rolls

This meal puts a bold Tex-Mex spin on a traditional Italian classic. These lasagna rolls are packed with tender chicken and beans, then baked in a rich, creamy enchilada sauce.

List of ingredients

• 1 pound dried lasagna noodles – one standard box for the base.
• 19 ounces red enchilada sauce – one can for the sauce base.
• 8 ounces cream cheese – use full-fat for the best creaminess.
• 1 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken – rotisserie or leftover chicken works well.
• 15 ounces black beans – one can, drained well to avoid excess moisture.
• 1 cup chopped bell pepper – a heaping cup, using multiple colors for visual appeal.
• 2 cloves garlic – minced finely for distributed flavor.
• 2 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese – divided for the filling and topping.
• 1/2 cups chopped scallions – adds a fresh, mild onion taste.
• 1 taco seasoning packet – provides the signature smokey flavor.

step-by-step instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set a large pot of salted water over high heat and bring it to a rolling boil.
2. Cook the Pasta: Add the lasagna noodles to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions. Ensure they are cooked al dente so they remain flexible but firm. Drain the noodles and lay them out individually on a clean tea towel to prevent them from sticking together.
3. Blend the Sauce: Pour the red enchilada sauce into a blender and add the cream cheese. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Pour half of this blended sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, drained black beans, chopped bell peppers, minced garlic, 2 cups of the shredded Mexican blend cheese, chopped scallions, and the taco seasoning. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Roll the Noodles: Spread the filling mixture evenly across 12 lasagna noodles. Gently roll each noodle up, tucking any loose filling back into the roll to keep it secure. Place the rolls side-by-side in the baking dish.
6. Final Bake: Pour the remaining cream cheese sauce over the top of the rolls. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top, and bake for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with extra scallions or cilantro if desired.

Pro Tips for Perfect Assembly

Preventing Noodle Adhesion

Lasagna noodles are very sticky once drained. Laying them flat on a clean tea towel or parchment paper immediately after boiling ensures they do not clump together, making the rolling process much easier.

Achieving a Smooth Sauce

Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before blending it with the enchilada sauce. Cold cream cheese can create small lumps in the sauce, whereas softened cheese blends into a seamless, velvety texture.

Mastering the Rolling Technique

Avoid overfilling the noodles to prevent them from bursting during the rolling process. Use a spoon to spread the filling evenly, leaving a small margin at the edges to help seal the roll.

Controlling the Pasta Texture

Cooking the noodles strictly al dente is critical because they will continue to cook in the oven. If they are overcooked during the boiling stage, they may become too mushy or tear when you try to roll them.

Optimizing the Baking Dish

Using a 9×13 inch dish provides the ideal spacing for 12 rolls. If your dish is smaller, you may need to bake in two batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.

Ingredient Alternatives and Substitutions

Alternative Protein Choices

While chicken is traditional, you can replace it with ground turkey or lean ground beef. If you prefer a vegetarian version, double the amount of black beans or add cooked lentils for a similar hearty texture.

Adding Extra Vegetables

To increase the nutrient density, stir in chopped zucchini, diced spinach, or corn kernels. These vegetables blend well with the Southwest flavor profile and add a nice crunch to the filling.

Adjusting the Heat Level

For a milder taste, use a mild red enchilada sauce and a low-sodium taco seasoning. To increase the spice, opt for a hot enchilada sauce or stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture.

Lighter Cheese Options

You can reduce the calorie count by using low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat shredded Mexican blend cheese. This maintains the creamy consistency while lowering the overall fat content of the dish.

Sauce Variations

Substitute the red enchilada sauce with salsa verde for a tangy, green-sauce version of these rolls. If using verde sauce, consider swapping the Mexican blend cheese for Monterey Jack to complement the flavor.

Serving and Side Dish Suggestions

Complementary Fresh Salads

A crisp Mexican street corn salad with lime and cotija cheese provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lasagna. A Brazilian chopped salad with colorful vegetables also works well to balance the meal.

Hearty Bean Sides

Serve these rolls alongside refried beans or seasoned pinto beans for a more filling dinner. These sides enhance the Southwest theme and provide additional plant-based protein.

Fresh Topping Ideas

Beyond scallions and cilantro, try adding sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream to each plate. These additions provide a cool, creamy element that cuts through the spice of the enchilada sauce.

Crunchy Texture Pairings

Serving the dish with a side of tortilla chips and homemade queso or salsa adds a satisfying crunch. This makes the meal feel like a complete feast and is great for family-style dining.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Refrigerating Leftovers

Store any remaining lasagna rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 3 to 5 days, making this an excellent option for weekday lunches.

Freezing for Future Meals

This recipe is freezer-friendly. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy a quick meal later in the season.

Thawing and Reheating

To reheat from frozen, move the dish to the refrigerator overnight to thaw slowly. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees F until heated through, adding a splash of water or extra sauce if the pasta seems dry.

Microwave Reheating Tips

For a single serving, place one or two rolls on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals to ensure the center is hot without overcooking the noodles.

Planning and Make-Ahead Advice

Pre-Assembling the Dish

You can prepare the rolls and sauce up to several days in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake.

Adjusting Bake Times for Cold Starts

If baking the lasagna rolls directly from the refrigerator, increase the baking time to 40-45 minutes. This ensures the center of the rolls reaches a safe and appetizing temperature.

Batch Prepping the Filling

The chicken and bean filling can be made ahead of time and stored in a sealed container. When you are ready to eat, simply boil the noodles and assemble the rolls for a faster dinner process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use oven-ready lasagna noodles for roll ups?

Yes, but you must boil them first. Oven-ready noodles are too stiff to roll when raw, so cook them until al dente to make them flexible enough for the filling.

How do I keep the rolls from unravelling?

Carefully tuck the ends of the noodles inward as you roll them. Placing them tightly side-by-side in the baking dish also helps them support each other and maintain their shape during baking.

Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

While this is designed for the oven, you can layer the ingredients like a traditional lasagna in a crockpot. However, the specific “roll” shape and the toasted cheese topping are best achieved in the oven.

What is the best way to chop the chicken for the filling?

Small, uniform cubes or shredded pieces work best. This ensures that every bite has an equal distribution of chicken, beans, and cheese without large chunks disrupting the roll.

Print