Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls Recipe
If you’re a fan of creamy pasta, garlicky chicken, and everything comforting rolled up into one glorious bite, you’re going to fall head over heels for Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls. These irresistible little bundles deliver the best of lasagna and chicken Alfredo, swirling golden noodles around a rich, cheesy filling and a blanket of silky sauce. Whether it’s a weeknight craving or a special Sunday supper, this dish promises to steal the show every single time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls comes from a handful of well-chosen ingredients. Each one plays an important part, bringing creaminess, bold flavor, or that signature Italian touch that makes every bite sing.
- Lasagna noodles: Pick sturdy noodles, as they hold the rolls together and soak up all that lovely sauce.
- Olive oil: A classic for sautéing garlic and grounding the dish in a rich Mediterranean base.
- Garlic, minced: The heart and soul of the recipe; its aroma pulls everyone into the kitchen.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is perfect for convenience and juiciness.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds creamy softness and a little tang to the filling.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty depth that ties the filling together.
- Dried Italian seasoning: Just a dash adds herby, aromatic hints.
- Salt: A little seasoning sharpens every other flavor.
- Black pepper: For a gentle kick and warmth.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts for that iconic cheesy stretch and golden topping.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A final garnish that lifts and freshens each bite.
- Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade): The silky cloak tying all the components together.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls
Step 1: Prepare the Lasagna Noodles
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they’re just al dente—soft but still with a bit of bite. Once cooked, carefully drain and lay them flat on a clean surface (like a sheet of parchment or a cutting board) to avoid sticking. This step keeps your Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls easy to roll later on!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
While the noodles are cooling, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, just until fragrant. You’re aiming for a mellow garlic aroma, not browned garlic—this infuses every bite with savory goodness that defines this dish.
Step 3: Make the Chicken & Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, creamy ricotta, nutty Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and the freshly sautéed garlic. Take a moment to admire how perfectly everything blends together—this is the luscious, savory center of your lasagna twirls.
Step 4: Assemble the Twirls
Now for the fun part! Spread about two tablespoons of the chicken mixture evenly over each noodle. Sprinkle a little mozzarella over the top of the filling, then roll the noodles up tightly into spirals. Place each one seam-side down in a generously greased baking dish so they keep their shape while baking.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour your favorite Alfredo sauce over and around the twirls, making sure everything is well coated. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese over the top, so it will bubble and turn golden as it bakes. Can you smell the anticipation building already?
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes to let everything meld. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly. If you like, finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Your house smells incredible, and the Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls are ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls
Garnishes
Chopped fresh parsley always makes a beautiful finishing touch for Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls, adding a touch of color and a fresh, welcome herbal note. You can also shower on a little extra Parmesan or cracked black pepper just before bringing the dish to the table—because more cheese and flavor are never unwelcome!
Side Dishes
This rich, creamy dish pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette—something with arugula or spinach is especially nice. A side of garlic bread is classic for mopping up all that extra Alfredo sauce, while roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli make for a complete Italian-American feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Arranging the twirls in individual ramekins makes for a beautiful, personalized presentation at a dinner party. Or line them up in a serving dish and spoon the extra sauce over the top for a family-style feel. Mini versions are adorable for appetizers or kids’ plates—just slice each noodle in half before filling and rolling for bite-sized Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls left (which is never guaranteed!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three days, and the flavors may even deepen overnight.
Freezing
These twirls freeze like a dream. To freeze, assemble and roll them up, cover tightly with foil, and place the dish in the freezer before baking. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed. You can also freeze fully baked leftovers; just be sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the entire dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbling—about 20-25 minutes, depending on the amount. For a quicker fix, individual twirls can be microwaved on a plate with a spoonful of sauce to keep things moist. Either way, they reheat beautifully and taste just as dreamy the second time around!
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free lasagna noodles for Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls?
Absolutely! Both whole wheat and gluten-free noodles work well here—just be sure to cook them al dente and handle gently when rolling. The rest of the recipe remains the same, so everyone can enjoy a plate of these cheesy delights.
What’s the best chicken to use for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken is wonderfully convenient and flavorful, but any cooked and shredded chicken breast or thigh meat works. Even leftover roast chicken can shine in Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls, adding an extra layer of flavor to the filling.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Try stirring in some chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from veggies like spinach so the filling stays creamy, not watery.
Is it possible to make Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls ahead for a party?
Yes—assemble the twirls completely, cover, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the bake time if you’re starting from chilled, and your party guests are sure to swoon.
Can I substitute the Alfredo sauce with another sauce?
Certainly! While classic Alfredo makes these twirls extra luscious, a homemade béchamel or a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce would be delicious as well. You could even try a tomato-based cream sauce for a tangy twist.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats sharing cozy, creamy Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls around the table with friends and family. Each bite is packed with comfort, flavor, and just a little bit of wow. If you’re in the mood for a show-stopping pasta bake, don’t miss this recipe—your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you!
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Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 lasagna twirls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls are a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, featuring a creamy and flavorful filling rolled up in lasagna noodles and baked to perfection. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Lasagna Twirls:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles until al dente, drain, and lay flat.
- Sauté garlic: Sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Prepare filling: Mix chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic.
- Assemble: Spread chicken mixture on noodles, add mozzarella, roll, and place in a baking dish.
- Add sauce: Pour Alfredo sauce over rolls, top with mozzarella, and bake covered.
- Bake: Bake covered, then uncovered until golden. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For added flavor, stir in chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twirl
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
