If you love creamy, cheesy baked pasta but want something just a little different from the usual casserole, Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls are about to become your new obsession. Each bite swirls up perfectly seasoned chicken, melty cheese, and fragrant garlic, all hugged by tender lasagna noodles and smothered in a silky Parmesan sauce. This dish is not only a showstopper but also pure comfort on a plate, and the twirled shape feels extra special for sharing at the dinner table or a cozy gathering with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls is how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients come together to create something extra memorable. Each component shines on its own and works in harmony to deliver layers of flavor and just the right textures throughout this hearty meal.
- Lasagna noodles: These give the twirls their signature spirals and hold all the delicious filling in each bite.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the garlic bloom when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves: The star flavor note, giving both the filling and sauce their irresistible aroma.
- Cooked shredded chicken: A great way to use leftovers or rotisserie chicken for easy prep and plenty of protein.
- Ricotta cheese: Lends creaminess and a smooth texture to the filling.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds that iconic cheesy pull.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty depth to both the filling and the sauce.
- Italian seasoning: Brings herbal notes for that classic Italian-inspired taste.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a little gentle heat that keeps things interesting.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything together.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the filling and adds a pop of green.
- Butter: For a rich, decadent sauce base.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency that clings to every twirl.
- Milk: Creates a silky, creamy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls
Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your lasagna noodles according to the package directions until just al dente. This is key—they’ll continue to bake later, so you want them pliable but not mushy. Drain them carefully, and lay each noodle flat on a clean kitchen towel to keep them from sticking together as you prepare the filling. This little moment of patience pays off when it’s time to get rolling!
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Chicken Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and add in your minced garlic. Stir until fragrant—a minute or so is plenty, as garlic cooks fast. Toss in the shredded chicken, sprinkle over your Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it all a good stir and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until everything is well combined and the flavors start mingling. Take it off the heat and set aside while you make the cheese mixture.
Step 3: Mix the Cheesy Ricotta Blend
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley. Now, bring in the warm chicken mixture from the skillet—this addition will loosen the cheeses just enough, making the filling easy to spread on your noodles later. Give everything a thorough stir so the components are evenly distributed throughout. The aroma at this stage is already pure comfort!
Step 4: Cook the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
To make the sauce that really sets Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls apart, melt your butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about a minute to create a roux—this ensures a lump-free base for your sauce. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency. Remove from the heat, stir in your Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper. The result should be smooth, pourable, and full of flavor, ready to blanket your twirls in cheesy luxury.
Step 5: Assemble and Roll the Twirls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and give a large 9×13-inch baking dish a light coat of nonstick spray or a brush of olive oil. Pour a thin layer of the garlic Parmesan sauce into the bottom—this prevents sticking and infuses each twirl with extra flavor. Working one noodle at a time, spread a generous layer of the chicken and cheese mixture down its length, then roll up tightly from one end to the other. Arrange each twirl seam-side down in the dish. Repeat until all noodles are filled and rolled.
Step 6: Top, Bake, and Finish
Pour the remaining sauce evenly over your assembled twirls, making sure they’re all coated. If you can’t resist, sprinkle a little extra mozzarella or Parmesan across the top for that golden, bubbly crust. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Let them cool for a few minutes out of the oven before serving—this makes serving neater and keeps everyone from burning their tongues on molten cheese!
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls
Garnishes
Nothing sets off Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls like a scattering of fresh chopped parsley or basil right before serving. A final dusting of grated Parmesan never hurts, and if you’re looking to add a pop of color, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper on top can give just the right accent both visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty, so try pairing your twirls with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables for a satisfying, well-rounded meal. Warm garlic bread or homemade focaccia makes perfect sense too—you’ll want something to mop up every drop of the creamy sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, plate two Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls per serving, nestled in a swirl of extra sauce. For family-style, serve them straight from the baking dish, letting everyone scoop their own. If you’re feeling playful, cut the twirls in half on a diagonal and arrange them upright in mini ramekins for a fun, tapas-style appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls store beautifully. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or transfer individual twirls to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing their flavor or texture.
Freezing
These twirls are a meal-prep dream! After baking and cooling, you can freeze them in single portions or as a whole dish, tightly wrapped or in freezer-safe containers. For best results, freeze the sauce separately, and add it when baking from frozen. Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, cover and bake in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbling—about 25 minutes for a whole dish or 10–15 minutes for a single serving. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, until heated through. If the sauce thickens, splash on a tablespoon or two of milk or cream before reheating to revive its creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is not only convenient but often more flavorful thanks to its seasoned roasting. Simply shred and use as directed in the recipe for a quick, easy shortcut.
What’s the best way to keep the lasagna noodles from sticking together?
Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and lay each piece flat on a kitchen towel or parchment paper. You can also drizzle them lightly with olive oil and use your hands to separate if they start sticking.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes! Chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes work beautifully in Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls. Just be sure to cook off any excess moisture before adding them to the filling mixture.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Of course—just substitute gluten-free lasagna noodles and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the sauce. The result will be just as creamy and delicious as the original!
Can I assemble Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls ahead of time?
Definitely. You can roll, fill, and assemble the dish a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from a cold fridge.
Final Thoughts
Bringing Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls to your table is truly a win for any occasion—comforting enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress your guests. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen. Gather around, dig in, and let every creamy, garlicky swirl bring a little more joy to your meal.
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Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls are a delicious twist on traditional lasagna, with tender chicken, a creamy cheese filling, and a flavorful garlic sauce all rolled up in lasagna noodles. Baked to perfection, these twirls are a comforting and satisfying meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a clean surface.
- Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil, then add chicken, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley.
- Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, cook garlic, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk. Stir in Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Twirls: Spread sauce in a baking dish. Fill each noodle with the chicken mixture, roll up, and place seam-side down in the dish. Pour remaining sauce over the top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- This recipe works great with leftover rotisserie chicken.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 twirls
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
