Chicken Alfredo Roll Ups Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Roll Ups are a delicious, creamy, and comforting dish that takes the traditional chicken Alfredo to new heights by wrapping the pasta and filling into beautiful rolls. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even special occasions where you want to serve something a little different yet satisfying. The idea of combining chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and pasta in one bite-sized, rolled-up form has grown in popularity because it’s both fun to make and a delight to eat.

At the heart of the Chicken Alfredo Roll Ups is the marriage of two beloved comfort foods: chicken Alfredo and lasagna. The concept of stuffing pasta with rich, creamy fillings is not new. Over the years, variations of stuffed pasta dishes have been embraced across various cultures. This recipe marries that concept with the creamy, garlicky flavors of a classic chicken Alfredo.

While the original chicken Alfredo consists of pasta, grilled chicken, and a rich Alfredo sauce made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese, the roll-up version allows for a more elegant presentation and a fun twist on this beloved dish. The process of layering and rolling pasta gives each bite an exciting mix of textures, from the tender pasta to the creamy sauce, combined with the juicy chicken.

In this 8000-word recipe guide, we’ll break down every aspect of the Chicken Alfredo Roll Ups, from the preparation of each component to tips for making the recipe your own. We’ll explore how to achieve the perfect roll-ups, offer variations to suit different tastes, and delve into tips for serving the dish alongside complementary sides. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this detailed guide will help you make a show-stopping dish that’s sure to impress.

The Origins of Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo itself is an adaptation of a classic Italian dish known as Fettucine Alfredo. Traditionally, Fettucine Alfredo was a simple pasta dish made by tossing pasta with butter and Parmesan cheese. It was originally created by Alfredo di Lelio in the early 1900s in Rome. The recipe became popular in the United States after it was introduced to Hollywood stars like Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks in the 1920s, when they visited Italy.

The American version of Fettucine Alfredo has evolved into the creamy, garlicky, and rich version many people are familiar with today. Over the years, adding proteins like chicken or shrimp became a popular modification, and now Chicken Alfredo is a staple in many American homes. The idea of rolling the chicken Alfredo into pasta, as seen in this recipe, is a modern twist on the traditional version and makes for an elegant, fun presentation.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Alfredo Roll Ups

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s go over the process of making Chicken Alfredo Roll Ups step by step. This will guide you through each phase of the recipe, from cooking the pasta to assembling the roll-ups and baking them to perfection.

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

1. Boil the Lasagna Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, or until they are al dente (firm but tender). Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.

2. Drain and Rinse the Noodles: Once the noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel or large plate to prevent them from sticking together.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Season and Sear the Chicken: While the noodles are cooking, season your chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

2. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. Shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces using two forks or a stand mixer. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

1. Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant and golden, but be careful not to burn it.

2. Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.

3. Add Cheese: Gradually add the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, stirring until both cheeses have melted into the sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

4. Combine with Chicken: Add the shredded chicken into the Alfredo sauce and stir to coat the chicken evenly with the creamy sauce. Allow it to simmer for a couple more minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Alfredo Roll Ups

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

2. Fill the Lasagna Noodles: Lay each cooked lasagna noodle flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken Alfredo mixture onto each noodle and spread it out evenly. Starting from one end, carefully roll the noodle up into a tight cylinder, securing the filling inside.

3. Arrange the Roll Ups: Place each rolled-up noodle seam-side down into the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process for the remaining noodles, packing the roll-ups closely together.

Step 5: Top and Bake

1. Add Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the rolled-up noodles. The sauce will provide a nice contrast to the richness of the Alfredo sauce.

2. Add Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring each roll-up gets a generous amount of cheese.

3. Bake the Roll Ups: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Once the Chicken Alfredo Roll Ups are out of the oven, garnish them with fresh parsley and basil for an extra pop of color and flavor.

2. Serve: Serve the roll-ups warm, either as a standalone dish or paired with your favorite sides.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Alfredo Roll Ups

• Use Fresh Noodles: While pre-cooked noodles are convenient, fresh lasagna noodles tend to be softer and more pliable, making them easier to roll up without tearing.

• Don’t Overfill: Be sure not to overstuff each noodle, as this can make the roll-ups hard to close and cause the filling to spill out.

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker option, substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for freshly cooked chicken breasts. This saves time and adds a slightly smoky flavor.

• Customize Your Sauce: If you love garlic, feel free to add extra minced garlic to the Alfredo sauce. You can also experiment with adding herbs like basil or thyme for added depth.

• Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the roll-ups ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from the fridge.

Variations of Chicken Alfredo Roll Ups

1. Vegetarian Chicken Alfredo Roll Ups: Substitute the chicken with a medley of roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly option.

2. Spicy Chicken Alfredo Roll Ups: Add some heat by incorporating red pepper flakes into the Alfredo sauce or topping the roll-ups with jalapeño slices.

3. Chicken Bacon Alfredo Roll Ups: For an extra layer of flavor, add crispy bacon bits to the chicken Alfredo mixture.

4. Low-Carb Chicken Alfredo Roll Ups: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash in place of traditional lasagna noodles to make this dish low-carb.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic Bread: A slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy Alfredo sauce.

• Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the Chicken Alfredo Roll Ups.

• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus for a well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

Chicken Alfredo Roll Ups are a creative twist on the classic chicken Alfredo, combining the creamy goodness of Alfredo sauce with the fun of pasta roll-ups. With its rich filling, cheesy topping, and flavorful tomato sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party, family meal, or special occasion. The recipe is easily customizable to suit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring that there’s a version for everyone. By following this detailed guide, you’ll be able to make perfect Chicken Alfredo Roll Ups every time.