If you are looking to wow your friends or family with something that feels both familiar and refreshingly new, the Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls Recipe is exactly what you need. These delightful rolled-up lasagna noodles filled with creamy ricotta, tender pulled chicken, fragrant garlic, and herbs create an irresistible, cozy dish that’s as beautiful on the plate as it is on the palate. Imagine tender pasta swirls bubbling with melted cheese and rich white sauce, all infused with a gentle garlic punch—this recipe truly turns classic comfort food into a festive centerpiece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls Recipe plays a crucial role, combining for a perfect balance of creamy texture, savory flavor, and a luscious golden finish. These simple staples elevate the dish without overwhelming it, making every bite pure joy.
- Cooked lasagna noodles: The foundation for these twirls, their pliability is key for rolling the filling without cracking.
- Pulled chicken: Tender and flavorful, it adds heartiness and protein to the dish.
- Ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy, smooth texture that complements the chicken brilliantly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, sharp note that elevates the overall flavor complexity.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, giving the twirls that irresistible gooey finish.
- Minced garlic cloves: Infuses the twirls with its signature aroma and flavor, making them unforgettable.
- White sauce: A luscious, velvety canvas that keeps the twirls moist and rich throughout baking.
- Beaten egg: Binds the filling ingredients together for a consistent texture.
- Fresh basil, chopped: Brings a fresh, herbal brightness to the mix.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all flavors.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a perfectly hot environment so your twirls bake evenly and the cheese melts just right, achieving that irresistible golden crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine the pulled chicken, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, beaten egg, freshly chopped basil, along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until the mixture is creamy and well blended. This rich filling is the heart of the dish, imbuing each bite with layers of flavor and luscious texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Twirls
Take each cooked lasagna noodle and spread an even layer of the chicken mixture on top. Roll the noodle up tightly from one end to the other to create beautiful little twirls, then place them side by side in a greased baking dish with a layer of white sauce at the bottom to keep them moist during baking.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining white sauce generously over the twirls, ensuring they are well coated. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, which will melt and bubble up into a golden, cheesy blanket as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover your baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to trap moisture and heat. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to become bubbly, melted, and irresistibly golden brown all over.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let your twirls cool for a moment before garnishing with fresh basil. Serve hot and watch everyone delight in this stunning and scrumptious meal.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil sprigs are an ideal garnish, adding a burst of bright green color and a fresh herbal aroma that perfectly complements the garlicky richness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add a lovely sheen and fruity nuance.
Side Dishes
A crisp, lightly dressed green salad pairs wonderfully with this dish to provide a refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread can also round out the meal beautifully and offer a variety of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the twirls in a circular pattern for an eye-catching presentation, or place them in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch. You could also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or chili flakes for those who love a little kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as delightful.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Place the assembled (but unbaked) twirls in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving when possible to retain the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use shredded chicken instead of pulled chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded chicken works just as well in this Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls Recipe, as it integrates nicely with the creamy filling for perfect texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe without garlic?
While garlic is a star ingredient here, you can reduce or omit it if needed. Consider replacing it with shallots or garlic-infused oil to keep some of the aroma without the pungent intensity.
Can I prepare the twirls in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the twirls a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate them. When you’re ready, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if they come straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for white sauce?
A béchamel sauce or even a creamy Alfredo sauce can be used in place of the white sauce, each adding a slightly different, delicious twist to the dish.
How do I make sure the noodles don’t stick when rolling?
Make sure the noodles are cooked al dente and not overcooked. Lightly oiling the noodles before spreading the filling can also help prevent sticking, allowing for smooth, neat rolls.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully comforting yet elegant about this Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls Recipe that makes it a go-to for cozy dinners or special occasions. It offers a fresh take on a beloved classic, with every twirl providing a creamy, cheesy, and savory delight. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do — it’s one of those dishes that fills your kitchen with happiness and your heart with satisfaction!
Print
Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls are a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, featuring tender pulled chicken mixed with creamy cheeses and fragrant garlic, rolled in cooked lasagna noodles, and baked to bubbly perfection. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner and serves four generously.
Ingredients
For the Twirls
- 10 cooked lasagna noodles
- 2 cups pulled chicken
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 beaten egg
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce and Topping
- 1 cup white sauce (béchamel or your preferred white sauce)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the lasagna twirls.
- Prepare the Chicken Filling: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the pulled chicken, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, beaten egg, chopped fresh basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until it is evenly blended and creamy to create a flavorful filling.
- Assemble the Twirls: Lay out each cooked lasagna noodle and spread an even layer of the chicken mixture along its length. Carefully roll each noodle from one end to the other to form compact twirls. Place these rolls seam side down in a greased baking dish, arranging them snugly with a thin layer of white sauce spread on the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining white sauce evenly over the assembled twirls, then generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top to create a delicious, gooey cheese crust after baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, ensuring the filling is heated through.
- Serve & Enjoy: Once baked, garnish the dish with extra fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot alongside a fresh green salad or your favorite side for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can prepare the lasagna noodles ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until ready to assemble.
- Use homemade white sauce or store-bought for convenience.
- Adjust seasoning in the filling mixture according to taste preferences.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken filling.
- Covering the dish with foil during the initial baking keeps the twirls moist.
