If you’re looking to wow your family or guests with something truly comforting and delightful, the Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls Recipe is your new go-to. This dish transforms classic lasagna into charming, bite-sized twirls bursting with creamy ricotta, tender pulled chicken, fragrant garlic, and a golden blanket of melted mozzarella. It’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors that take lasagna to a whole new level, making every twirl as satisfying as the last. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these twirls bring heartwarming Italian goodness right to your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step toward creating these irresistible Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls. Each component plays a vital role—from the tender chicken adding savory protein to the cheeses creating that luscious creaminess and gooey melt, and not to forget the garlic and basil bringing vibrant aroma and depth.
- Cooked lasagna noodles: These are the perfect base to roll all your flavorful filling into neat twirls.
- Pulled chicken: Using cooked, shredded chicken ensures every bite is packed with tender, juicy meat.
- Ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese blends beautifully with the chicken, adding richness and softness to the filling.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan gives a sharp, salty kick that enhances every mouthful.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: This cheese melts into a bubbly, golden topping that finishes the dish perfectly.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the twirls with a warm, aromatic punch that’s simply irresistible.
- White sauce: Creamy and smooth, this sauce keeps the twirls moist and adds a luscious texture.
- Beaten egg: Binds the filling ingredients together for a firm yet delicate consistency.
- Fresh basil, chopped: Adds a bright herbal freshness that lifts the savory flavors beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, they balance and enhance all the other flavors.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is just right to bake the twirls thoroughly without drying out the cheeses or causing the noodles to become too tough.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine pulled chicken, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, the beaten egg, chopped fresh basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until you get a creamy, evenly mixed filling. The garlic and basil really bring this mixture to life with layers of flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Twirls
Spread a generous, even layer of the creamy chicken mixture onto each cooked lasagna noodle. Then, carefully roll each noodle tightly from one end to the other, forming beautiful little twirls. Place each rolled piece into a greased baking dish, which already has a thin layer of white sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking and to add moisture.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining white sauce evenly over the assembled twirls. This keeps them wonderfully moist and ties all the ingredients together. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top to create a luscious, bubbly, golden crust during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil to lock in moisture and bake the twirls for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the mozzarella melts, bubbles, and turns a beautiful golden brown. The result? A stunning dish with gooey cheese and tender filling inside each twirl.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls Recipe
Garnishes
The best way to make your Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls recipe shine visually and flavor-wise is by garnishing with freshly chopped basil leaves. Their pop of green contrasts beautifully with the golden cheese and adds a fresh herbal aroma to each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these twirls with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables to add brightness and crunch to your meal. A side of garlic bread or a simple tomato salad also complements the rich lasagna twirls perfectly without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
To really impress your guests, serve the twirls on a rustic wooden board with small ramekins of extra white sauce or marinara on the side. Alternatively, arrange the twirls on individual plates topped with a drizzle of basil-infused olive oil and a sprinkling of Parmesan for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making them a convenient next-day meal that tastes just as good.
Freezing
You can freeze the prepared but unbaked twirls by wrapping the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge before following the baking instructions.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid the microwave if possible, to keep that delightful texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lasagna sheets instead of cooked noodles?
Fresh lasagna sheets can be used, but they will need to be softened by boiling or soaking beforehand to make rolling easier and prevent tearing. Cooked noodles are generally more forgiving for rolling into twirls.
What if I don’t have pulled chicken? Can I use something else?
You can substitute shredded rotisserie chicken, leftover roast chicken, or even cooked turkey. Just make sure the meat is finely shredded for the best texture in the filling.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls Recipe?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or your favorite cooked veggies. Add extra ricotta or some crumbled tofu for added protein and creaminess.
Can I prepare this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free option, use plant-based cheeses and a dairy-free white sauce variant. Keep in mind this will slightly change the taste and texture but still yield delicious results.
How do I make the white sauce from scratch?
Classic white sauce or béchamel is made by cooking equal parts butter and flour to form a roux, then whisking in warm milk until thickened. Season with salt and pepper for a simple, creamy sauce perfect for this recipe.
Final Thoughts
Give this Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls Recipe a try the next time you crave something spectacularly flavorful yet easy to make. It’s an inviting dish that feels special but comes together without fuss. Trust me, once you taste those cheesy, garlicky twirls filled with tender chicken, it’ll quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls are a delicious twist on traditional lasagna, featuring rolled lasagna noodles filled with a creamy mixture of pulled chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, garlic, and fresh basil. Baked with a rich white sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese, these twirls make for an elegant and comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Lasagna and Filling
- 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
Sauce and Topping
- 1 cup white sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna twirls.
- Prepare the Chicken Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pulled chicken, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, beaten egg, fresh basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed into a creamy filling.
- Assemble the Twirls: Spread an even layer of the chicken mixture on each cooked lasagna noodle. Roll each noodle tightly from one end to the other. Place the rolled twirls in a greased baking dish, making sure to spread a bit of white sauce on the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining white sauce evenly over the rolled lasagna twirls. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top to create a rich and bubbly topping after baking.
- Bake to Perfection: 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, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish the garlic chicken lasagna twirls with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot alongside a green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Make sure the lasagna noodles are fully cooked and drained before assembling.
- You can prepare this dish ahead and refrigerate before baking; just add extra baking time if baking cold.
- White sauce can be homemade or store-bought, but homemade adds extra flavor.
- Use fresh herbs for best taste, but dried basil can be substituted if needed.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
