Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that blends rich, comforting flavors with a fun and elegant presentation, you have to try this Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls Recipe. Imagine tender pulled chicken, creamy ricotta, and plenty of garlic all wrapped up inside rolled lasagna noodles, baked under a golden blanket of mozzarella and white sauce. It’s everything you love about lasagna but with a twist that makes serving and sharing so effortless. This recipe not only dazzles the eyes but delivers that satisfying melody of cheesy, garlicky goodness with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls Recipe uses a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each bringing its own magic to the dish. From the creamy ricotta adding softness to the vibrant basil providing fresh notes, these ingredients create a perfect flavor and texture balance.
- Cooked lasagna noodles: The perfect base to roll your savory filling into neat, bite-sized twirls.
- Pulled chicken: Tender and flavorful, it’s the hearty star protein for this dish.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty depth that elevates every bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts gloriously on top, creating that irresistible golden crust.
- Minced garlic cloves: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and robust flavor.
- White sauce: Keeps everything moist and adds a luxurious, silky texture.
- Beaten egg: Helps bind the filling together for stable, perfect twirls.
- Fresh basil, chopped: Offers a bright, herbal freshness right when you need it most.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go when your twirls are assembled. A hot oven ensures that the cheese melts perfectly and the rolls bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the pulled chicken, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, beaten egg, fresh basil, salt, and black pepper. Take your time mixing until the texture is creamy and all the ingredients are well incorporated. This savory, cheesy blend will be the heart of your twirls.
Step 3: Roll It Up
Lay out each cooked lasagna noodle and spread an even layer of the chicken mixture over it. From one end, tightly roll up the noodle to form a twisty little twirl. Arrange each roll snugly in a greased baking dish that already has a little white sauce spread on the bottom to prevent sticking and add moisture.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Now pour the remaining white sauce evenly over the rolled noodles, making sure every inch is coated with creamy goodness. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top — this will become that golden, bubbly layer you’ll love.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil to lock in moisture and bake your twirls for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. This step gets the cheese beautifully melted and those irresistible golden brown spots forming on top.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh basil over your twirls for a burst of color and fragrance. Serve your Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls hot and savor the luscious layers and bold garlic notes in every mouthful.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a classic garnish that adds brightness and a beautiful pop of green. For extra flair, sprinkle some finely grated Parmesan just before serving or add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for richness and shine.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette pairs wonderfully to balance the richness of the twirls. Roasted vegetables or steamed asparagus also make elegant and healthy companions that complement the creamy texture of the dish nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, arrange the twirls upright in a round casserole or on a decorative platter, showcasing their spiral shape. Individual servings in small ramekins or on skewers for finger food style will wow your guests and make this dish a memorable crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them perfect for reheated lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual servings tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or store the entire dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your twirls covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. If microwaving, cover loosely and heat in short bursts to keep the texture creamy and avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pasta sheets instead of cooked lasagna noodles?
While cooked noodles are ideal for easy rolling, fresh pasta sheets can be used if you boil or soften them carefully. Just be sure they are pliable enough to roll without tearing.
Is it necessary to use white sauce in this recipe?
White sauce adds creaminess and moisture, helping keep the twirls luscious when baked. You can experiment with alternatives, but the classic version really shines with white sauce.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! Pulled turkey or even cooked mushrooms work well as substitutes, offering different flavors while keeping the twirls just as delicious.
How do I make the dish less garlicky if I’m sensitive to garlic?
Reduce the minced garlic to one or two cloves and add a pinch of garlic powder instead. You’ll still get that lovely garlic hint without it being overpowering.
What’s the best way to prevent the noodles from sticking during assembly?
Make sure your lasagna noodles are well-cooked but still firm and tossed lightly with olive oil after draining. This keeps them separated and makes rolling easier.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls Recipe enough if you want to impress family or friends with something comforting yet special. The combination of creamy, cheesy filling and garlicky punch wrapped in delicate pasta is pure joy. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your go-to dishes for cozy dinners and celebrations alike.
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Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Chicken Lasagna Twirls recipe features tender pulled chicken mixed with creamy ricotta and Parmesan cheeses, infused with fresh garlic and basil, all rolled up in cooked lasagna noodles. Baked under a rich white sauce and melted mozzarella, these savory twirls make for an elegant and comforting Italian-inspired dinner perfect for a family gathering or special meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 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
Pasta and Sauce
- 10 cooked lasagna noodles
- 1 cup white sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the lasagna twirls evenly.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pulled chicken, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, beaten egg, fresh basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
- Assemble Twirls: Spread an even layer of the chicken mixture over each cooked lasagna noodle. Carefully roll each noodle from one end to the other to form tight twirls, then place them in a greased baking dish that has a bit of white sauce spread on the bottom 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 cover the twirls completely.
- Bake Covered and Uncovered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and turns a golden brown color.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the twirls with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot, ideally paired with a green salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Notes
- If lasagna noodles are not pre-cooked, boil them until al dente before assembling.
- Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor, but garlic powder can be substituted if necessary.
- You can prepare the chicken mixture a day ahead to save time on cooking day.
- Make sure the white sauce is smooth and not too thick to help the rolls bake evenly and stay moist.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
