Southwest Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups

Southwest Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups are the answer when you want comfort food with a spicy twist. Creamy cheese and smoky enchilada sauce wrap around chicken and beans for a meal that feels special but comes together with pantry staples. These roll ups have become a regular feature on our dinner table after a road trip through New Mexico inspired me to blend Italian and Tex Mex.

My family always asks for seconds when I make this This was the first dinner my neighbor asked for the recipe after trying and it is always a hit at potlucks

Ingredients

• Dried lasagna noodles: Essential for rolling up the filling Look for ones that list semolina as the main ingredient so the noodles hold up
• Red enchilada sauce: Gives smoky bold flavor Use a good-quality brand or homemade for best taste
• Cream cheese: Adds silkiness to the sauce Choose block-style and full fat for best melting
• Cooked chicken: Any leftover roast or rotisserie chicken works Skip dry cuts opt for tender shreds
• Canned black beans: Heartiness and fiber Rinse well to avoid excess salt
• Bell pepper: Brings color and crunch Choose a mix of red yellow and green for extra vibrancy
• Garlic: Rounds out the flavors Use fresh not jarred for more punch
• Shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts beautifully Provides richness Buy pre-shredded for convenience or grate yourself for better melt
• Scallions: A zesty punch of freshness Pick crisp green onions with firm white bases
• Taco seasoning: Delivers classic Southwest spices Make your own or use your favorite low sodium blend
• More shredded cheese and chopped scallions or cilantro: for the bubbling cheesy top

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 175 degrees Celsius so it is heating up while you prep Lightly grease a 33 by 23 centimeter baking dish so nothing sticks

Boil and Prep the Pasta:

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil Cook the lasagna noodles until just al dente so they will roll without tearing Carefully drain them then spread each noodle flat on a clean tea towel to keep them from sticking together

Blend the Sauce:

In a blender combine the entire can of enchilada sauce and all of the cream cheese Blend until completely smooth no streaks left Pour half this mixture into the baking dish and use a spatula to spread it all the way to the corners

Mix the Filling:

In a large mixing bowl add the cooked chicken finely chopped bell peppers minced garlic black beans 200 grams of shredded cheese chopped scallions and all the taco seasoning Stir well until every bite of filling is packed with Tex Mex flavor and every spoonful looks colorful

Assemble the Roll Ups:

Lay each cooled noodle flat Spoon a generous line of the chicken bean and veggie filling down the middle of each noodle Roll gently and firmly so they do not split Place each roll seam side down in the sauced baking dish tucking them in snugly side by side

Add Sauce and Bake:

Pour the rest of the creamy enchilada sauce evenly over the rolls making sure to coat the tops Cover the whole dish with foil and bake for 30 to 35 minutes The steam is what keeps the noodles tender

Finish with Cheese and Garnish:

After baking remove the foil Sprinkle the top with the remaining shredded Mexican cheese Return the dish to the oven uncovered for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling before pulling out to rest Top with more scallions or cilantro if you like and serve hot

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The cream cheese enchilada sauce always gets rave reviews from guests Every time I make it with extra bell pepper my kids fight over the brightest rolls and everyone ends up dipping the last noodles in leftover sauce

Storage Tips

Southwest Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups hold up well in the fridge for several days Just be sure to pack them into an airtight container The sauce helps keep the noodles from drying out so leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven For longer storage wrap the unbaked or baked roll ups tightly in foil or a freezer bag and they will stay good for up to three months Thaw slowly in your fridge for best texture before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

No chicken left Use cooked turkey pork or even shredded jackfruit Beans can be swapped out for pinto or kidney beans and you can skip the cheese for a dairy free version if needed If you have homemade enchilada sauce go for it otherwise a good store bought one is quick and flavorful

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs perfectly with a green salad tossed in citrusy vinaigrette or a plate of simple rice and avocado Squeeze extra lime over the hot rolls for a bright finish For casual dinners just serve straight from the dish with tortilla chips on the side for scooping up extra sauce

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Cultural Context

Lasagna roll ups blend the comfort of classic Italian pasta bakes with bold Southwest flavors inspired by Texas and New Mexico cooking Combining enchilada sauce and taco spices into traditional lasagna noodles makes for a fun and satisfying twist that unites both food worlds on one plate

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Yes, cooked shredded turkey or even ground beef work well. For a vegetarian variation, try using sautéed mushrooms or additional beans in place of chicken.

→ Do I need to cook the lasagna noodles before rolling?

Yes, boiling the noodles until al dente ensures they roll easily and bake evenly without turning mushy or staying undercooked.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Mix in chopped jalapeños with the filling or add hot sauce to the enchilada sauce blend for extra heat.

→ Can I assemble the roll ups ahead of time?

Certainly. Assemble and refrigerate unbaked roll ups for up to two days. When baking from chilled, increase the cook time by 5–10 minutes.

→ What sides go well with this dish?

Try a crisp green salad, Spanish rice, or roasted vegetables to complement the bold flavors of the roll ups.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze for up to three months.