French Onion Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups: The Ultimate Comfort Food Twist

If you’re craving something hearty, creamy, and undeniably comforting, these French onion chicken lasagna roll ups are your next must-try recipe. Imagine all the deep, savory flavor of French onion soup layered into pasta, with tender shredded chicken, creamy ricotta, earthy spinach, and melty gruyère cheese all wrapped into perfectly portioned roll-ups. Whether you’re making a cozy family dinner or prepping ahead for a gathering, this dish delivers in flavor and comfort.

Don’t miss our slow cooker French wine mustard chicken for another rich and cozy dinner idea.

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Why You’ll Love These French Onion Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups

A modern twist on a comfort classic

This isn’t your grandma’s lasagna—and we mean that in the best way. These roll ups take the essence of a classic lasagna and infuse it with caramelized onions and thyme, inspired by the savory, soul-warming flavors of French onion soup. Each bite delivers melty cheese, creamy sauce, and perfectly layered textures.

French onion flavor meets creamy chicken pasta

What makes this dish special is the layering of complex flavors. Slowly caramelized onions bring out natural sweetness, while the creamy thyme béchamel gives the whole dish a velvety finish. Shredded chicken adds protein and heartiness without overpowering the delicate balance of herbs and cheese.

Perfect for make-ahead meals and gatherings

These lasagna roll ups are not just for Sunday night comfort food. They’re ideal for batch cooking, freezing, and reheating. Want to impress guests? Bake the roll ups in individual ramekins or a large casserole, and serve with a simple green salad and crusty garlic bread.

Looking for inspiration? Try our creamy gnocchi soup with rosemary and bacon as a starter to this indulgent pasta meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need (And Substitutions That Work)

Core components for rich flavor

Here’s a quick table to organize the core ingredients:

Ingredient	Role in Recipe	Notes
Sweet Onions	Caramelized base	Use 2–3 large ones
Butter	For caramelizing & béchamel	Unsalted preferred
Baby Spinach	Adds freshness	Can use kale
Garlic	Boosts depth	Use fresh if possible
Shredded Chicken	Adds protein	Rotisserie works great
Ricotta Cheese	Creamy layer	Can use cottage cheese
Parmesan Cheese	Umami & salt	Freshly grated is best
Egg	Binder in ricotta mix	Lightly beaten
Lasagna Noodles	Structure for roll ups	Boil al dente
Gruyère Cheese	Nutty, melty top	Mozzarella is a backup
Milk	For béchamel sauce	Whole or 2% recommended
Flour & Butter	Roux base	Thickens sauce
Thyme & Nutmeg	Herbs for depth	Dried or fresh thyme works

Discover great ideas like creamy roasted garlic butternut squash pasta that also blend rich sauces and comforting carbs.

Smart swaps and alternatives

If you don’t have everything on hand, don’t worry. Here are some trusted substitutions:

• No gruyère? Use Swiss or a gruyère-cheddar mix. Even mozzarella will work in a pinch.
• Dairy-free? Swap the béchamel with a cashew cream base and use dairy-free cheese.
• Spinach substitute? Kale or sautéed mushrooms offer a meaty texture and rich flavor.
• Short on time? Use pre-cooked chicken or even shredded rotisserie chicken.
• Want it vegetarian? Skip the chicken and double the spinach or add cooked lentils.

Check out stuffed winter squash recipes for hearty meatless dinner ideas.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Roll Ups

Prepping the components

1. Caramelize the onions
Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat and stir in the sliced onions. Cook them slowly—about 30–40 minutes—until golden and fragrant. Don’t rush this part. Caramelization is where the French onion magic happens.

2. Cook the spinach and garlic
In the same skillet, add a bit of oil and sauté garlic until fragrant, then toss in the spinach. Stir until wilted. Season with salt and pepper, then mix in the shredded chicken.

3. Mix the ricotta layer
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, parmesan, one beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Don’t miss our creamy wild rice chicken soup if you’re a fan of creamy comfort dishes.

Assembling and baking the roll ups

4. Cook the lasagna noodles
Boil noodles until just al dente—overcooked noodles will fall apart during rolling. Lay them flat on a clean towel to prevent sticking.

5. Fill and roll
Spread the ricotta mix onto each noodle. Add the spinach-chicken mixture, top with caramelized onions, and sprinkle with some gruyère. Roll tightly, seam side down.

6. Make the thyme béchamel sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter, whisk in flour to create a roux, and slowly add milk. Stir until thickened, then season with thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

7. Bake to perfection
Place rolled noodles into the béchamel sauce in a baking dish. Spoon some sauce over the top, add remaining cheese, and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Looking for more cozy meals? Try our creamy French onion mushroom soup packed with similar flavors.

Expert Tips for Best Results Every Time

Avoiding soggy noodles

One of the most common pitfalls when making lasagna roll ups is ending up with soggy noodles. To prevent this, undercook your noodles slightly—boil them just until al dente and rinse briefly with cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps them firm enough to hold the filling during baking.

Another tip: avoid adding too much sauce underneath the roll ups. A thin layer is enough to keep things moist without over-saturating the noodles.

Making it ahead and reheating

Want to enjoy this meal on a weeknight without spending an hour in the kitchen? Make the entire dish the night before, cover it tightly, and store in the fridge. When ready to serve, bake as directed (adding 5–10 extra minutes). For individual portions, microwave for 2–3 minutes with a splash of milk or sauce to keep it moist.

You can also prep the components—caramelized onions, chicken-spinach mix, béchamel—and assemble the dish later.

Discover more time-saving comfort food like our broccoli cheddar chicken rice casserole that reheats beautifully.

Freezing and storing leftovers

Yes, these roll ups freeze well. After assembling but before baking, place them in a freezer-safe container. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual. Already baked roll ups can also be frozen, just expect a softer texture upon reheating.

Pairing suggestions (salad, garlic bread, wine)

Serve your French onion chicken lasagna roll ups with a crisp arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar. Garlic bread or baguette slices are perfect for soaking up extra sauce. For drinks, try a chilled glass of pinot grigio or a light-bodied red like pinot noir to complement the creamy cheese and sweet onions.

Check out our side dish idea like roasted sweet potato soup to round out your meal.

French Onion Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups: Nutrition & Portion Guide

Serving size breakdown

This recipe yields 8 roll ups, generally enough for 4 hungry adults or 6 moderate portions. Each person typically enjoys 1–2 roll ups depending on side dishes.

Calories, protein, and macros per roll up

Here’s a general breakdown per roll up (estimates may vary depending on specific ingredients used):

Nutrient	Amount per Roll Up
Calories	~320–360 kcal
Protein	22–26g
Carbs	24–28g
Fat	18–22g
Fiber	2–3g

This dish is packed with protein from the chicken, cheese, and milk—making it satisfying and filling.

How to make it lighter

Want to cut calories without losing the experience? Try these adjustments:

• Use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella instead of full-fat cheeses.
• Replace béchamel with a Greek yogurt-based sauce.
• Opt for whole wheat noodles for added fiber.
• Increase spinach to boost veggie intake without extra calories.
• Skip the top cheese layer for a lower-fat finish.

For lighter yet satisfying dinner inspiration, try our chicken and noodles comfort recipe.

Common Questions Answered (FAQ)

Conclusion: Why You Need This in Your Recipe Rotation

French onion chicken lasagna roll ups are more than just another pasta dish. They’re an experience—a warm, savory, cheesy, and slightly sweet bite that hits every comfort food note. The layers of flavor from caramelized onions, creamy ricotta, herbed béchamel, and golden melted cheese create a dish worth savoring. Perfect for make-ahead dinners, special occasions, or Sunday night suppers, these roll ups are guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Looking for your next irresistible dinner? Don’t miss our slow cooker ravioli lasagna—a great hands-off alternative.

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