Cottage Cheese Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups are tender noodles wrapped around creamy cottage cheese and seasoned chicken, baked in marinara until bubbly. They look fancy but come together fast, and the creamy filling tastes richer than you’d ever guess.
I started making these back in 2019 when I needed something that felt like a real dinner but didn’t leave me wiped out after a long day. The cottage cheese melts into this silky, protein-packed filling that holds everything together without weighing you down my test kitchen notes are covered in “make again!” scribbles. After a busy weeknight, I need comfort that doesn’t feel heavy, and these hit that sweet spot every single time.
Joe Rooney
Cottage Cheese Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups Cozy Perfect Dinner
These Cottage Cheese Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups are a cozy, easy dinner option perfect for any weeknight or family dinner. Packed with protein and featuring a delicious blend of cottage cheese and herbs, this high protein lasagna recipe is ideal for make ahead lasagna rolls that save time without sacrificing flavor.
2 cups homemade or jarred marinara sauce, plus more for serving
8 uncooked lasagna noodles, wheat or gluten-free
16 ounces 2% cottage cheese, I like Good Culture, drained
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley
2 tablespoons pesto, prepared or homemade
1 large egg
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Black pepper to taste
1/2 cup part skim mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 3 oz)
basil or parsley, optional for garnish
Method
Set your oven to heat at 350°F.
Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the base of a 9 x 12 inch or similar baking dish.
While the oven warms, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, then drain well.
In a mixing bowl, blend together the cottage cheese, Parmesan, parsley, pesto, egg, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper until combined.
Lay a sheet of wax paper on your work surface and arrange the cooked noodles out to dry.
Pat noodles dry, then spread roughly 1/3 cup of the cheese mixture evenly over each noodle, roll them up carefully, and place each seam side down in the baking dish.
Once all noodles are rolled and placed in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over them and sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of mozzarella cheese on top of each roll.
Cover the dish loosely with foil, taking care it doesn’t touch the cheese, then bake for 40 minutes until the cheese has melted and the rolls are heated through.
Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Enjoy your nutritious and comforting lasagna roll ups! Please consider leaving a rating and comment to support our recipe sharing.
Notes
For best results, drain the cottage cheese well before mixing to prevent watery filling. You can prepare the roll ups ahead of time and keep them refrigerated before baking. Serve with extra marinara sauce if desired.
Why You’ll Love These Cottage Cheese Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups
These roll ups deliver all the cozy comfort of traditional lasagna without the fuss of layering. Instead of fiddling with sheets in a deep pan, you’re rolling individual portions that bake up tender and bubbly.
High protein filling: Cottage cheese gives you more protein per bite than ricotta, and it melts into a creamy texture that holds the roll together beautifully.
Make ahead friendly: Assemble them in the morning, cover, and refrigerate. Pop them in the oven when you walk in the door dinner’s ready in 40 minutes with zero evening prep.
Easier portion control: Each roll is a tidy serving, so you can freeze extras or adjust the batch size without worrying about cutting awkward squares.
Weeknight reset win: It’s my go-to when I’m tired and still want dinner to feel like dinner low effort, minimal cleanup, and it doesn’t feel heavy.
Key Ingredients That Make It Work
You’re working with a short list of pantry staples and fridge basics. The cottage cheese acts as the creamy base, while Parmesan and mozzarella add that melty, golden top everyone fights over. The pesto brings a quick hit of basil and garlic without extra chopping.
Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred brand or homemade batch either works beautifully here. You’ll need about 2 cups total, plus extra for serving if you like things saucy.
Cottage cheese: I use 2% cottage cheese and drain it well before mixing. Good Culture is my go-to brand for texture, but any quality cottage cheese works. The egg binds everything together so the filling doesn’t ooze out during baking.
Ingredient
Easy Swap
Lasagna noodles
Use gluten-free or whole wheat both cook up tender
Pesto
Swap for sun-dried tomato pesto or skip and add extra parsley
Part skim mozzarella
Use fresh mozzarella torn into small pieces for a creamier top
Parmesan cheese
Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier bite
How to Make Cottage Cheese Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and spreading about 1 cup of marinara across the bottom of a 9 x 12 baking dish. This creates a sauce cushion that keeps the bottoms from sticking and adds moisture during baking.
Cook your lasagna noodles according to package directions, then drain and lay them out on wax paper so they don’t stick together. While they cool, mix the cottage cheese, Parmesan, parsley, pesto, egg, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl until everything’s evenly combined.
Spread about 1/3 cup of the cheese mixture onto each noodle, roll carefully from one end, and place seam side down in the baking dish. Ladle the remaining sauce over the top, sprinkle each roll with about 1 tablespoon of mozzarella, cover loosely with foil, and bake for 40 minutes until the cheese melts and the edges bubble.
Step
Time
Quick Tip
Prep noodles & filling
15 min
Drain cottage cheese well to avoid watery filling
Assemble rolls
5 min
Use wax paper to keep noodles from sticking
Bake covered
40 min
Keep foil from touching cheese so it stays fluffy
Serving and Storage
Serve these hot from the oven with extra marinara spooned over the top and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. They pair beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread if you want to stretch the meal for a crowd.
To store: Let the rolls cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 90 seconds, or warm the whole dish covered in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes.
To freeze: Assemble the rolls in a freezer-safe dish, cover with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed you may need to add 5–10 extra minutes if they’re still slightly chilled.
Tips for Perfect Roll Ups Every Time
Make sure your noodles are completely drained and patted dry before spreading the filling any extra water dilutes the cheese mixture and makes rolling tricky. I lay them on a clean kitchen towel for a minute to wick away moisture.
Pro Tip: Don’t overfill each noodle. A heaping 1/3 cup is plenty too much filling squeezes out the sides when you roll, and the seam won’t seal properly.
If your marinara is on the thicker side, thin it with a splash of water or pasta cooking liquid so it spreads easily and coats every roll. After years of testing these, I’ve learned that a slightly looser sauce keeps everything moist and prevents dry edges.
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FAQs ( Cottage Cheese Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups )
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble this recipe up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. Add 10-15 extra minutes to baking time if cooking straight from the fridge. This makes them perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
What type of cottage cheese works best?
Small curd cottage cheese creates the smoothest texture and spreads easily on the noodles. Low-fat varieties work fine, but full-fat gives richer flavor. Avoid large curd cottage cheese as it can make the filling lumpy and harder to roll.
How do I prevent the noodles from breaking while rolling?
Cook lasagna noodles until just tender, not mushy. Rinse with cold water immediately after draining to stop cooking. Lay noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel before filling. Work gently and don’t overfill each noodle.
Can I freeze these for later?
Absolutely! Freeze assembled unbaked rolls for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Bake frozen rolls at 375F for 45-50 minutes covered, then 10 minutes uncovered. Thaw overnight in fridge for faster cooking.
What can I serve alongside this dish?
A crisp green salad with Italian dressing pairs perfectly with this hearty meal. Garlic bread and roasted vegetables like zucchini or broccoli also complement the rich flavors well. Keep sides light since this dish is quite filling.
Ready to Roll?
Cottage Cheese Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups come together in about an hour and deliver tender, creamy comfort every single time. You’ll love how the cottage cheese melts into the marinara and how easy these are to pull off on a busy evening. They bake up bubbly and golden, and the aroma alone will have everyone hovering around the kitchen.
Try swapping in shredded rotisserie chicken to save even more time, or add a handful of fresh spinach to the filling for extra color and nutrition. These rolls reheat beautifully just cover loosely and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. A trick I learned from my grandmother’s kitchen: always lay your cooked noodles flat on a towel so they don’t stick or tear when you roll them.
I’d love to see how yours turn out snap a photo and share it, or tag me so I can cheer you on. Did you grow up with lasagna nights that felt like a hug on a plate? Save this recipe and pass it along to someone who needs an easy, comforting dinner this week. Some nights just need a simple meal that still feels like home.
