There’s something about Cottage Cheese Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups that just feels right when you’re craving comfort without the fuss. Tender pasta noodles rolled around creamy cottage cheese and shredded chicken, then baked until bubbly and golden. They look fancy, but they’re shockingly simple.
I started making these last spring when I needed dinners that felt a little lighter but still cozy enough to feel like a real meal after long days. The cottage cheese keeps everything creamy without weighing you down, and rolling them individually means they bake faster than traditional lasagnano waiting around for layers to set. After years of testing high-protein swaps in the kitchen, this one’s become my quiet weeknight win when I don’t feel like cooking but still want something that tastes homemade.
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Cottage Cheese Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups Cozy and Easy
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Diet: Standard
Description
Cottage Cheese Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups make an easy dinner perfect for weeknight dinner or family dinner. These high protein lasagna rolls are baked lasagna rolls that are both hearty and satisfying. Enjoy a cozy meal with simple ingredients and delicious flavors.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 350°F.
- Pour about 1 cup of marinara sauce into the base of a large baking dish.
- Cook the lasagna noodles in salted boiling water following the package instructions, then drain well.
- Mix cottage cheese, Parmesan, chopped parsley, pesto, egg, half a teaspoon of salt, and pepper in a large bowl until fully combined.
- Lay wax paper on a surface and arrange the noodles on it, making sure they are dry.
- Spread roughly one third cup of the cheese mixture evenly over each noodle.
- Roll up each noodle carefully and place them seam side down in the baking dish.
- Cover the rolls with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle a tablespoon of mozzarella on top of each roll.
- Cover the dish with foil ensuring it doesn’t touch the cheese and bake for 40 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- For crisp tops, broil 2–3 minutes at the end
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 rolls
- Calories: 462 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 1300 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32.5 g
- Cholesterol: 82 mg
Why You’ll Love These Lasagna Roll Ups
These Cottage Cheese Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups hit all the right notes when you want something cozy but not heavy. They’re lighter than traditional lasagna but still feel like a real, satisfying mealperfect for tired weeknights when you want dinner to feel like dinner without the usual effort.
- High protein and filling: The cottage cheese and mozzarella combo keeps you satisfied without that overstuffed feeling.
- Easy to portion: Each roll is its own serving, so no messy scooping or uneven slices.
- Faster than layered lasagna: No waiting for thick layers to cook throughthese bake in 40 minutes and you’re done.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble in the morning, cover, and slide into the oven when you’re ready.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these rolls work is the creamy, herb-packed filling. The cottage cheese keeps everything light and protein-rich, while the Parmesan and pesto add just enough richness and flavor. Here’s what you’ll be working with:
| Ingredient | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Cottage cheese (2%) | High protein, creamy base without the heaviness of ricotta |
| Parmesan cheese | Adds sharpness and depth to the filling |
| Pesto | Brings herby, garlicky flavor without extra chopping |
| Marinara sauce | Keeps the rolls moist and adds familiar tomato comfort |
| Mozzarella cheese | Melts on top for that bubbly, golden finish |
Pro Tip: Drain your cottage cheese before mixingjust let it sit in a fine mesh strainer for 5 minutes. This prevents watery rolls and keeps the filling thick and spreadable.
How to Make It Step-by-Step
The process is straightforward: cook your noodles, spread the filling, roll, and bake. The key is keeping your noodles dry before rolling so the filling doesn’t slide off. After years of testing variations like this, I’ve found that laying them flat on wax paper makes all the difference.
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Prep the dish | Preheat oven to 350°F. Ladle 1 cup marinara sauce into a 9 x 12 baking dish. |
| 2. Cook noodles | Boil lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and lay flat on wax paper. |
| 3. Make filling | Mix cottage cheese, Parmesan, parsley, pesto, egg, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. |
| 4. Fill and roll | Spread 1/3 cup filling evenly over each noodle. Roll carefully and place seam side down in the dish. |
| 5. Top and bake | Ladle remaining sauce over rolls. Top each with 1 tbsp mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake 40 minutes. |
Note: Make sure the foil doesn’t touch the cheesetent it slightly so the mozzarella doesn’t stick.
Simple Swaps and Tweaks
One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can swap noodles, change up the filling, or adjust the sauce depending on what you have on hand. Here are a few tried-and-true variations:
- Use gluten-free noodles: Works perfectlyjust follow the package cook time and handle gently when rolling.
- Swap pesto for fresh basil: Add 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil to the filling if you don’t have pesto.
- Add veggies: Stir in finely chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the cottage cheese mixture for extra nutrients.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or use arrabbiata sauce instead of marinara.
Serving and Storage Tips
These rolls are great fresh out of the oven, but they also reheat beautifully. I like serving them with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables on the side. Leftovers? Even better the next day.
| Storage Method | How Long It Lasts |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator (covered) | Up to 4 days |
| Freezer (assembled, unbaked) | Up to 3 monthsthaw overnight, then bake as directed |
| Freezer (cooked) | Up to 2 monthsreheat covered at 350°F for 25 minutes |
Pro Tip: Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 90 seconds, or pop them back in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes if you want the top crispy again.
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How I Finally Perfected My Cottage Cheese Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups
I burned the first batch, overcooked the noodles in the second, and added way too much filling in the third. But after those kitchen lessons, these Cottage Cheese Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups became exactly what I wanted: a practical, protein-packed dinner that actually fits into busy weeknights without the stress.
FAQs ( Cottage Cheese Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups )
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the roll-ups up to 24 hours before baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold. This makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests.
What type of cottage cheese works best?
Use full-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest texture and richest flavor. Small curd cottage cheese blends more smoothly into the filling. Low-fat versions work too but may result in a slightly less creamy consistency in the final dish.
How do I prevent the noodles from tearing?
Cook lasagna noodles until just al dente, then rinse with cool water immediately. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking. Handle gently when spreading the filling and roll slowly to avoid tears.
Can I freeze these roll-ups?
Absolutely! Freeze assembled unbaked roll-ups for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months – just reheat in the oven until warmed through.
What can I substitute for the chicken?
Ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even a vegetarian option like sauteed mushrooms and spinach work well. Keep the protein amount similar to maintain the right filling consistency. Season any substitution with Italian herbs for the best flavor match.

You’ll love how these Cottage Cheese Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups turn outcreamy inside, bubbly on top, and just comforting enough to feel like a real Sunday dinner, even on a Tuesday. They bake in 40 minutes, stay moist thanks to the marinara, and never dry out. The cottage cheese stays light but rich, and each roll holds together perfectly without falling apart when you serve them. Honestly, the leftovers might taste even better the next day.
Try swapping marinara for vodka sauce if you want something a little richer, or toss in some cooked spinach for extra greens without changing the texture. If you’re making these ahead, assemble the rolls in the morning and keep them covered in the fridge until dinnertime. A trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen: brush a little olive oil over the noodles before rolling so they don’t stick or tear. Reheat individual rolls in the microwave with a damp paper towel on top to keep them soft and tender.
I’d love to see how yours turn outtag me if you snap a photo or leave a comment if you tried a fun twist. Did you grow up with rolled lasagna, or is this your first time trying it? Either way, this one’s worth saving for the nights when you need something easy but still want everyone gathered around the table. Here’s to dinners that help you get back into a rhythm.










