Vegetable Lasagna Roll Ups
Highlighted under: Modern Cooking
I absolutely love making these Vegetable Lasagna Roll Ups for a delightful meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. The moment I layer tender pasta with a mix of vibrant vegetables and rich cheese, I feel an excitement about cooking them. Each bite is packed with flavor and nutrition, making this dish a hit with family and friends alike. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep; I can whip up a batch in advance and enjoy them any day of the week without needing to spend hours in the kitchen.
When I first explored the world of lasagna roll-ups, I was amazed by the endless possibilities of flavors and fillings. For this vegetable version, I decided to include a colorful mix of zucchini, spinach, and ricotta cheese. The combination delivers a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making this dish truly delicious and wholesome.
One cooking tip I’ve discovered is to lightly preload the ricotta with herbs and spices; it really incorporates the flavors throughout the entire roll. Each bite bursts with the freshness of the vegetables, and the marinara sauce brings everything together beautifully.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Delicious blend of garden-fresh vegetables and creamy ricotta
- Perfect portion control with individual roll-ups
- Great for meal prepping and can be frozen for later
Perfecting Your Roll-Ups
Achieving the ideal roll-up takes a little finesse, especially with the lasagna noodles. It's important not to overcook them; aim for al dente, as they will continue to soften during baking. If they stick together, a quick toss in a bit of olive oil can help. Additionally, ensure that you spread the filling evenly, leaving just enough room to roll. A balanced filling results in a well-formed roll that holds together nicely.
When laying out your rolled noodles in the baking dish, don't rush this step. Place the roll-ups seam-side down to prevent them from unrolling during cooking. If you have any filling leftover, don’t discard it! You can dollop it on top of the assembled lasagna roll-ups before baking for an extra creamy touch.
Flavor Enhancements
The choice of marinara sauce can greatly impact the flavor profile of your lasagna roll-ups. For added depth, consider using a homemade sauce or a high-quality store-bought variety. Don’t be afraid to jazz it up further by sautéing the garlic and mixing in chopped herbs like basil or oregano before spreading it over the roll-ups. This small adjustment can elevate your dish from good to extraordinary.
Another way to customize the flavors is by incorporating different vegetables according to the season or your taste preferences. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or roasted eggplant can all add unique tastes and textures. Just remember to keep the moisture content in check, as too much liquid from the vegetables can lead to a soggy result.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients for your Vegetable Lasagna Roll Ups:
For the Roll-Ups
- 8 lasagna noodles
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 zucchini, shredded
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Make sure to prepare all ingredients before starting the cooking process!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious Vegetable Lasagna Roll Ups:
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a clean kitchen towel.
Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, zucchini, spinach, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble the Roll-Ups
Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Take one lasagna noodle, spread a portion of the filling on one end, and roll it up tightly. Place seam-side down in the dish. Repeat with remaining noodles.
Top with Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the roll-ups and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let the lasagna roll-ups cool for a few minutes before serving!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or chopped fresh herbs to the marinara sauce.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
One great advantage of this recipe is its adaptability for meal prep. You can prepare the filling and roll up the lasagna noodles ahead of time. If you're making them in advance, cover the assembled roll-ups with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time when you’re ready to eat.
For longer-term storage, these Vegetable Lasagna Roll Ups freeze exceptionally well. Simply assemble the rolls, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. When you're ready to enjoy them, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 50-60 minutes, covering with foil for the first 30 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Serving Suggestions
Serving these lasagna roll-ups is a delightful task. Consider pairing them with a fresh side salad or garlic bread to round out the meal. For an extra crunch, you can grill or roast some seasonal vegetables and serve them alongside, adding a pop of color and flavor that complements the creamy, cheesy roll-ups.
For a different twist, drizzle the baked roll-ups with a balsamic reduction or a sprinkle of fresh herbs just before serving. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a layer of freshness and tang that balances the richness of the cheese.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use whole wheat lasagna noodles?
Yes, whole wheat lasagna noodles can be used and will add more fiber to the dish.
→ Can I make these roll-ups ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them a day in advance and store them in the fridge until you're ready to bake.
→ What other vegetables can I include?
Feel free to use other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots for a different twist.
→ Can I freeze the roll-ups?
Yes, these roll-ups freeze well. Just make sure to cover them tightly before freezing.
Vegetable Lasagna Roll Ups
I absolutely love making these Vegetable Lasagna Roll Ups for a delightful meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. The moment I layer tender pasta with a mix of vibrant vegetables and rich cheese, I feel an excitement about cooking them. Each bite is packed with flavor and nutrition, making this dish a hit with family and friends alike. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep; I can whip up a batch in advance and enjoy them any day of the week without needing to spend hours in the kitchen.
Created by: Saskia Morton
Recipe Type: Modern Cooking
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Roll-Ups
- 8 lasagna noodles
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 zucchini, shredded
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
How-To Steps
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a clean kitchen towel.
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, zucchini, spinach, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Take one lasagna noodle, spread a portion of the filling on one end, and roll it up tightly. Place seam-side down in the dish. Repeat with remaining noodles.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the roll-ups and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or chopped fresh herbs to the marinara sauce.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 560mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 15g