If you have been searching for a crowd-pleasing, vibrant, and utterly comforting Italian meal that comes together without hours in the kitchen, this Simple Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender lasagna noodles loaded with a luscious blend of cheeses and basil pesto, simmered in rich marinara sauce, then finished under the broiler for that perfect golden bubbly top. It captures all the cozy, cheesy goodness of classic lasagna but with a fresh twist and a fraction of the fuss. Whether you’re feeding family, hosting friends, or just craving a delicious dinner, these roll ups bring effortless elegance to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role to deliver that perfect balance of creamy, herby, and savory flavors packed with color and heartiness. The simplicity of the ingredients lets each shine through, creating a dish with incredible taste and texture.
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained: The perfect vessel to hold all of that cheesy, pesto-packed goodness.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, this adds smooth richness to the filling.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that classic gooey, stretchy texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch to enhance all the other flavors.
- 1 egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture together for easy spreading and rolling.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A gentle hit of savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and lifts the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a touch of warm spice.
- 1 cup prepared basil pesto: Bursting with fresh herb aroma and vibrant green color.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Provides a tangy, savory bed to simmer the roll ups in.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For cooking the roll ups to a tender finish without sticking.
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional): A final flourish that adds brightness and freshness.
How to Make Simple Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until everything is thoroughly combined. This mixture will be the creamy, flavorful heart of your roll ups, providing that luscious texture you love in lasagna but in a simpler form.
Step 2: Assemble the Roll Ups
Lay your cooked and drained lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface. Spread about 1 tablespoon of basil pesto evenly over each noodle, infusing every bite with that unmistakable fresh-herb punch. Then spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture on top of the pesto and spread it out. Carefully roll up each noodle from one end to the other, making sure the filling stays nicely tucked inside.
Step 3: Prepare the Skillet
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Pour 1 cup of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the skillet, spreading it evenly. This sauce acts as a flavorful bed for your roll ups, keeping them moist and adding a tangy tomato layer.
Step 4: Cook the Roll Ups
Place the lasagna roll ups seam-side down gently into the skillet atop the marinara. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the rolls to cover them evenly. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes. This slow warming melts the cheeses together and lets the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 5: Broil for the Finishing Touch
If you like a golden, bubbly cheese topping, uncover the skillet and sprinkle with a little extra mozzarella or Parmesan cheese. Pop it under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is perfectly bubbly and just starting to brown. Keep a close eye to avoid burning. Finish with fresh basil leaves for a lovely, fragrant garnish.
How to Serve Simple Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly shredded Parmesan and a handful of bright basil leaves aren’t just pretty; they enhance the dish’s flavor with an herbaceous and savory finish. You can also drizzle a little extra pesto or a splash of good-quality olive oil to elevate it even more.
Side Dishes
Serve these roll ups alongside a crisp Caesar salad or garlic-roasted green beans for a well-rounded meal. A crusty baguette is perfect for sopping up extra marinara sauce, transforming every last bite into a satisfying experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeding a crowd, arrange the roll ups in serving dishes with different sauces—try a creamy Alfredo or a spicy arrabbiata to mix things up. You can also serve them individually on plates garnished with microgreens or cherry tomatoes for a restaurant-style presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover lasagna roll ups in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a tasty next-day meal.
Freezing
These roll ups freeze wonderfully after assembly and a quick simmer. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts to keep the cheese creamy and avoid drying out. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until warmed through, then uncover for a few minutes to refresh the top.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of cooked ones?
Yes, but keep in mind that no-boil noodles absorb more moisture as they cook, so you might want to add a bit more marinara sauce to keep the roll ups moist during simmering.
Is it okay to use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works perfectly and makes this dish even quicker to prepare. Just choose a high-quality pesto for the best flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the cheese filling?
Definitely! Cooked spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even roasted bell peppers are delicious additions that boost flavor and nutrition without complicating the recipe.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No worries! You can cook the roll ups in a regular skillet and then transfer them to a baking dish for the broil step. Just be careful when moving the rolls to keep them intact.
How long can I keep leftovers in the fridge?
Leftover roll ups are best enjoyed within 3 days to maintain freshness and food safety. Be sure to store them in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Simple Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe is like discovering an Italian classic all over again, but easier, faster, and just as delicious. It combines comforting flavors, vibrant pesto freshness, and a cheesy, melty texture that makes every bite memorable. I hope this recipe becomes your favorite weeknight dinner or your secret weapon for entertaining—either way, it’s here to make your meals both simple and spectacular!
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Simple Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Simple Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups recipe combines the classic flavors of Italian lasagna with a quick and easy preparation method. Cooked lasagna noodles are spread with vibrant basil pesto and a creamy cheese mixture, rolled up and simmered in marinara sauce in a skillet before a brief broil for a bubbly, golden top. Perfect for a comforting vegetarian main course that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
Ingredients
Lasagna Roll Ups
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup prepared basil pesto
For the Sauce and Cooking
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Assemble the Roll Ups: Lay the cooked and drained lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface. Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of basil pesto evenly over each noodle. Then, spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture over the pesto, spreading it out evenly. Carefully roll up each noodle tightly from one end to the other to form neat roll ups.
- Prepare the Skillet: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce into the skillet and spread it evenly to cover the bottom.
- Cook the Roll Ups: Place the lasagna roll ups seam-side down into the skillet atop the marinara. Spoon the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the tops of the roll ups. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer gently on low heat for 15 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Broil for Finish: Remove the lid and optionally sprinkle additional mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over the tops. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve warm and enjoy your rustic, cheesy pesto lasagna roll ups.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade basil pesto according to your preference or availability.
- For added nutrition and flavor, mix cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms into the cheese mixture before assembling the roll ups.
- These lasagna roll ups freeze well after assembly—freeze before cooking, then thaw and cook when ready for a convenient meal.
