The Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe is a heartwarming twist on a classic favorite that brings cozy comfort straight to your table. Imagine tender lasagna noodles wrapped around a creamy, spiced butternut squash and cheese filling, all smothered in rich marinara sauce and baked to bubbly perfection. This dish is not just vegetarian but also packed with beautiful autumn flavors and vibrant colors, making it a perfect centerpiece for a family dinner or a special occasion. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become one of your go-to dishes for satisfying cravings while sneaking in some wholesome veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s adding creaminess, a burst of flavor, or that irresistible cheesy pull.
- Lasagna noodles: Cooked tender to hold the filling perfectly while rolling without breaking.
- Roasted butternut squash (pureed): Brings natural sweetness and a velvety texture to the filling.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds creamy richness and balances the sweetness of the squash.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides that gooey, melty cheese goodness everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkles a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Egg (beaten): Acts as a binder, holding the filling together for easy rolling.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing garlic and adding subtle fruity notes.
- Minced garlic: Infuses warmth and depth of flavor.
- Dried thyme: Adds a delicate herbal touch that complements the squash perfectly.
- Ground nutmeg: A pinch brings out natural sweetness without overpowering.
- Spinach (fresh or thawed and drained frozen): Gives a vibrant green pop and a bit of earthiness.
- Marinara sauce: The luscious tomato base that ties everything together.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing all those rich flavors.
How to Make Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Noodles
Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until they are al dente. Drain and lay them out flat on a clean surface to cool slightly, so they’re easy to handle for rolling later.
Step 2: Create the Butternut Squash Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted butternut squash puree with ricotta, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and the beaten egg. Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, ground nutmeg, fresh or thawed spinach, and season everything with salt and pepper to your taste. This mixture is where all the creamy, savory, and subtly sweet flavors come together to make magic.
Step 3: Assemble the Roll-Ups
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking and add moisture. Take each lasagna noodle and spoon a generous amount of the squash and cheese filling evenly along its length. Carefully roll the noodles up tightly and place them seam-side down in the baking dish, arranged snugly but not overcrowded.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Bake
Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top of the rolled noodles, making sure each roll-up gets plenty of that tomato goodness. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to set nicely.
Step 5: Finish Baking for a Golden Top
After baking covered, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes. This step helps the top turn bubbly with a slight golden brown finish, creating the most inviting texture and aroma you could wish for from your Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe.
How to Serve Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley sprinkle just the right fresh brightness over your roll-ups. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few shavings of Parmesan cheese take the presentation and flavor up a notch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil or perhaps roasted seasonal vegetables that echo the autumnal feel. For something heartier, garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser alongside the lasagna roll-ups.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the roll-ups individually on colorful plates or arrange them family-style on a large platter with extra marinara sauce and garnishes. For entertaining, mini roll-ups can be made using shorter noodles, transformed into delightful finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. This makes a fabulous next-day lunch or quick dinner that reheats beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze the roll-ups before baking or after cooking. For best results, wrap them tightly in foil and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen roll-ups keep well for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out, removing it for the last few minutes to restore that perfectly melty top.
FAQs
Can I use fresh butternut squash instead of roasted?
While fresh butternut squash can be used, roasting it brings out more sweetness and depth of flavor, making the filling richer and more fragrant. Roasting also softens the squash, which helps achieve that creamy consistency in the filling.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses regular lasagna noodles which contain gluten. However, you can easily substitute gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish gluten-free without compromising the flavor or texture.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in sautéed mushrooms, kale, or roasted bell peppers for an extra veggie boost. Just be mindful not to add too much moisture to keep the filling firm enough for rolling.
What type of marinara sauce works best?
Both homemade and store-bought marinara sauces work well. If using store-bought, choose one with a simple, natural ingredient list for the freshest taste. You can also spice it up with some red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Can I prepare these roll-ups vegan?
Yes! Swap the ricotta and mozzarella for plant-based cheeses and replace the egg with a flax egg or other binder alternatives. Use vegan-friendly marinara sauce and olive oil to keep the flavors harmonious and delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe that makes it feel like a hug in food form. It’s a comforting, delicious way to celebrate vegetables without sacrificing the cheesy goodness everyone craves. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite cozy dinner to share with friends and family.
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Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups are a cozy and comforting vegetarian dish featuring tender lasagna noodles filled with a creamy, flavorful blend of roasted butternut squash, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and spinach. Baked in marinara sauce, this veggie-packed delight offers a perfect balance of rich textures and warm spices, making it an ideal meal for fall or any time you crave a hearty, satisfying pasta dish.
Ingredients
Lasagna Roll-Ups
- 9 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
- 2 cups roasted butternut squash (pureed)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Baking
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the lasagna roll-ups evenly.
- Cook Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain them well and set aside to cool slightly so they’re easier to handle.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine the pureed roasted butternut squash with ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, minced garlic, dried thyme, ground nutmeg, and the spinach. Season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and well incorporated.
- Spread Sauce: Lightly spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. This prevents sticking and adds flavor to the base of the dish.
- Assemble Roll-Ups: Lay each cooked lasagna noodle flat. Spoon a generous amount of the butternut squash filling along one edge of the noodle, then carefully roll it up tightly to encase the filling.
- Arrange in Dish: Place each rolled-up noodle seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, arranging them neatly side by side.
- Add Sauce on Top: Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top of the lasagna roll-ups, ensuring every roll is nicely coated.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes to heat through and let flavors meld.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the top to become bubbly and lightly browned for a delicious finish.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the roll-ups hot, enjoying the creamy texture and warm spices of this comforting dish.
Notes
- You can prepare the roasted butternut squash in advance to save time.
- Use fresh spinach for the best texture, but frozen spinach works well if thawed and drained thoroughly.
- For a vegan version, substitute ricotta and mozzarella with vegan cheese alternatives and omit the egg.
- Let the lasagna noodles cool slightly before filling to avoid tearing during rolling.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
