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
Scale
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.
