I absolutely adore this lasagna roll-up recipe because it’s a comforting twist on a classic dish that satisfies both my taste buds and my love for easy meal prep. Plus, the gooey cheese and the aromatic Italian seasoning make my kitchen smell like a cozy Italian bistro, and who doesn’t love that?
I adore the straightforwardness and tastiness of these Three Cheese Lasagna Rollups. Tender lasagna noodles cradle the rich ricotta, and the plentiful mozzarella and Parmesan make these a cheese lover’s dream.
You could slather 2 cups of marinara sauce on almost anything and make it a cozy dinner, but in this case, it’s accompanying the rollups. My husband and I at the dinner table couldn’t stop complementing them on how wonderfully comforting they were.
Ingredients
Cheese Ricotta: This creamy cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, enhancing creaminess and richness.
Mozzarella cheese has a mild, barely-there flavor, and a gooey, stringy texture, which makes it an almost perfect combination of protein and fat.
Umami-flavored, savory, and calcium-rich, Parmesan cheese lends depth to dishes.
Egg: Ties together all the components, provides a hefty dose of protein, and contributes a veiled sapor that nudges the dish toward the realm of the delicious.
Tomatoes are used to make marinara sauce.
They are rich in lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant.
When cooked into the sauce with onions and garlic, it forms quite a good base for most pasta dishes.
Parsley, freshly picked from the garden, is a wonderful addition to any dish.
Not only does it impart a clean, herbal flavor that hints at the unique properties of more potent Mediterranean herbs such as basil and oregano, but it is also a powerhouse of nutrients.
Ingredient Quantities
- 8 lasagna noodles
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to warm and coat a baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray.
2. Prepare the lasagna noodles following the package instructions. When they are done, drain them and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the following ingredients and mix well: ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese; Parmesan cheese; 1 beaten egg; parsley; Italian seasoning; salt; pepper.
4. Evenly distribute approximately 1/4 cup of the ricotta mixture over each lasagna noodle.
5. Tightly roll the noodles from one end to the other.
6. Evenly spread 1 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
7. Place the rollups, seam side down, in the dish.
8. Spoon the rest of the marinara sauce over the rollups.
9. Top the sauce with the other 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Take off the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for a few before serving.
Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Baking dish
3. Non-stick cooking spray
4. Medium mixing bowl
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Small whisk or fork (for beating the egg)
7. Large pot (for boiling noodles)
8. Colander (for draining noodles)
9. Clean kitchen towel
10. Spoon or spatula (for spreading cheese mixture and marinara sauce)
11. Aluminum foil
FAQ
- Can I prepare the lasagna rollups ahead of time?The rollups can be put together as much as a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, if they’re cold from the fridge, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?Certainly, while the formula stipulates mozzarella and Parmesan, you might try other cheeses such as Asiago or Fontina for a different taste.
- How can I make this recipe vegetarian?This recipe is vegetarian; no meat appears in it. Just make sure the marinara sauce you use is vegetarian too.
- Can I freeze the lasagna rollups?
Yes, you can freeze them after assembling but before baking. Place the rollups in an airtight container or wrap them tightly. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the bake time. - What if I don’t have fresh parsley?Substituting fresh parsley with dried parsley is simple enough. If you don’t have fresh parsley, use dried parsley in about a quarter of the amount you would use if the parsley were fresh. And then enjoy this awesome, beyond-delicious dinner.
- How do I keep the noodles from sticking together?Prepare the noodles in a substantial quantity of salted water, stirring occasionally. Once they have reached the desired consistency, you can either lay them out flat on a baking sheet that has been very lightly oiled or give them a quick rinse in cold water.
- What is the best way to serve these lasagna rollups?Serve piping hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley if you like. A side salad or some garlic bread makes for a cozy complete meal.
Substitutions and Variations
15 oz ricotta cheese; substitute cottage cheese for a lighter texture.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Substitute with shredded cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: use Pecorino Romano instead for an even saltier and tangier taste.
Marinara sauce, 2 cups: for a creamy alternative, use 2 cups of Alfredo sauce.
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: substitute with a mix of dried oregano and basil for a flavor profile similar to Italian seasoning.
Pro Tips
1. Perfect noodle preparation: Cook the noodles until they are just al dente to ensure they maintain their shape and don’t become mushy during baking. Adding a bit of olive oil to the boiling water can help prevent sticking.
2. Enhance the cheese filling: Consider adding a bit of freshly grated nutmeg to the ricotta mixture for an extra depth of flavor. A half teaspoon should be just enough without overpowering.
3. Layering the sauce: Add a little marinara sauce to the bottom of the baking dish before placing the rollups. This helps prevent the pasta from sticking to the dish and ensures more even flavor distribution.
4. Herb infusion: For a fresher flavor, mix some fresh basil leaves with the marinara sauce or add additional fresh herbs of your choice such as rosemary or thyme to the filling.
5. Rest before serving: Allow the rollups to rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This will help them set and make serving easier without them falling apart.
Three Cheese Lasagna Rollups Recipe
My favorite Three Cheese Lasagna Rollups Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Baking dish
3. Non-stick cooking spray
4. Medium mixing bowl
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Small whisk or fork (for beating the egg)
7. Large pot (for boiling noodles)
8. Colander (for draining noodles)
9. Clean kitchen towel
10. Spoon or spatula (for spreading cheese mixture and marinara sauce)
11. Aluminum foil
Ingredients:
- 8 lasagna noodles
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions:
1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to warm and coat a baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray.
2. Prepare the lasagna noodles following the package instructions. When they are done, drain them and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the following ingredients and mix well: ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese; Parmesan cheese; 1 beaten egg; parsley; Italian seasoning; salt; pepper.
4. Evenly distribute approximately 1/4 cup of the ricotta mixture over each lasagna noodle.
5. Tightly roll the noodles from one end to the other.
6. Evenly spread 1 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
7. Place the rollups, seam side down, in the dish.
8. Spoon the rest of the marinara sauce over the rollups.
9. Top the sauce with the other 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Take off the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for a few before serving.