Savory Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe for Cozy Dinner Magic

Crafting delectable zucchini lasagna roll ups can turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable culinary adventure.

Slicing ribbons of fresh zucchini creates a lighter alternative to traditional pasta layers.

Creamy ricotta and herbs nestle inside each tender vegetable wrap, promising rich flavors in every bite.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the melted mozzarella blanketing these elegant rolls.

Mediterranean influences shine through with each carefully assembled ingredient combination.

Home cooks seeking a healthier pasta experience will find these roll ups both satisfying and nutritious.

Dive into this simple yet impressive dish that brings restaurant-quality elegance to your kitchen table.

Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups With A Tidy Finish

Swap Pasta for Veggies: Transform traditional lasagna into a low-carb, vegetable-packed delight that satisfies your comfort food cravings without the heavy pasta.

Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this entire meal in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy families who want a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Meal Prep Magic: These zucchini roll-ups can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated, allowing you to have a gourmet-style meal ready in minutes after a long day.

Customize with Ease: Swap sausage for ground turkey, add different herbs, or make it vegetarian by using mushrooms – this flexible recipe adapts to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Zucchini Lasagna Roll Up Combo

• Zucchini: Fresh green vegetable that replaces traditional pasta noodles, low-carb alternative with great texture. Choose firm, straight zucchini without soft spots or blemishes.
• Italian Sausage: Flavorful protein component that adds rich taste to the dish. Select fresh ground sausage with good fat content for maximum flavor.
• Ricotta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy and melty cheeses that provide richness and depth to the lasagna roll ups. Pick high-quality, fresh cheeses for best results.
• Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture together and provides structure. Use fresh, room temperature egg.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Adds bright, herbal flavor to the dish. Choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic base flavor. Select fresh, firm garlic cloves.
• Olive Oil: Helps with cooking and adds subtle flavor. Choose extra virgin olive oil for best quality.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor. Choose high-quality jarred or homemade sauce.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance overall flavor. Use freshly ground black pepper for best taste.

Lasagna Roll Ups Prep Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Zucchini Strips

Pat zucchini dry and slice into thin, long strips.

Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

This helps prevent soggy roll-ups and concentrates the vegetable’s flavor.

Step 2: Cook Savory Sausage

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame.

Crumble sausage into the pan and cook until it’s fully browned and develops a rich, caramelized exterior.

Transfer to a plate and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Create Creamy Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Grated Parmesan
• Beaten egg
• Chopped fresh basil
• Minced garlic

Fold in the cooked sausage, creating a luxurious and flavorful mixture.

Step 4: Assemble Zucchini Roll-Ups

Gently pat zucchini strips dry with paper towels.

Spread a generous layer of ricotta mixture onto each strip.

Carefully roll up each zucchini slice, tucking in the edges.

Step 5: Arrange in Baking Dish

Spread marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish.

Nestle roll-ups seam-side down into the sauce.

Top with additional marinara and sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into a preheated oven.

Bake until cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Roll-Up Lasagna – Handy Notes

• Pat zucchini strips completely dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid and ensure crisp, firm roll-ups.
• Choose low-fat or turkey sausage to reduce calories while maintaining rich, savory flavor in the dish.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like fontina, provolone, or goat cheese for unique taste profiles.
• Use thick marinara sauce to prevent watery results and maintain the structural integrity of roll-ups.
• Prepare roll-ups in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making meal prep easier for busy nights.

Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups Can Be Reheated Easily

• Store leftover roll-ups in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the container sealed to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Wrap individual roll-ups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These lasagna rolls can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover roll-ups with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese melts.
• Place roll-ups on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval to prevent overcooking.

Companion Dishes for Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups

• Elevate Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups with Perfect Pairings
• -Serve with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich, cheesy filling and complements the zucchini's light flavor.
• -Pair with Fresh Green Salad: A mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness and balances the hearty lasagna roll ups, providing a refreshing contrast.
• -Create Mediterranean Side: Roasted cherry tomatoes and herbed olives enhance the Italian-inspired dish, adding depth and complementary Mediterranean flavors.
• -Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Toasted sourdough or rustic Italian bread helps soak up extra marinara sauce and provides a delightful textural crunch alongside the soft roll ups.

Lasagna Roll Ups Options

• Vegetarian Version: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free alternative that keeps the same rich flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Use eggplant or Swiss chard leaves instead of zucchini to create different wrap bases while maintaining the lasagna roll-up technique.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap ricotta and mozzarella with cashew cheese or almond-based dairy alternatives, using nutritional yeast for extra cheesy flavor.
• Keto-Friendly Variation: Reduce marinara sauce quantity, increase meat proportion, and use full-fat cheese to align with ketogenic macronutrient requirements.

FAQs

• How do I prevent my zucchini from being watery?

Salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This draws out excess moisture. Pat them completely dry with paper towels before assembling the roll-ups to ensure a firm, non-soggy texture.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the sausage with plant-based ground meat alternatives like crumbled tofu, lentils, or vegetarian sausage crumbles. Keep the rest of the recipe exactly the same for a delicious meatless version.

• What cheese works best if I can't find ricotta?

Cottage cheese is an excellent substitute for ricotta. It has a similar texture and creamy consistency. Just drain excess liquid before mixing with other ingredients to maintain the right moisture level.

• Is this recipe low-carb friendly?

Yes, by using zucchini instead of pasta noodles, this dish is naturally low-carb and gluten-free. It’s perfect for those following keto or low-carbohydrate dietary plans while still enjoying a lasagna-style meal.

Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy zucchini lasagna roll ups bring Italian comfort to your dinner table with a low-carb twist. Rich ricotta, tender zucchini, and savory herbs combine for a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3/4 pound (340 grams) Italian sausage (casing removed)
• 1 large egg

Cheese:

• 1 cup (240 grams) part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1/3 cup (40 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 3 large zucchini (about 4 pounds or 1.8 kilograms)
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) chopped fresh basil leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) marinara sauce
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare zucchini by carefully slicing into delicate, elongated ribbons. Lightly season with salt and allow to rest, enabling excess moisture to naturally release.
2. Warm olive oil in a skillet over moderate heat. Crumble sausage and sauté until thoroughly browned and fragrant. Transfer to a cooling surface momentarily.
3. Create a creamy filling by blending ricotta, grated Parmesan, whisked egg, chopped basil, and minced garlic. Fold the cooled sausage into the mixture until evenly distributed.
4. Using paper towels, gently blot zucchini strips to remove residual moisture. Carefully spread a generous layer of ricotta-sausage blend across each strip, then delicately roll into compact cylinders.
5. Ladle marinara sauce along the bottom of a baking dish, creating a flavorful foundation. Arrange zucchini rolls with their seams facing downward. Cascade remaining sauce over the rolls and generously sprinkle mozzarella across the top.
6. Transfer to a preheated oven and bake until cheese transforms into a golden, effervescent blanket and edges become slightly crisp, approximately 25-30 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

• Pat zucchini slices thoroughly to remove excess moisture, ensuring a firmer texture and preventing soggy roll-ups.
• Use a mandoline slicer for consistently thin zucchini strips, which helps create uniform and professional-looking rolls.
• Replace sausage with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version of the dish.
• For a low-carb alternative, swap marinara sauce with a homemade roasted red pepper sauce to reduce sugar and add complexity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg