Lasagna Rolls bring all the nostalgic flavors of traditional lasagna but with a fresh, elegant twist. These ricotta-stuffed noodles are rolled up like little pasta scrolls, smothered in marinara sauce, and blanketed with melted mozzarella for the ultimate cozy comfort food.
Perfect for entertaining or weeknight indulgence, this dish is an inviting centerpiece on any table. The flavors of creamy cheese, savory garlic, and vibrant herbs wrapped in soft pasta make every bite feel like a warm Italian hug. Bonus: the individual rolls make serving a breeze and look impressive for guests!
Full Recipe:
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8 lasagna noodles
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 egg
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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3 cups marinara sauce
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a sheet of parchment paper.
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In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sauté onion until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from heat.
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In a large bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and the sautéed onion mixture.
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Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the ricotta filling onto each lasagna noodle and roll tightly. Place seam-side down into the dish.
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Top with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
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Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
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Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Modern Take on a Classic Comfort Dish
Lasagna Rolls represent the perfect marriage between tradition and creativity. While traditional lasagna layers sheets of pasta with sauce, cheese, and sometimes meat, lasagna rolls take those familiar ingredients and package them into neat, rolled portions. The result? A stunning presentation, simplified serving process, and an elevated twist on a well-loved dish.
At its core, this recipe retains the heart of classic Italian comfort food—rich tomato marinara, velvety ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and tender noodles—but turns it into something visually appealing and versatile. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, preparing make-ahead meals, or looking to impress at a dinner party, lasagna rolls bring flavor, elegance, and convenience to the table.
The Origins of Lasagna and Its Evolution
Lasagna itself is one of the oldest forms of pasta, with origins tracing back to ancient Greece and later popularized in Italy, particularly in the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Naples. Traditional lasagna is baked in layers—pasta, béchamel or ricotta, meat or vegetables, sauce, and cheese, repeated over and over until bubbling and golden.
Lasagna rolls are a more recent innovation, likely born from a desire to modernize and simplify preparation. They take everything people love about lasagna but individualize it, making the dish easier to serve, portion, and even freeze. As a result, this version is ideal for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone who wants to streamline cooking without compromising flavor.
Why Lasagna Rolls Work
One of the key benefits of lasagna rolls is their structure. Each noodle is filled, rolled, and placed snugly in a baking dish with sauce layered beneath and on top. Because of this, every single bite has the perfect balance of pasta, cheese, and sauce—unlike traditional lasagna where the layers may shift, slide, or become uneven.
The roll format also ensures consistency in cooking. Because each portion is isolated, there’s less risk of a soggy center or uneven heat distribution. Additionally, individual rolls make serving cleaner and more elegant. You don’t have to worry about messy slices falling apart or uneven portions—just lift a roll from the pan, and it’s ready to plate.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Convenience
Lasagna rolls are an ideal make-ahead dish. You can assemble them entirely and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking, or freeze them for up to 3 months. This makes them excellent for batch cooking, prepping for guests, or having a quick dinner option on busy nights.
Freezing is particularly easy: simply arrange the unbaked rolls in a single layer in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and label. When you’re ready to eat, bake them straight from the freezer—just add 10-15 extra minutes of cooking time. They’ll come out just as gooey and satisfying as freshly baked rolls.
Customizing to Fit Every Dietary Preference
One of the biggest advantages of this dish is its versatility. Lasagna rolls are a blank canvas for endless variations. Here are a few ways to switch things up:
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Vegetarian Options: Stick with ricotta and spinach for a classic meat-free filling, or add mushrooms, zucchini, roasted peppers, or kale for added flavor and texture.
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Meat Lovers: Mix ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken into the cheese filling for a heartier option.
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Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based ricotta alternatives and vegan cheese shreds. Swap traditional egg binders for flax eggs or skip them altogether.
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Low-Carb/Keto: Replace pasta with thin slices of zucchini or eggplant for a vegetable-based alternative.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles without sacrificing structure or taste.
The core method remains the same—spread filling on your noodle substitute, roll, top with sauce, and bake.
What Makes the Cheese Filling Special
A traditional lasagna roll filling centers around ricotta cheese. It’s creamy, mild, and blends beautifully with herbs, spices, and other add-ins. To enhance flavor and texture, many recipes add shredded mozzarella for stretch and grated Parmesan for a nutty, umami punch.
Egg is often used to bind the filling and help it hold together during baking. Herbs like parsley, basil, and oregano elevate the aroma, while garlic and onion add complexity. You can also experiment with cheese varieties—fontina, asiago, or even blue cheese can lend an unexpected twist.
The key is balancing moisture: the filling should be thick enough to stay in place, yet creamy enough to melt and blend with the pasta and sauce.
Sauce: The Soul of the Dish
Marinara sauce is the go-to base for most lasagna roll recipes. Its bright acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese and adds depth to the overall flavor. Whether you use a homemade version simmered with tomatoes, garlic, and basil, or a quality store-bought jar, the sauce should be vibrant and not overly watery.
For those wanting to experiment, here are a few alternatives:
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Béchamel Sauce: Adds luxurious creaminess and works well with mushrooms or spinach.
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Vodka Sauce: Gives the dish a pink hue and a subtle tang, ideal with sausage or pancetta.
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Pesto: Offers a fresh, herbaceous twist when paired with ricotta and sun-dried tomatoes.
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Spicy Arrabbiata: For those who love heat, this fiery version delivers bold flavor.
Layering the sauce underneath the rolls prevents sticking and adds moisture, while topping it before baking ensures a rich, caramelized crust.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Lasagna rolls are as much a visual delight as they are a culinary one. Once baked, they bubble with golden cheese and vibrant sauce. To make them even more appetizing, garnish with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a drizzle of good olive oil before serving.
They plate beautifully—just one or two rolls per person looks elegant and is easy to manage. Pair them with:
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A crisp green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette
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Garlic bread or focaccia for sopping up extra sauce
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Roasted vegetables or sautéed greens
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A glass of red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special celebration, lasagna rolls hold their own as a main course centerpiece.
Nutritional Considerations
While lasagna rolls are undeniably indulgent, they can also be adjusted to suit nutritional needs. A single roll generally provides protein from the cheese and egg, along with calcium, iron, and a dose of energy from the pasta.
Healthier versions might involve using part-skim cheeses, reducing salt, or loading the filling with more veggies and lean proteins. The portion-controlled nature of the dish helps with mindful eating, especially compared to large slices of traditional lasagna.
For those tracking calories, one roll can range between 250-400 kcal depending on ingredients used, which makes it manageable even in balanced meal plans.
Conclusion: Why Lasagna Rolls Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Rotation
Lasagna Rolls are more than just a creative twist on a classic—they’re practical, adaptable, and incredibly satisfying. From their elegant presentation to their make-ahead convenience, they’re a home cook’s secret weapon.
Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, dietary restrictions, or just trying to shake up your routine, this recipe delivers comfort and charm in every bite. And perhaps the best part? Once you master the base technique, you can make it your own in infinite ways.
So next time you crave lasagna but want something with a little less fuss and a lot more flair, roll up your sleeves—literally—and try this delightful dish. You may never go back to layered lasagna again.