The Best Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crafting delectable zucchini lasagna roll ups brings a playful twist to classic Italian comfort food.

Ribbons of tender zucchini replace traditional pasta, creating a lighter yet satisfying meal.

Cheese lovers will swoon over the creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella tucked inside each green spiral.

Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make this dish perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Health-conscious cooks appreciate the low-carb approach that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.

Fresh herbs and a splash of marinara sauce complete these elegant rolls, adding brightness and depth.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of vegetables, cheese, and robust seasonings that you won’t be able to resist.

What Makes Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups So Convenient

• Boost Low-Carb Nutrition: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini strips, creating a lighter, vegetable-packed meal that delivers incredible flavor without heavy carbohydrates.
• Simplify Meal Preparation: Roll-ups eliminate complex layering techniques, making assembly quick and straightforward for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Perfect for Customization: Easily swap sausage for ground turkey, vegetarian crumbles, or additional vegetables to suit different dietary preferences and tastes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Combines classic lasagna flavors with a modern twist, guaranteed to satisfy both adults and kids with its cheesy, saucy goodness.

Ingredients for Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups

• Zucchini: Fresh vegetable that serves as a low-carb pasta replacement in this lasagna roll-up dish.
• Sausage: Flavorful meat that adds richness and protein to the filling.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that provides a smooth and rich texture to the filling.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp and salty flavor to enhance the filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a golden and gooey topping.
• Egg: Helps bind the cheese and sausage mixture together.

• Basil: Fresh herb that brings a bright and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Garlic: Provides a deep, savory undertone to the filling.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the sausage and adding a subtle richness.

How to Make Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups

Step 1: Prepare Zucchini Slices

Sprinkle salt over zucchini slices and let them rest for 10 minutes.

This helps remove excess moisture.

Gently pat the slices dry with paper towels to ensure they’re ready for rolling.

Step 2: Cook Savory Sausage

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Crumble the sausage and cook until it turns golden brown and fully cooked.

Drain any extra fat to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 3: Create Creamy Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Fresh basil
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir in the cooked sausage to create a rich, flavorful mixture.

Step 4: Layer Baking Dish

Spread a layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of your baking dish, creating a tasty foundation for the roll-ups.

Step 5: Roll Up the Lasagna

Lay each zucchini slice flat.

Spoon the sausage and cheese mixture onto the slice.

Carefully roll each slice into a tight bundle.

Place the roll-ups seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Top the roll-ups with remaining marinara sauce.

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the lasagna roll-ups to cool for a few minutes.

This helps them set and makes serving easier.

Plate and savor the delightful combination of zucchini, sausage, and cheese.

Pro Tips for Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups

• Pat zucchini slices with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring crisp and firm roll-ups without soggy texture.
• Swap sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
• Use freshly grated mozzarella for better melting and enhanced flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Let zucchini rest after salting to prevent watery lasagna roll-ups, maintaining a rich and cohesive filling.
• Adjust salt and pepper in the cheese mixture based on the saltiness of your sausage and Parmesan cheese.

Variations on Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a meat-free version that's packed with flavor and nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free marinara sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Swap: Skip the marinara sauce and replace with a homemade roasted red pepper sauce to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining rich taste.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute ricotta with cashew cheese and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to create a creamy, dairy-free filling that's equally delicious.

Serving Suggestions for Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups

• Party Plate Perfection: Arrange roll-ups on a colorful platter with fresh basil leaves scattered on top for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
• Protein Power Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with grilled chicken or a light quinoa pilaf to balance the rich lasagna rolls.
• Wine and Dine Companion: Match with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the savory sausage and tomato sauce flavors.
• Leftover Magic: Store cooled roll-ups in an airtight container for quick lunches, reheating gently in the microwave or oven for a delicious next-day meal.

How to Store Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups

• Transfer cooled roll-ups to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual roll-ups in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months to maintain best quality.
• Microwave individual roll-ups for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Alternatively, bake in a 350F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• Why use zucchini instead of pasta noodles?

Zucchini offers a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that adds nutrition and reduces calories while still providing a delicious lasagna experience with a similar texture.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the sausage with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, mushrooms, or vegetarian meat substitutes to maintain the protein and flavor profile.

• How do I prevent my zucchini from being watery?

Salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels before assembling the roll-ups.

Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Zucchini lasagna roll ups offer a lighter, healthier twist on classic Italian comfort food. Packed with rich ricotta, herbs, and marinara sauce, these elegant rolls provide a delightful low-carb alternative you’ll crave for dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Meat:

• 3/4 pound (340 grams) Italian sausage, casing removed

Vegetables:

• 3 large zucchini, trimmed and sliced lengthwise into 18 strips
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese and Dairy:

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

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) chopped fresh basil leaves
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) marinara sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare the zucchini by lightly salting and allowing them to release excess moisture for 10 minutes, then thoroughly pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a skillet, sizzle olive oil over medium heat and brown the sausage until perfectly crumbly, approximately 5-7 minutes. Eliminate any accumulated fat.
3. Create a creamy filling by blending ricotta, Parmesan, egg, fresh basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Gently fold in the cooked sausage until evenly distributed.
4. Establish a flavorful base in the baking dish by spreading marinara sauce across the bottom, creating a vibrant foundation for the roll-ups.
5. Arrange zucchini strips flat, then carefully spoon the sausage-ricotta mixture along each slice, rolling tightly to form compact bundles.
6. Position the roll-ups carefully in the baking dish with the seam facing downward to prevent unraveling.
7. Generously coat the roll-ups with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle a lavish layer of shredded mozzarella cheese across the top.
8. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375F (190C) for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
9. Allow the lasagna roll-ups to rest for a few minutes, enabling the flavors to settle and making serving easier.

Notes

• Remove excess moisture from zucchini by salting and patting dry to prevent watery lasagna rolls and ensure a firm texture.
• Swap out pork sausage for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter, healthier alternative that’s still packed with flavor.
• Use a mandoline slicer for uniform zucchini strips, guaranteeing even cooking and a professional-looking presentation that impresses dinner guests.
• Experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme in the cheese mixture to add depth and personalize the dish’s taste profile without overwhelming the main ingredients.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg