Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that combines the rich, aromatic flavors of Italy in a fun and unique way? Introducing Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups—a delightful twist on traditional lasagna that will have your taste buds dancing with joy! These creamy, cheesy rolls are not only a feast for the eyes but also a breeze to prepare, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With layers of pesto, ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Dive into our article to discover how to create this mouthwatering dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 lasagna noodles
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Lay the cooked lasagna noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel or cutting board. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Spread a thin layer of pesto sauce on each lasagna noodle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pesto-covered noodles, ensuring complete coverage.
- Carefully roll up each lasagna noodle from one end to the other, creating a spiral roll-up.
- Place the rolled lasagna noodles seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the remaining pesto sauce over the roll-ups, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the roll-ups.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the lasagna roll-ups rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves or additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the ricotta mixture and pesto sauce a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the roll-ups.
- Perfect Noodles: Ensure your lasagna noodles are cooked al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Rinsing them with cold water helps prevent sticking and makes them easier to handle.
- Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to get creative! Add sautéed spinach, roasted vegetables, or even cooked chicken to the ricotta mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Galore: Don’t skimp on the cheese! For an extra cheesy experience, consider adding more mozzarella or trying a blend of cheeses like fontina or gouda for a unique twist.
- Garnish for Flair: For a pop of color and freshness, garnish your finished dish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan before serving.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the roll-ups rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This allows the cheese to set and makes serving much easier.
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave for a quick lunch or dinner!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
