Are you looking for a delicious and healthy dinner option that the whole family will love? Look no further! These Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups are not only packed with flavor but also make for a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies. Plus, they’re one of those easy pasta recipes that can be whipped up in no time, making them perfect for quick family dinners. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner ideas!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and low-carb alternative to traditional lasagna.
- Quick to prepare, making it ideal for 30-minute meals.
- Can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
- Great way to get kids involved in cooking!
Ingredients
To make these scrumptious Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 to 3 firm zucchini, sliced lengthwise, ¼-inch thick (you will need 12 slices)
- 8 to 10 ounces baby spinach
- 1½ cups fat-free ricotta cheese or regular ricotta cheese
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups tomato sauce or marinara sauce
- ¾ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups:
- Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Spread ½ cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9 x 9-inch baking dish. Set aside.
- Slice the zucchini and arrange the slices flat on a paper-towel-lined baking sheet (or any other flat surface), sprinkle them with salt, and set aside for 15 minutes.
- Spray a skillet with cooking spray and set over medium heat. Add spinach to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes or until wilted. Remove spinach from skillet and let cool for a couple of minutes.
- In a medium bowl, combine the prepared baby spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; mix until thoroughly combined.
- Lay out the zucchini slices on a cutting board (or any other working surface), wipe them down, and place a spoonful of the ricotta mixture on top of each slice.
- Roll up the zucchini around the filling and transfer the bundles to the prepared baking dish, seam-side down. Repeat the process with the remaining zucchini and ricotta mixture.
- Spoon marinara over the zucchini and add shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly and the zucchini is tender.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Garnish with basil ribbons and serve.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups turn out perfectly:
- Make sure to salt the zucchini slices to draw out excess moisture, which helps prevent sogginess.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to the ricotta mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce to speed up the process.
- For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the ricotta mixture.
- These roll-ups can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them!
How to Serve
These Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups are perfect for a cozy family dinner. Serve them with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also pair them with a glass of red wine for a delightful evening. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out my Ground Beef Stroganoff or Beef Stir Fry for other delicious options!
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to prepare these Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups in advance, you can assemble them a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Just cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, remove the wrap and pop them in the oven! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab those zucchinis and let’s get rolling! These Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups are not just a meal; they’re a celebration of flavors and health. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350˚F. Spread 1/2 cup marinara in a baking dish.
- Salt zucchini slices and let sit for 15 minutes, then pat dry.
- Cook spinach until wilted, then cool. Mix with ricotta, Parmesan, egg, garlic, seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spread ricotta mixture on zucchini slices, roll up, and place seam-side down in the dish.
- Top with marinara and mozzarella, then bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and zucchini tender. Rest for 5-10 minutes, garnish with basil, and serve.