Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta Recipe
Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta combine creamy butternut squash purée with ricotta and sage, all rolled up inside tender lasagna noodles and topped with a rich béchamel sauce. This comforting vegetarian dish features layers of cheesy goodness and delicate flavors, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, boiling, sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Lasagna Roll Ups
- 1 package lasagna noodles (15–16 noodles; can use gluten-free)
- 1 cup mashed butternut squash (or canned pumpkin purée)
- 1¼ cup ricotta cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh sage, plus more for serving
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Béchamel Sauce
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2–3 cups warm milk (use 2 cups for thicker sauce, 3 cups for thinner)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅛ tsp grated nutmeg
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 large fresh sage leaves
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
Optional Garnish
- A handful of fresh sage leaves (for garnish or frying)
- Neutral oil (for frying sage leaves)
- Cook the lasagna noodles: Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a rimmed baking sheet lightly sprayed with cooking spray or drizzled with oil to prevent sticking, especially where noodles overlap.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup butternut squash purée, ¾ cup ricotta, ½ cup Parmesan, egg, chopped sage, 1 tsp Kosher salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly. If the mixture is thick and hard to spread, add the remaining ½ cup ricotta cheese to loosen it.
- Prepare the béchamel sauce: Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and whisk constantly until lightly golden (about 3 minutes). Gradually whisk in 2-3 cups of warm milk, then increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer, whisking constantly for 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low, add sage leaves and smashed garlic cloves, and cook until sauce thickens and is smooth, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in Parmesan, nutmeg, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Remove sage leaves and garlic before assembling.
- Assemble the roll ups: Preheat oven to 375°F. On a cutting board, lay out noodles and spread 2-3 Tbsp of filling evenly over each noodle. Sprinkle 1-2 Tbsp shredded mozzarella over filling. Roll noodles tightly from bottom to top and set aside.
- Assemble in baking dish and bake: Spread half the béchamel on the bottom of a 9×13 inch or 8×14 inch baking dish. Place roll ups in the dish, either flat or standing on their sides. Pour remaining béchamel over the top and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Bake for 30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and pasta edges are slightly crisp.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle more Parmesan and black pepper if desired. Garnish with fresh sage leaves and serve warm.
- Optional – fry sage leaves: Heat 1 inch neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry a few sage leaves at a time for 20-30 seconds until bubbles subside. Remove and drain on paper towels. Lightly salt and use as garnish.
Notes
- You can use canned pumpkin purée as a substitute for the butternut squash.
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles if you need a gluten-free dish.
- The béchamel thickness can be adjusted by varying milk quantity: less milk for thicker sauce, more for thinner.
- Fresh sage adds an aromatic earthy flavor; adjust amount to taste.
- Rolling the noodles tightly helps them hold their shape during baking.
- Frying sage leaves is optional but adds a crispy texture and intense flavor garnish.
- Ensure not to overcook noodles during boiling to prevent breaking during rolling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll up (approximate)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: butternut squash, lasagna roll ups, ricotta, vegetarian lasagna, sage, béchamel sauce, comfort food