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Easy Cheesy Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups

easy cheesy zucchini lasagna roll-ups - featured image

These easy cheesy zucchini lasagna roll-ups are a quick, comforting dinner option featuring tender zucchini slices rolled with a creamy ricotta and cottage cheese filling, baked with marinara and melted mozzarella.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into thin strips (about 1/8 inch thick)
  • 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup small-curd cottage cheese, blended for smoothness (120 ml)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded fresh mozzarella (170 g)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (480 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the zucchinis. Using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife, cut them lengthwise into thin strips about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. Lay them on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt to draw out moisture. Let sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry with additional paper towels.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, blended cottage cheese, egg, sautéed garlic (including oil), chopped basil, half the mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently until well combined.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  5. Spread about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  6. Take a zucchini strip and spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cheese filling near one end. Roll it up gently but snugly and place seam-side down in the dish. Repeat with all strips, arranging them side by side.
  7. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the roll-ups. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
  8. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  9. Let the roll-ups rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Salt zucchini slices and pat dry to remove excess moisture to prevent sogginess. Use fresh mozzarella for better melt and texture. Roll zucchini strips snugly but not too tight to avoid filling spilling out. Cover with foil initially to keep moisture in. Let roll-ups rest after baking for easier serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini lasagna, cheesy zucchini roll-ups, quick dinner, vegetarian, gluten-free, easy dinner, baked zucchini, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, marinara sauce