Zucchini Rollatini Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Ever had those days where you crave comfort food but still want to keep it light and fresh? Well, buckle up because these zucchini roll-ups deliver all the cheesy goodness without a carb overload—yup, the perfect indulgence for when you’re keeping it real!

I adore taking basic components and turning them into scrumptious dishes, like these Zucchini Rollatini Lasagna Roll Ups. Instead of using traditional pasta, this recipe employs very thinly sliced zucchini, which makes for a lighter, healthier, yet no less satisfying, meal.

Moreover, the creamy filling is a tempest of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan—that is, three times as much cheese as you might expect in even a typical lasagna.

Zucchini Rollatini Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe Ingredients

• Zucchinis: Low-calorie, high in fiber, rich in vitamins.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy texture, high in protein, good calcium source.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, rich in calcium, adds a savory flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Nutty flavor, boosts protein and calcium content.
• Fresh Basil: Aromatic, adds freshness, contains antioxidants.
• Fresh Parsley: Brightens flavor, full of vitamins A, C, and K.
• Marinara Sauce: Tomato-based, rich in lycopene, adds tanginess.

Zucchini Rollatini Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe Ingredient Quantities

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• 2 large zucchinis, thinly sliced lengthwise
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• Olive oil, for brushing

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How to Make this Zucchini Rollatini Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to heat up. Take a baking dish and give it a light coating of oil. Set the dish aside.

2. Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, and then thinly slice each half lengthwise. You should have 8 to 10 thin strips for each zucchini. Brush the strips with olive oil, and make sure to coat both sides well.

3. On a skillet or grill pan over medium heat, grill the slices of zucchini for 1-2 minutes per side until they are somewhat softened. This prevents sogginess in the roll-ups.

4. In a mixing bowl, blend together the following ingredients, making sure the mixture is as smooth as it can be: ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese; Parmesan cheese; 1 beaten egg; minced garlic; fresh basil; fresh parsley; salt; and pepper.

5. Evenly distribute a thin layer of the cheese mixture over each zucchini slice.

6. Starting from one end, roll up each slice of zucchini and position it seam-side down in the baking dish that you prepared.

7. Evenly pour the marinara sauce over the zucchini roll-ups.

8. Strew the leftover mozzarella cheese over the surface.

9. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Take off the foil and keep baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.

10. Permit the rollatini to cool a little before you serve it. You may garnish it, if you wish, with more fresh basil or parsley. What you definitely want to do is serve it warm. Enjoy!

Zucchini Rollatini Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking dish
3. Brush
4. Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
5. Skillet or grill pan
6. Mixing bowl
7. Spoon or spatula for mixing
8. Aluminum foil

FAQ

• Q:If you want to use a different kind of cheese, can you do that instead of using ricotta? A: Yes. You can go with either cottage cheese or creamy goat cheese, and you’ll get a different texture and flavor. But those are not so common. Most people keep using ricotta. That’s why I’m using it here.
• Q:How can I make this dish suitable for vegans? A: Swap out the ricotta and mozzarella for vegan cheese alternatives, leave out the egg, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
• Q:Is precooking the zucchini necessary? A: It isn’t, but grilling the slices of zucchini lightly can take away extra moisture and boost flavor.
• Q:Is this dish able to be prepared ahead of time? A: The rollatini can be put together a day early and kept in the fridge until it is time to bake. Cover it well before storing, and make sure to bake just before serving.
  
• Q:The most effective method for slicing zucchini is to use a mandoline or a sharp knife to make thin, even cuts. This ensures all pieces are of uniform thickness, which makes it easy to roll the zucchini.
• Q:Is it possible to freeze Zucchini Rollatini for a future meal? A: Yes, you can freeze them before you bake them. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the Rollatini in the refrigerator overnight and bake them according to the directions.
• Q:How can I increase the flavor in the marinara sauce? A: For flavor that packs a punch, try adding finely chopped, onions that have been caramelized to a near brown. Or, go with the tried-and-true sautéing method. And then, of course, there’s garlic. Use lots of it. And if you want to make the sauce a little more spicy, try red pepper flakes. Or, don’t. The sauce is great as it is.

Zucchini Rollatini Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe Substitutions and Variations

2 big zucchini: Substitute sliced eggplant or yellow squash for it in the same way.
1 cup ricotta cheese: For a lighter option, substitute with cottage cheese; for a dairy-free alternative, use vegan ricotta.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: You can use shredded provolone or an alternative mozzarella if you cannot eat dairy.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, or alternatively, Asiago or Pecorino Romano can be used.
To substitute 2 cloves of minced garlic: Use 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.

Pro Tips

1. Pre-salting Zucchini Sprinkle a little salt over the zucchini slices and let them sit for about 10 minutes before grilling. This draws out excess moisture, reducing the likelihood of sogginess in the final dish.

2. Cheese Mixture Enhancement Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese mixture for a subtle depth of flavor that complements the ricotta.

3. Perfect Marinara Spread Warm the marinara sauce slightly before pouring it over the roll-ups. This ensures even coverage and helps the baking process start more uniformly.

4. Crispy Top Layer For an extra crispy and golden top, switch to broil for the last 2 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

5. Make Ahead Option Prepare the zucchini roll-ups and store them in the refrigerator (without the marinara sauce) up to a day in advance. Add the marinara and bake right before serving for a convenient, make-ahead option.