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Veggie Lasagna Rolls
Pratiksh

Healthy Veggie Lasagna Rolls - A Lighter, Flavor-Packed Comfort Dish

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • Lasagna noodles: 12–14 sheets, regular or whole wheat
  • Ricotta cheese: 1 1/2 cups, part-skim
  • Shredded mozzarella: 1 1/2 cups, part-skim
  • Grated Parmesan: 1/3 cup
  • Egg: 1 large (helps bind the filling; optional for egg-free)
  • Marinara sauce: 3–4 cups, low-sodium if possible
  • Spinach: 5 ounces fresh (or 1 packed cup thawed frozen, squeezed dry)
  • Zucchini: 1 medium, finely diced
  • Bell pepper: 1 small, finely diced
  • Mushrooms: 8 ounces, minced
  • Onion: 1 small, diced
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Olive oil: 1–2 tablespoons
  • Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: Pinch (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley: Small bunch, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste

Method
 

  1. Cook the noodles: Boil lasagna sheets in well-salted water until just shy of al dente (about 1 minute less than package directions). Drain and lay them flat on a lightly oiled sheet pan or clean towels so they don’t stick.
  2. Sauté the veggies: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add onion, zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms with a pinch of salt. Cook 6–8 minutes until soft and the mushrooms release their moisture. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute more.
  3. Wilt the greens: Add spinach to the skillet and cook until just wilted. If using frozen spinach, stir it in until warmed. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool for a few minutes so it doesn’t melt the cheese.
  4. Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, half the chopped herbs, and the cooled veggies. Season with salt and black pepper. The mixture should be thick and spreadable.
  5. Prep the baking dish: Spread 1 to 1 1/2 cups of marinara on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish to create a saucy base.
  6. Assemble the rolls: Lay a noodle flat. Spread 2–3 tablespoons of filling along its length in an even layer. Roll from one short end to the other. Place seam-side down in the sauced baking dish. Repeat with remaining noodles and filling.
  7. Sauce and cheese: Spoon remaining marinara over the tops and sides of the rolls so they’re well coated but not drowning. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.
  8. Bake: Cover the dish with foil (tent it slightly so it doesn’t stick to the cheese). Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 8–10 minutes more, until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the rolls are heated through.
  9. Finish and serve: Let rest 5 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining fresh herbs. Serve two rolls per person with a side salad or roasted vegetables.