Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta

These Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta are about to become your new favorite fall pasta! They beautifully blend flavors and textures, making them perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings. The creamy filling of butternut squash and ricotta, combined with the rich béchamel sauce, creates a dish that is visually stunning and deliciously comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Seasonal Flavor: The combination of butternut squash and sage captures the essence of fall in every bite.
• Visually Appealing: These roll-ups present beautifully on a plate, making them perfect for entertaining guests.
• Comforting Dish: The creamy filling and cheesy topping provide a warm, satisfying meal for any occasion.
• Versatile Meal: This dish works well as a main course for dinner or as a hearty lunch option.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can create this impressive dish without too much hassle.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make the preparation seamless.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish (9×13” or 8×14”)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Saucepan
• Spatula
• Cooking spray or oil

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: Essential for holding the roll-ups during baking and ensuring even cooking.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth béchamel sauce by effectively blending ingredients.
• Spatula: Perfect for spreading the filling evenly on each lasagna noodle.

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Ingredients

• 1 package lasagna noodles (can use gluten-free – should only need 15-16 noodles, but many will break apart during cooking)
• 1 cup mashed butternut squash (or a can of pumpkin purée)
• 1¼ cup ricotta, (divided)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan (plus more for serving)
• 1 large egg
• 2 Tbsp finely chopped sage (plus more for serving, either chopped or whole small leaves)
• 1 tsp Kosher salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2-3 cups milk (warm (for thicker béchamel, use 2 cups; for looser sauce, use 3 cups))
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• ⅛ tsp grated nutmeg
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 4 large sage leaves
• 2 garlic cloves (smashed)
• A handful of fresh sage leaves
• Neutral oil

How to Make Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta

Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Cook the lasagna noodles in boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain them and lay them flat on a rimmed baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. 1 cup mashed butternut squash purée
2. ¾ cup ricotta cheese
3. ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
4. 1 large egg
5. 2 tablespoons finely chopped sage
6. 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
7. ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Stir until well mixed. If the mixture is too thick to spread easily, add an additional ½ cup ricotta cheese.

Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce

Melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Add:
1. 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Whisk until it turns light golden brown (about 3 minutes). Gradually whisk in:
2. 2–3 cups warm milk

Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer while continuing to whisk for another 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add:
1. 4 large sage leaves
2. 2 smashed garlic cloves

Cook until thickened and velvety (about 8–10 minutes). Stir in:
1. ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2. ⅛ teaspoon grated nutmeg
3. A pinch of cayenne pepper
4. Additional Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Set aside once done.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Roll Ups

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay out as many lasagna noodles as will fit on your cutting board. For each noodle:
1. Place about 2–3 tablespoons of filling along one end.
2. Spread it into a thin layer across the noodle using a spatula.
3. Sprinkle with about 1–2 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Roll from one end to the other gently.

Repeat until all noodles are filled.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna Roll Ups

Discard any used sage leaves and smashed garlic cloves from the béchamel sauce if desired. Pour half of the béchamel sauce into your baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Place the roll-ups in the pan—either lying flat or standing upright based on your preference.

Drizzle remaining béchamel sauce over roll-ups and sprinkle any remaining mozzarella on top. Bake for about 30 minutes or until bubbling and slightly crisped at the edges.

Step 6: Garnish, Then Serve!

Once baked, sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper if desired. Garnish with fresh sage leaves before serving warm!

Step 7: Optional Crispy Sage Leaves

For crispy sage leaves, heat about an inch of neutral oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add sage leaves in batches and fry for about:
20–30 seconds per batch until they are crispy but not burnt.

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels before lightly seasoning with salt.

Enjoy your delicious Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta!

How to Serve Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta

These delicious Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups are perfect for any gathering or cozy dinner at home. Their beautiful presentation and rich flavors make them a standout dish that you can serve in various ways.

Family Style

• Serve the roll ups directly from the baking dish for a casual family-style meal. This allows everyone to help themselves and enjoy a hearty portion.

Individual Plates

• Plate each lasagna roll up on individual dishes. Garnish with extra sage leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan for an elegant touch.

With a Side Salad

• Pair the roll ups with a fresh garden salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad complements the creamy filling beautifully.

Accompanied by Garlic Bread

• Serve warm garlic bread on the side for added texture and flavor. The crunchiness of the bread pairs well with the soft lasagna roll ups.

Topped with Extra Cheese

• For cheese lovers, offer additional mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Melt it under the broiler for a bubbly finish.

Drizzled with Béchamel Sauce

• Add an extra layer of creaminess by drizzling more béchamel sauce over each roll up just before serving.

How to Perfect Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta

Perfecting these lasagna roll ups is all about balancing flavors and ensuring the right texture. Here are some tips to help you achieve that.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh butternut squash and high-quality cheeses enhance the flavor significantly. They provide better taste than canned or processed options.
• Control Noodle Thickness: Ensure your lasagna noodles are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking. This helps maintain their structure when rolled.
• Balance Seasonings: Taste your filling mixture before assembling the roll ups. Adjust salt, pepper, or herbs to ensure a well-seasoned filling.
• Layering Sauce: When assembling, don’t be shy with the béchamel sauce between layers and on top of the roll ups. It keeps everything moist and flavorful.
• Let it Rest: Allow the roll ups to sit for about 10-15 minutes after baking before serving. This helps them set and makes slicing easier.
• Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add other herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique twist in addition to sage.

Best Side Dishes for Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta

Complementing your Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with delightful side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes dressed in balsamic vinaigrette adds freshness.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or zucchini bring color and nutrition to your plate.
3. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter offer a comforting side that pairs perfectly with pasta dishes.
4. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf mixed with herbs provides a wholesome alternative that’s packed with protein.
5. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds crunch while being an easy-to-make healthy side option.
6. Crispy Kale Chips: These simple-to-make snacks are crunchy and flavorful, making them a fun accompaniment to your main dish.
7. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and mozzarella balls drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing appetizer that balances richness.
8. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with rice or grains offer an attractive presentation alongside your lasagna roll ups.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your cooking experience and the deliciousness of your Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Not salting the water: Failing to add salt to the boiling water when cooking lasagna noodles can result in bland pasta. Always season the water generously for better flavor.
• Overcooking the noodles: Cooking noodles too long can make them mushy and hard to work with. Aim for al dente; they will finish cooking in the oven.
• Skipping the resting time: Assembling roll ups and baking immediately can make them fall apart. Allow them to rest briefly before baking for better structure.
• Under-seasoning the filling: A lack of seasoning in your filling can lead to a dull taste. Be sure to taste and adjust seasonings in your butternut squash mixture.
• Using cold milk for béchamel: Cold milk can lead to lumps in your sauce. Always warm your milk first for a smooth, creamy béchamel sauce.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover lasagna roll ups in an airtight container.
• item They will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta

• item For longer storage, freeze assembled roll ups before baking.
• item Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil; they can last up to 2 months.

Reheating Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta

• item Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake covered for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• item Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until warm.
• item Stovetop: Use a skillet with a splash of water, cover, and heat on low until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta.

Can I make Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta ahead of time?

You can prepare these roll ups ahead of time by assembling them and storing them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake.

How do I prevent my lasagna noodles from sticking together?

To prevent sticking, lay cooked noodles flat on a baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking oil. Avoid overlapping them while they cool.

Can I substitute other cheeses in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to use other cheeses like goat cheese or feta if you want different flavors, but keep ricotta as the base filling.

What are some variations of Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta?

Consider adding spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients. You could also spice it up with different herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free lasagna noodles instead of regular ones, and follow the same instructions for assembly and baking.

Final Thoughts

Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups with Ricotta offer a delightful blend of flavors that perfectly captures the essence of fall. They are not only visually appealing but are also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize the filling or sauce according to your taste preferences, making this dish uniquely yours!