Lasagna Roll Ups Cottage Cheese

This lasagna roll-up recipe transforms traditional lasagna into individual portions filled with a protein-packed cottage cheese mixture. The rolls create a beautiful presentation while delivering all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna in a fun, customizable format.

I first created these roll-ups when hosting a dinner party where guests had varying appetites. The individually portioned rolls were a hit, allowing everyone to take exactly what they wanted without the messiness of cutting through traditional layered lasagna.

Ingredients

• Lasagna noodles: Form the base of our roll-ups providing that classic pasta texture we all crave
• Cottage cheese: Delivers protein and creamy texture while being lighter than traditional ricotta
• Parmesan cheese: Adds rich umami depth that elevates the filling
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the flavor profile with herbaceous notes
• Pesto: Introduces complex flavor with minimal effort use store bought or homemade
• Egg: Acts as a binder ensuring your filling stays put when rolled and baked
• Marinara sauce: Provides the acidic tomato base feel free to use homemade for extra flavor
• Mozzarella: Creates that irresistible melty cheese topping that gets golden brown
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Balance and enhance all other flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the baking dish:

Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of your 9×12 baking dish. This prevents sticking and ensures every bite has sauce. Make sure to spread it all the way to the edges.

Cook the noodles:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente about 8 minutes. Be careful not to overcook as they need to be pliable but sturdy enough to roll without tearing.

Make the filling:

Combine cottage cheese, Parmesan, chopped parsley, pesto, egg, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. The texture should be spreadable but not runny. If your cottage cheese seems watery drain it first.

Assemble the rolls:

Lay cooked noodles flat on wax paper ensuring they dont overlap. Spread about 1/3 cup of the cheese mixture evenly over each noodle leaving a small border at the edges. Carefully roll each noodle starting from one short end and place seam side down in the prepared baking dish.

Finish and bake:

Spoon remaining sauce over the rolls ensuring each is covered. Sprinkle each roll with 1 tablespoon of mozzarella. Cover dish with foil being careful not to let it touch the cheese. Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbling around the edges.

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The cottage cheese in this recipe is truly what sets it apart. My Italian grandmother would probably raise an eyebrow at this substitution, but Ive found that good quality cottage cheese creates a lighter, protein-packed filling that my family actually prefers to traditional ricotta. The slight tanginess pairs wonderfully with the pesto and marinara.

Make-Ahead Magic

These lasagna roll-ups shine as a make-ahead meal. Assemble everything up to 24 hours before cooking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, replace plastic wrap with foil, and add about 10 minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze unbaked roll-ups for up to 3 months wrap well and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Ingredient Swaps

Cottage cheese can be substituted with ricotta for a more traditional flavor profile. For a dairy-free version, try silken tofu blended with nutritional yeast. The pesto component is incredibly flexible use sun-dried tomato pesto for a different flavor dimension or spinach pesto to add more vegetables. Gluten-free lasagna noodles work perfectly in this recipe with no other adjustments needed.

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Serving Suggestions

These roll-ups pair beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant. A basket of warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. Consider setting out additional warmed marinara sauce and freshly grated Parmesan for guests to add to their portions as desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of cottage cheese works best?

A 2% or part-skim cottage cheese is ideal for balancing creaminess and texture. Draining the cheese helps reduce excess moisture.

→ Can I use gluten-free lasagna noodles?

Yes, gluten-free noodles work just as well in this dish. Cook them according to the package instructions to ensure they roll easily.

→ How do I prevent the rolls from sticking to the dish?

Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish before placing the rolled noodles to prevent sticking and add flavor.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the roll ups, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

→ What garnishes work well with this dish?

Fresh basil, parsley, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan make excellent garnishes to add visual appeal and extra flavor.