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Creamy Cheesy Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups

creamy cheesy zucchini lasagna roll-ups - featured image

A cozy, comforting low-carb twist on traditional lasagna using zucchini slices rolled with a creamy ricotta and cheese filling, baked to bubbly perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into thin strips (about 1/8 inch thick)
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 ½ cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry zucchinis. Slice lengthwise into 1/8 inch thick strips using a mandoline or sharp knife.
  2. Lay zucchini strips on paper towels or a cooling rack, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry with another towel.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, minced garlic, chopped basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined but still fluffy.
  4. Stir in ½ cup shredded mozzarella and half the Parmesan cheese into the filling. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush both sides of zucchini slices with olive oil.
  6. Lay a zucchini strip flat and spread about 2 tablespoons of cheese filling evenly along its length, leaving a small border.
  7. Roll up the zucchini strip tightly and place seam side down in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Repeat with remaining strips and filling.
  8. Pour marinara sauce evenly over the roll-ups. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan on top.
  9. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown.
  10. Let roll-ups rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh basil or Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Salting and drying zucchini slices before assembling prevents sogginess. Use about 2 tablespoons of filling per strip to avoid leakage. Cover baking keeps roll-ups moist; remove foil near end for golden cheese crust. For vegan version, substitute dairy cheeses with vegan alternatives and egg with flaxseed meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini lasagna, low carb, cheesy, ricotta, mozzarella, easy dinner, vegetarian, gluten-free