If you’re craving that cozy comfort food with an Italian twist, the Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe is here to steal your heart and your appetite. This dish transforms classic lasagna into a fun, easy-to-make, and irresistibly cheesy meal that’s perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings. Rolled noodles stuffed with a heavenly blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fragrant basil pesto simmered in rich marinara sauce, ready in just over half an hour. It’s the kind of recipe that feels lovingly homemade yet looks impressive enough to share with friends, making it an absolute winner in any kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, essential, and each one plays a starring role in crafting the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and herby flavors in the Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe.
- 8 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained: Choose regular or no-boil noodles and make sure they’re cooked al dente for the best texture when rolling.
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese: This creamy base gives the filling its luscious richness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to add gooey, stringy goodness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty flavor that cuts through the creaminess.
- 1/3 cup prepared basil pesto: Bursting with fresh, herbaceous notes that make the dish truly pop.
- 1 egg: Binds the filling together for easy rolling and slicing.
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce: A vibrant, tomatoey base that simmers the roll-ups to perfection.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to warm the skillet and add a subtle fruity depth to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that awaken all the flavors.
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional): Adds a lovely fresh aroma and a splash of green for presentation.
How to Make Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Filling
Start by combining ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, basil pesto, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is perfectly blended into a creamy, flavorful filling. This mixture creates the heart of the Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe with its balanced layers of cheesy goodness and fresh pesto aroma.
Step 2: Roll Up the Lasagna Noodles
Lay your cooked lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface—this helps to avoid any sticking. Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture onto each noodle, spreading it evenly but leaving a little space at the edges. Carefully roll each noodle tightly but gently to keep the filling intact. This rolling transforms your dish into bite-sized bundles of deliciousness that cook evenly in the skillet.
Step 3: Prepare the Skillet and Sauce
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large oven-safe skillet, then pour in the marinara sauce and spread it into a smooth, even layer. This creates a flavorful base that will keep your roll ups moist and infuse every bite with rich tomato goodness during cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Roll Ups
Arrange the lasagna roll ups seam side down on top of the marinara sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and let them simmer gently on low heat for about 10 to 12 minutes until everything is heated through and the cheeses meld beautifully. This low-and-slow simmer producing the tender pasta and perfectly warmed filling defines the magic of this Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe.
Step 5: Add the Final Touch
If you want to take it up a notch, sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella over the roll ups and place the skillet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch as the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown, adding a slightly crisp and irresistible finishing layer. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil before serving to brighten the flavors and the presentation!
How to Serve Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the perfect garnish for this dish, lending a pop of vibrant green and a fresh aroma that complements the rich cheeses and savory sauce. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan right before serving also adds an elegant touch and a punch of salty flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your lasagna roll ups with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to add freshness and balance to the meal. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette is also a fantastic choice—perfect for sopping up every bit of that luscious marinara sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual roll ups on mini plates stacked elegantly, or arrange them in a circular pattern in the skillet for a stunning centerpiece. You could even layer roll ups in a casserole dish for a family-style bake and let everyone scoop their own servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover roll ups in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. They retain their flavor well but are best enjoyed fresh or reheated gently to avoid drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the roll ups either before or after cooking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen roll ups keep well for up to two months. To defrost, move them to the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered with foil in the oven at 350°F for about 15 to 20 minutes or warm them gently in a covered skillet on low heat. If reheating from frozen, allow extra time for thawing and heating through, and add a splash of marinara to keep them moist.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe?
Yes! No-boil noodles work well here and can save you time. Just ensure they’re flexible after soaking in warm water briefly before rolling.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
You can try using vegan cheese alternatives and a plant-based egg substitute; however, the texture and flavor will be different from the classic dish. Homemade vegan pesto will also help keep it rich and aromatic.
Can I add meat or vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or cooked ground sausage are fantastic additions that enhance flavor and texture in the cheese filling.
Do I have to use basil pesto, or can I substitute it?
Basil pesto is recommended for that authentic Italian herb flavor, but sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto can add unique twists and still pair beautifully with the cheeses.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free lasagna noodles that are firm enough to roll. Ensure your marinara and pesto are gluten-free, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version of the Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Embracing the Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe means welcoming a perfect blend of cheesy comfort and fresh pesto zing into your cooking repertoire. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy classic flavors with a fun, approachable spin. Give these delightful roll ups a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they become a beloved favorite in your kitchen!
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Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups are a delicious and easy-to-make Italian-inspired dish featuring tender lasagna noodles filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and basil pesto. Cooked gently on the stovetop in marinara sauce and finished under the broiler for a bubbly golden top, this comforting main course is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Garnished with fresh basil, it combines rich flavors and a satisfying texture in every bite.
Ingredients
Lasagna Roll Ups Filling
- 8 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup prepared basil pesto
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking & Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Extra shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, basil pesto, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended to create a creamy filling.
- Roll the Noodles: Lay the cooked and drained lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface. Spread about 2–3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture evenly over each noodle, then tightly roll each one up into a compact roll.
- Heat the Skillet and Sauce: Warm the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and spread it evenly across the bottom to form a flavorful base.
- Arrange and Simmer: Place the lasagna roll-ups seam side down over the marinara sauce in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let the roll-ups simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until heated through and the flavors meld together.
- Broil for a Golden Top: If desired, sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella over the lasagna roll-ups. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves if using. Serve the skillet pesto cheese lasagna roll ups hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can use either homemade or store-bought pesto and marinara sauce depending on your preference and convenience.
- For added flavor and nutrition, consider mixing sautéed spinach or cooked ground sausage into the cheese filling before rolling.
- Ensure the skillet you use is oven-safe if you plan to broil the cheese topping.
- Watch closely while broiling to achieve a perfect golden finish without burning the cheese.
