Simple Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
If you love cozy Italian flavors and crave a twist on tradition, these Simple Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups are going to steal your heart (and your dinner plans). This dish packs all the creamy, herby, cheesy goodness you expect from classic lasagna—but in a fuss-free, weeknight-ready skillet form that’s so fun to assemble and impressive to serve. With rich basil pesto, melty cheese, and a burst of tomato sauce, it’s comfort food that still feels fresh and light. Say hello to your new favorite vegetarian dinner idea!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Simple Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups is in the short, no-fuss ingredient list, where each element delivers a burst of flavor, texture, or color. These pantry and fridge staples join forces for maximum comfort and wow-factor in every bite.
- Lasagna noodles: Classic wide pasta sheets that roll up beautifully—either regular or no-boil will do the trick.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy, mild, and a must for that signature lasagna texture.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping): Melts to bubbly, golden bliss on top and inside each roll up.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth—never skip the Parm!
- Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture so your filling stays creamy but set.
- Prepared basil pesto: Delivers bright, herby flavor and beautiful green swirls throughout your dish.
- Marinara sauce: Tangy, robust tomato sauce balances all the rich dairy and adds essential sauciness.
- Olive oil: Coats the pan and brings a bit of classic Italian richness.
- Garlic powder: A simple way to infuse subtle garlic flavor evenly.
- Salt and black pepper: Just a pinch of each rounds out and lifts every flavor note.
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional): For a pop of color and freshness when serving.
How to Make Simple Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups
Step 1: Cook Lasagna Noodles
Bring a big pot of well-salted water to a lively boil, then drop in your lasagna noodles and cook until they’re perfectly al dente—just tender but not too soft. Once they’re cooked, carefully drain and lay them flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet or clean surface. Laying them flat right away prevents them from sticking together and makes rolling so much easier later.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, a good pinch of salt, and a little black pepper. Mix it all up until the mixture looks light, creamy, and well-blended. This cheesy filling is the heart of the Simple Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups, ensuring every bite is lush and flavorful.
Step 3: Fill and Roll
Spread about two generous tablespoons of the cheese mixture along the length of each noodle, smoothing it out into an even layer. Starting at one end, tightly roll each noodle up into a little spiral—no need to stress about perfection here, rustic looks great and tastes even better! Set each roll seam-side down on your prep surface as you go.
Step 4: Assemble in the Skillet
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat, then pour in the marinara sauce. Swirl in half of the basil pesto to marry the saucy tomato and herby flavors together. Gently nestle your lasagna roll ups, seam-side down, right into the skillet in a single snug layer. Spoon the remaining pesto evenly over the rolled tops and finish with extra mozzarella cheese. That’s the moment when dinner starts looking irresistible!
Step 5: Cook Until Melty and Golden
Cover the skillet (a lid or foil will work) and cook the roll ups over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling tomato sauce and gloriously melted cheese on top. The aroma will tell you when it’s ready! Finish with a scattering of fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy, then serve up this skillet masterpiece, right at the table.
How to Serve Simple Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups
Garnishes
Sprinkle your finished roll ups with torn fresh basil leaves and, if you’re feeling a little extra, some more grated Parmesan cheese. That final touch of green and white makes each plate look as lively and inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, pair Simple Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted broccoli. Crusty bread for scooping up saucy bits is basically required—no one will judge you for bread-mopping the skillet!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the roll ups family-style, right from the skillet, or portion each onto individual plates for more formal occasions. Want to go mini? Slice the roll ups into bite-sized pinwheels for a party appetizer that’ll disappear in a flash. The color contrast of the sauce, cheese, and pesto looks gorgeous in any form!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Simple Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooked roll ups in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results—this makes weeknight comfort food only a microwave away.
Reheating
For maximum flavor and melty texture, reheat your lasagna roll ups in the oven at 350°F, covered, until heated through (about 15 minutes). The microwave works too—just cover loosely and heat in 1-minute bursts until warmed to your liking.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Absolutely! If you’re using no-boil noodles, just soak them briefly in hot water until softened before assembling. This saves time without sacrificing the signature lasagna texture.
What’s the best way to make this dish for a crowd?
You can easily double the ingredients and use a larger skillet, or arrange the roll ups in a baking dish and finish them in the oven. It’s an excellent choice for serving family or friends at a get-together!
Can I add veggies or meat to the filling?
Definitely! Stir in sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to boost the veggie content. For meat lovers, a layer of crumbled cooked Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken would be fab.
Is there a vegan version of Simple Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups?
Yes! Use your favorite vegan ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan-style cheeses, and swap in an egg replacer (like flax egg). Just double-check your pesto is dairy-free, and you’re good to go.
How do I prevent my roll ups from falling apart when serving?
Be sure to let the roll ups rest for a couple of minutes after cooking before scooping them out. Using a spatula and supporting each roll from below will keep them intact and photo-worthy every time.
Final Thoughts
If comfort food dreams had a flavor, it just might be these Simple Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups—effortless to make and impossible to resist! I hope you’ll give this recipe a try, share it with your favorite people, and turn an ordinary night into something truly special. Happy cooking!
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Simple Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Simple Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups are a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, filled with a cheesy pesto goodness that’s sure to please your taste buds. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is easy to make and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Lasagna Roll Ups:
- 8 lasagna noodles
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce and Garnish:
- 1 cup prepared basil pesto
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Boil salted water and cook noodles until al dente. Drain and lay flat.
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Roll Up the Lasagna: Spread cheese mixture on each noodle and roll tightly.
- Assemble in Skillet: Heat olive oil, add marinara sauce, stir in half of pesto, place roll ups seam-side down in the sauce.
- Finish Cooking: Spoon remaining pesto over roll ups, add mozzarella, cover, and cook until cheese is melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Use no-boil lasagna noodles for a quicker option.
- Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or add spinach for variation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 roll ups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
