Pesto Lasagna Rolls: Easy and Elegant Dinner Recipe

Pesto Lasagna Rolls: A Delicious and Elegant Recipe

Looking for a show-stopping dinner idea that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor? These Pesto Lasagna Rolls are the perfect combination of creamy ricotta, fresh basil pesto, and hearty marinara sauce. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to elevate your weeknight meals, this dish is a must-try. Let’s explore the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to create this impressive recipe.

Ingredients for Pesto Lasagna Rolls

Here’s what you’ll need to make 6 servings of these delicious rolls:

12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 large egg, lightly beaten
4 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

This combination of ingredients ensures each bite is rich, flavorful, and satisfying.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Lasagna Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles until al dente, according to package instructions.
Drain and lay the noodles flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Ricotta Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, the beaten egg, salt, and pepper.
Stir in 1/2 cup of the basil pesto until well blended.

3. Assemble the Rolls

Spread 1/4 cup of the ricotta filling evenly over each lasagna noodle.
Roll the noodles tightly from one end to the other and place them seam-side down in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

4. Layer the Sauce and Cheese

Spread 2 cups of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
Arrange the lasagna rolls on top of the marinara sauce.
Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the rolls, ensuring they’re fully covered.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.

5. Bake the Lasagna Rolls

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Garnish and Serve

Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra drizzle of pesto, if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Yet Elegant: These lasagna rolls look impressive but are surprisingly easy to make.
Customizable: Swap out the pesto for spinach or sun-dried tomato pesto for a different flavor profile.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the rolls in advance and bake them when ready.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegetarian Option

This recipe is naturally vegetarian but can be enhanced with additional vegetables:

Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the ricotta filling.
Layer thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant between the rolls and sauce.

Protein Boost

For a heartier dish, consider adding:

Cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the marinara sauce.
Shredded rotisserie chicken mixed into the ricotta filling.

Cheese Alternatives

If you’d like to switch up the cheeses:

Use Asiago or Fontina cheese for a richer flavor.
Replace ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pesto Lasagna Rolls

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil pesto and high-quality marinara sauce make a big difference in flavor.
Cook Noodles Properly: Avoid overcooking the noodles to ensure they hold their shape when rolled.
Prevent Dry Rolls: Cover the dish completely with sauce and cheese to keep the rolls moist while baking.
Reheat Easily: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Suggested Pairings

Drinks

A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
A light red wine, like Chianti or Pinot Noir.
Sparkling water with a slice of lemon for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.

Side Dishes

A fresh arugula or Caesar salad.
Garlic bread or focaccia.
Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or bell peppers.

FAQs About Pesto Lasagna Rolls

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the rolls and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake them when ready to serve.

2. Can I freeze lasagna rolls?

Absolutely. Assemble the rolls, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.