How to Make Irresistible Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups at Home

If you’re craving a comforting pasta dish with a seasonal twist, Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups are the answer. Imagine tender lasagna noodles wrapped around a creamy blend of roasted butternut squash, mellow roasted garlic, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Each roll is a perfect portion, making them as beautiful to serve as they are satisfying to eat.

This recipe blends the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the savory depth of garlic and the indulgence of gooey cheese. It’s hearty enough for a main dish yet elegant enough for a holiday table. Plus, because they’re already portioned, these roll-ups are perfect for meal prep or entertaining without the mess of cutting into a traditional lasagna.

Whether served as a vegetarian centerpiece or alongside grilled chicken or roasted veggies, these roll-ups turn any dinner into a cozy, memorable meal.

Why You’ll Love This Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups

1. Comfort with a Seasonal Twist – Roasted butternut squash brings a caramelized sweetness that pairs perfectly with creamy cheese and pasta.

2. Easy Portion Control – Each roll is individually wrapped, making serving neat and stress-free.

3. Vegetarian-Friendly – Rich, cheesy, and satisfying without needing meat.

4. Freezer-Ready – Prep ahead, freeze, and bake later for quick weeknight dinners.

5. Crowd-Pleasing – Loved by both kids and adults, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

In short, these roll-ups are flavorful, elegant, and versatile — perfect for turning simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

What You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to make Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups:

• 12 lasagna noodles – cooked until just al dente
• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 whole garlic bulb – for roasting
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – for roasting veggies
• 1 cup ricotta cheese – creamy base for the filling
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – plus extra for topping
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – for a nutty, savory flavor
• 1 teaspoon salt – to season the filling
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground
• ½ teaspoon dried sage – complements the squash
• 1 cup marinara sauce – for baking the roll-ups
• Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish

How to Make Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups

1. Roast the Squash & Garlic
   • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Toss cubed squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Slice the top off the garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil.
   • Roast both on a baking sheet for 25–30 minutes, until squash is tender and garlic is soft.
2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles
   • Boil noodles in salted water until just al dente. Drain and lay flat on parchment to prevent sticking.
3. Make the Filling
   • Mash roasted squash in a bowl. Squeeze roasted garlic cloves into the mix.
   • Stir in ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, sage, and a pinch of salt and pepper until creamy.
4. Assemble the Roll-Ups
   • Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
   • Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling on each noodle, spread evenly, and roll up. Arrange seam-side down in the dish.
5. Bake
   • Top with marinara and extra mozzarella.
   • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

You Must Know

Before diving in, there are a few key things that make these lasagna roll-ups turn out perfect every time:

• Roasted garlic makes all the difference – Don’t skip this step. Raw garlic can be sharp, but roasting transforms it into a buttery, sweet flavor that blends beautifully with the squash.
• Use al dente noodles – If you overcook them, they’ll tear during rolling. Cooking them just until firm helps them hold together in the oven.
• Squash consistency matters – Mash until smooth but not watery. Too much liquid will make the filling runny and cause the roll-ups to collapse.
• Choose a flavorful marinara – Since it’s a big part of the finished dish, a rich, well-seasoned marinara really enhances the final flavor.
• Make ahead friendly – You can prepare these up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Even simple recipes benefit from a few pro-level adjustments:

• Roast at high heat – Cooking squash and garlic at 400°F caramelizes the edges for a deeper flavor.
• Keep the filling balanced – Don’t overfill the noodles. About 2–3 tablespoons per noodle keeps them from spilling over when rolled.
• Arrange snugly in the baking dish – This prevents the rolls from unrolling while baking.
• Cover for the first half of baking – This traps steam and keeps the noodles tender. Uncover at the end for a golden, cheesy top.
• Let them rest before serving – Giving the dish 5–10 minutes to cool slightly after baking helps the filling set, making each roll easier to plate.

These small touches take the roll-ups from “good” to “restaurant-quality” without adding extra complexity.

Add Your Touch Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups

This recipe is a fantastic base that you can easily customize to your liking. Here are some ways to make it truly yours:

• Add fresh herbs: Mix in chopped basil, thyme, or rosemary into the filling for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the filling or sauce adds a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
• Swap cheeses: Try adding goat cheese or fontina for a creamier, tangier filling. You can also use vegan cheese alternatives if you want a dairy-free version.
• Include greens: Stir in some sautéed spinach, kale, or arugula for extra color and nutrition. Just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture before adding to avoid a soggy filling.
• Use different sauces: Instead of marinara, a creamy Alfredo or roasted red pepper sauce can create a totally new flavor profile.
• Top it with crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan on top during the last five minutes of baking for added texture.

Feel free to experiment and make the recipe your own — it’s very forgiving and adapts well to different tastes and diets!

Storing & Reheating

One of the best things about these lasagna roll-ups is how well they store and reheat — perfect for busy households and meal prep.

From Our Kitchen to Yours

• To Store:
  • Place leftover roll-ups in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze the assembled but unbaked roll-ups in a freezer-safe dish, covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap, for up to 3 months.
• To Reheat:
  • From the fridge: Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
  • From the freezer: Bake covered at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the cheese on top.
  • Microwave: For a quick option, heat individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and rotating as needed.

Proper storage and reheating ensure you get that fresh-baked taste even days later, making this recipe ideal for leftovers or planned meals.

Chef’s Helpful Tips for Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups

To get the best results with your Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups, keep these pro tips in mind:

Make Dinner Exciting Tonight

• Roast the garlic and squash together: Roasting garlic alongside the squash on the same sheet pan saves time and ensures flavors meld perfectly.
• Don’t overfill the noodles: Use about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per noodle — too much can cause the roll-ups to burst or become soggy.
• Use parchment paper or foil: When laying out cooked noodles, place them on parchment or lightly oiled foil to prevent sticking.
• Cool noodles slightly before rolling: Warm noodles are flexible but easier to handle once they cool for a few minutes.
• Layer sauce generously: A good amount of sauce on the bottom of your baking dish prevents sticking and keeps the roll-ups moist during baking.
• Let it rest after baking: Rest the dish for 5-10 minutes after baking; this helps the filling set and makes serving cleaner.
• Customize with herbs and spices: Don’t hesitate to add fresh herbs like basil or sage for an extra flavor boost.

Following these tips will elevate your dish from good to truly memorable every time you make it.

FAQ for Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups

Q: Can I use frozen butternut squash?
A: Yes! Just thaw and drain any excess water before roasting and mashing to avoid soggy filling.

Your Next Favorite Meal Awaits

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. Substitute ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan with your favorite vegan cheeses or cashew-based cheese alternatives.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
A: Cover leftovers with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or extra sauce before reheating helps retain moisture.

Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble the roll-ups, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them unbaked for longer storage.

Q: What if I don’t have dried sage?
A: Thyme or rosemary make great substitutes and complement the butternut squash well.

If you have any other questions, just ask!

Conclusion

Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups are a delicious, comforting, and elegant way to enjoy a classic Italian favorite with a seasonal twist. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash and garlic with creamy cheeses and tender pasta, delivering a hearty yet refined meal that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping.

The beauty of this dish lies not only in its rich flavors but also in its versatility. Whether you keep it vegetarian, add fresh herbs for a flavor boost, or swap out cheeses and sauces, it’s easy to make it your own. Plus, the individual roll-ups make serving simple and mess-free, while also doubling as a great freezer-friendly option for busy nights.

With some simple steps and a few pro tips, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. So go ahead, bring this irresistible dish to your table, and enjoy the cozy warmth and satisfied smiles that follow every bite.