If you’re searching for a comforting Italian-inspired meal that’s quick to pull together but rich in flavor, this Simple Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe will become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Imagine tender lasagna noodles rolled around a luscious mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and vibrant basil pesto, all cooked right in a skillet with bubbling marinara sauce. It’s like enjoying a classic lasagna but faster, easier, and with that fresh, herby punch from the pesto that makes each bite so memorable. This dish delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness with less fuss and plenty of heartwarming charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in building the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. These simple staples come together to create layers of creamy, cheesy filling brightened by fresh pesto, finished with a cozy marinara blanket.
- 8 lasagna noodles: The foundation for rolling up all that cheesy goodness, use regular or no-boil noodles softened in hot water for convenience.
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese: Provides a creamy, mild texture that melts beautifully inside the rolls.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Offers that irresistible stretch and gooey finish, split for filling and topping.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the creamy fillings and sauce.
- 1/3 cup basil pesto: Brings fresh, herbaceous notes that brighten the entire dish wonderfully.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder to keep the filling smooth and structured inside each noodle.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a gentle, aromatic depth without overpowering the pesto.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the filling just right.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle hint of warmth and balance.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: The flavorful sauce that coaxes the roll ups to melt and meld in the skillet.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For gently crisping the bottom of the roll ups and enhancing richness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (for garnish): A bright, fresh touch that makes the dish pop visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Simple Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your lasagna noodles according to package directions until just al dente. This ensures they’re pliable enough to roll but still firm enough to hold the fillings without falling apart. Drain them carefully and lay each noodle flat on a lightly oiled surface to prevent sticking while you prepare the filling—this small step makes rolling a total breeze.
Step 2: Make the Cheese and Pesto Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, the basil pesto, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until smooth and well incorporated. This flavorful, creamy filling is the soul of our roll ups, perfectly marrying cheesy richness with vibrant herbal notes.
Step 3: Roll ‘Em Up
Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture evenly over each lasagna noodle, making sure to cover the entire surface but leaving a tiny edge free for easier rolling. Then roll each noodle up tightly, starting from one end to create beautiful, neat roll ups filled with that cheesy pesto goodness.
Step 4: Sear and Simmer in the Skillet
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the skillet for a flavorful base. Arrange the lasagna roll ups seam-side down in the skillet so they don’t unroll. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce on top, then sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Cover the skillet and cook on medium-low heat for 15 to 18 minutes, until the cheese has melted fully and the sauce is bubbling gently – this step creates that irresistible baked effect right on your stovetop.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let the roll ups rest for 5 minutes. This pause helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier. Before digging in, sprinkle generously with freshly chopped basil for a burst of color and fragrant freshness that completes this dish perfectly.
How to Serve Simple Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil is the classic way to finish these roll ups, but you can also add a light drizzle of olive oil or a few flakes of crushed red pepper for a subtle kick. A little grated extra Parmesan at the table never hurts either and invites guests to customize their servings.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy roll ups. Garlic bread or a serving of roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus also complement the meal wonderfully, rounding out the Italian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve each rolled-up lasagna on individual plates with a spoonful of marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Alternatively, arrange the roll ups snugly in a colorful baking dish topped with fresh herbs to impress guests at your next dinner party. This presentation keeps everything warm and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover roll ups in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen in the fridge, so leftovers taste just as delicious—perfect for day two indulgence!
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked roll ups assembled in a baking dish, tightly wrapped with foil and plastic wrap, for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as directed. Freezing cooked leftovers is also an option; just store them in freezer-safe containers and consume within a month for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed roll ups in a covered skillet over low heat until warmed through, or microwave them with a damp paper towel covering to maintain moisture. Avoid overheating to keep the cheese creamy and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just soften no-boil noodles briefly in hot water to make them pliable enough for rolling. They work great and save some prep time.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes! This Simple Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe is fully vegetarian, packed with cheesy goodness and fresh pesto without any meat.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Definitely. Mixing in about 1 cup of chopped spinach or finely diced mushrooms into the ricotta mixture adds a lovely texture and boosts nutrition.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Laying them flat on a lightly oiled surface immediately after draining and coating them with a bit of olive oil prevents sticking and makes rolling easier.
What kind of pesto works best?
Fresh basil pesto is ideal for its bright, herbaceous flavor, but store-bought pesto can work well too—just choose a quality version with good ingredients.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Simple Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe enough if you want a foolproof, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple enough to whip up on a busy evening yet impressive enough for guests and family to adore. Don’t wait to try it—you’re only a skillet away from pure comfort food bliss!
Print
Simple Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Simple Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups are a delicious and easy twist on traditional lasagna. Tender lasagna noodles are filled with a creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and pesto mixture, rolled up, then cooked in a skillet with marinara sauce and melted cheese. Ready in just 35 minutes, this stovetop Italian-American dish is perfect for a comforting vegetarian dinner.
Ingredients
Lasagna Roll Ups
- 8 lasagna noodles
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Assembly and Cooking
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided as 1 cup and 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided as 1/4 cup and 1/4 cup)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a lightly oiled surface to prevent sticking.
- Prepare cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, basil pesto, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Roll lasagna noodles: Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture evenly over each noodle, then roll them up tightly from one end to the other.
- Prepare skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the skillet.
- Arrange roll ups: Place the lasagna roll ups seam-side down in the skillet on top of the marinara sauce.
- Add sauce and cheese: Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the roll ups, then sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cook covered: Cover the skillet and cook over medium-low heat for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.
- Rest and garnish: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with the chopped fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- No-boil lasagna noodles can be substituted if softened in hot water before rolling.
- For added vegetables, mix in 1 cup of chopped spinach to the ricotta filling.
- This recipe can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking.
