Looking for a healthier twist on a classic Italian comfort dish?
These Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups deliver all the cheesy, saucy goodness of traditional lasagna—minus the noodles.
They’re perfect for low-carb, gluten-free, or keto-friendly diets and make a satisfying dinner that even pasta lovers will enjoy.
Whether you’re trying to lighten up your meals, reduce carbs, or sneak more veggies into your diet, this recipe is a delicious place to start.
Let’s dive into how to make this fresh, flavorful, and filling dish.
Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups
Zucchini lasagna roll ups aren’t just healthy—they’re downright crave-worthy. Here’s why this dish deserves a spot in your dinner rotation:
- A delicious low-carb alternative to classic lasagna
- Naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly
- Packed with cheesy, saucy, savory flavors
- A great way to use up extra zucchini from the garden
- Perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together for a satisfying, flavorful dish:
- Zucchini – Choose large, firm zucchini for easy slicing and rolling.
- Ricotta cheese – Adds creaminess to the filling; cottage cheese is a lighter substitute.
- Mozzarella cheese – Use freshly shredded for the best melt.
- Parmesan cheese – Brings a salty, nutty depth to the filling.
- Egg – Helps bind the ricotta mixture.
- Marinara sauce – Homemade or your favorite store-bought brand.
- Garlic & Italian seasoning – For that classic lasagna flavor.
- Salt & pepper – To season everything just right.
How to Make Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups
Making these roll ups is easier than you might think. Follow these steps for delicious results every time:
- Prep the zucchini
Slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin strips using a mandoline or sharp knife. Aim for 1/8-inch thickness so they’re flexible but not too thin. - Salt and drain the zucchini
Lay the slices on paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry. This prevents watery roll ups. - Make the cheese filling
In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. - Assemble the roll ups
Spread a spoonful of filling onto each zucchini slice, then roll it up tightly. Place seam-side down in a greased baking dish with a layer of marinara on the bottom. - Top with sauce and cheese
Spoon more marinara over the roll ups and sprinkle with mozzarella and extra Parmesan. - Bake
Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let them rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Zucchini Roll Ups
- Use large zucchini: They’re easier to slice and roll.
- Dry the slices well: Moisture is the enemy of a good texture.
- Don’t overfill: A little filling goes a long way—too much and they won’t roll properly.
- Let them rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after baking helps the filling set.
Recipe Variations and Add-Ins
Zucchini roll ups are endlessly customizable. Try these fun twists:
- Add protein: Mix in cooked ground beef, turkey, or sausage with the filling for a heartier dish.
- Try different sauces: Swap marinara for pesto, alfredo, or vodka sauce.
- Make it vegetarian: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or chopped artichokes to the cheese mixture.
- Spice it up: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat.
How to Store, Reheat, and Freeze
Meal prepping or planning for leftovers? These roll ups handle it all.
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave until heated through.
- Freeze: Assemble but don’t bake. Freeze the dish covered in foil. When ready, thaw overnight and bake as directed.
What to Serve with Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups
Round out your meal with these easy side dish ideas:
- Garlic bread or low-carb rolls for dipping in the extra sauce
- Simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette or lemon dressing
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus
- Red wine or sparkling water with lemon for a fresh pairing
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the roll ups ahead and refrigerate them (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I freeze zucchini lasagna roll ups?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes. Cottage cheese is a lighter, protein-rich alternative, though slightly less creamy.
Easy Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups (Low-Carb)
Ingredients
- 3 large zucchini
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil for greasing baking dish
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the zucchini
- Slice zucchini lengthwise into 1/8-inch thick strips using a mandoline or sharp knife.
Step 2: Remove excess moisture
- Lay the strips on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 15 minutes. Pat dry with additional paper towels.
Step 3: Make the filling
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Preheat oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
Step 5: Assemble the roll ups
- Spread 1–1½ tablespoons of cheese filling on each zucchini strip. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish with a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
Step 6: Add sauce and cheese
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the roll ups. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 8: Let rest
- Allow to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving to let the cheese filling set.