Name: Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-ups for Cozy Nights
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 9 oz Lasagna noodles (gluten-free if necessary); 1 lb Sweet or spicy Italian turkey sausage (or pork sausage); 2 tbsp Olive oil (any cooking oil works); 1 cup Fresh grated Parmesan cheese (Pecorino Romano can be substituted); 2 cups Butternut squash (or frozen steam-in-bag squash); 1 clove Roasted garlic (store-bought is fine); 1 cup Ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter option); 1/2 cup Milk (any kind, including plant-based); 1 tsp Kosher salt (adjust to taste); 1/2 tsp Black pepper (season to taste); 1 cup Prepared basil pesto (store-bought or homemade); 2 tbsp Butter (margarine is a substitute); 1 cup Heavy cream (or half-and-half as a lighter alternative)

As the leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, my kitchen becomes a cozy haven, where the love of homemade meals warms the heart. Today, I’m excited to share my Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-ups with Pesto Cream Sauce—a dish that perfectly captures the essence of comfort food. Not only are these roll-ups quick to prepare, they can easily be customized to fit your dietary preferences, whether you choose sweet Italian turkey sausage or go for a hearty vegetarian option. Each delightful bite combines the sweetness of butternut squash and the richness of roasted garlic, all enveloped in tender lasagna noodles and bathed in a creamy pesto sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort dish to elevate your fall dinners! Are you ready to dive into this delicious recipe and take your pasta night to a whole new level?

Why Will You Love These Roll-ups?

Comforting and gourmet, these Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-ups redefine your pasta night with a cozy twist. Customizable to suit every palate, choose sweet Italian turkey sausage or embrace a vegetarian option for hearty goodness. Decadent filling wrapped in tender noodles offers an irresistible hug-in-a-bowl experience. Serve alongside a fresh salad or buttery garlic bread for a delightful meal. Plus, leftovers can easily be frozen, making this dish a time-saving hero in your kitchen! If you enjoy comforting meals, check out my Garlic Parmesan Chicken or indulge in a rich Honey Garlic Chicken for another family favorite.

Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-ups Ingredients

For the Roll-ups
• Lasagna noodles – The foundation of your roll-ups; opt for gluten-free if necessary.
• Sweet or spicy Italian turkey sausage – Adds flavorful protein; swap in pork sausage or skip for a vegetarian option.
• Olive oil – Helps prevent sticking and enhances flavor; any cooking oil works in a pinch.
• Fresh grated Parmesan cheese – Essential for that nutty, savory finish; Pecorino Romano can be a tasty substitute.
• Butternut squash – Creamy and sweet filling that shines as the star ingredient; consider using frozen steam-in-bag squash to save time.
• Roasted garlic – Contributes a rich sweetness; feel free to use store-bought roasted garlic for convenience.
• Ricotta cheese – Adds creaminess to the filling; cottage cheese can be a lighter alternative.
• Milk – Moisture booster; any milk is fine, including plant-based options.
• Kosher salt – Elevates all the flavors; adjust based on your taste preferences.
• Black pepper – Freshly ground for the best flavor; season to taste.

For the Pesto Cream Sauce
• Prepared basil pesto – Forms the luscious sauce base; homemade brings extra freshness, but any store-bought variety works beautifully.
• Butter – Adds a lovely richness to your sauce; margarine serves as a suitable substitute.
• Heavy cream – Creates a luxurious texture; half-and-half is a lighter alternative.

This delightful recipe for Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-ups brings out the best flavors of fall, making it the perfect meal for cozy nights!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-ups

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Noodles
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions, reducing the time by one minute to keep them slightly firm. Once cooked, drain the noodles and immediately drizzle them with olive oil to prevent sticking. Gently toss to coat and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sweet Italian turkey sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Sauté until browned and cooked through, which should take about 5–7 minutes. Once browned, remove from heat and set aside, allowing the flavors to mingle while you work on the filling.

Step 3: Blend the Filling
In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked butternut squash, roasted garlic, Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, milk, kosher salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting the consistency by adding a little more milk if necessary. This vibrant filling will be the heart of your Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-ups.

Step 4: Make the Pesto Cream Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the milk, heavy cream, and prepared basil pesto, stirring until the mixture is heated through and just begins to bubble—approximately 3–4 minutes. Lower the heat and gradually stir in more Parmesan until fully melted and the sauce is glossy and rich.

Step 5: Assemble the Roll-ups
Take each lasagna noodle and spread a generous portion of the butternut squash filling evenly across the surface. Sprinkle crumbled cooked sausage and a little extra Parmesan cheese on top, then gently roll the noodle up from one end to the other, securing the filling inside. Place each roll-up seam side down in a greased baking dish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour a third of the creamy pesto sauce over the assembled roll-ups, ensuring they are well coated. After arranging the roll-ups, pour the remaining sauce over the top, followed by an additional sprinkle of Parmesan. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbling.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the foil and let the Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-ups sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld perfectly. Serve warm, alongside a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete, comforting meal that embodies the warmth of the season.

What to Serve with Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-ups

Pairing your hearty roll-ups with delightful sides enhances the meal, creating a comforting dining experience.

Garlic Bread: The buttery, crispy texture of warm garlic bread complements the creamy pesto sauce beautifully, making every bite divine.
Arugula Salad: A fresh arugula salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette provides a bright counterbalance to the rich flavors of the roll-ups. Toss in cherry tomatoes for added sweetness.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy, caramelized sprouts add a delightful crunch and earthy flavor, perfectly offsetting the sweetness of the squash in the lasagna.
Grilled Vegetables: A medley of charred zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus offers a smoky depth that harmonizes well with the creamy filling. A drizzle of balsamic glaze gives it an extra zing!
Minestrone Soup: This hearty vegetable soup filled with beans and pasta creates a warm, inviting start to your meal and pairs wonderfully with the lasagna.
Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay works wonders to cut through the richness of the pesto cream sauce, enhancing the overall flavors of your cozy dinner.
Dessert: Don’t forget a slice of pumpkin pie or apple crisp for the perfect sweet ending to your fall-themed meal, rounds off the comforting experience of the evening.

Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-ups Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own, delighting your senses with every twist!

Turkey Sausage: Swap turkey sausage for pork sausage for a heartier flavor. Your taste buds will relish this meaty richness!
Vegetarian Delight: Omit sausage completely and add more roasted veggies. Spinach or sautéed mushrooms can offer additional depth and nutrition.
Pumpkin Alternative: Substitute butternut squash with pumpkin for a different seasonal twist. This change introduces a distinct sweetness that pairs beautifully with the pesto.
Extra Greens: Add fresh spinach or kale to the filling for a nutrient boost. This flavorful addition enhances the texture while keeping it light.
Cheesy Indulgence: Mix in mozzarella cheese for a gooey, melty experience. The extra cheesy goodness elevates these roll-ups to a whole new level!
Spice it Up: Spice things up with red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a touch of heat. This will create a delightful contrast to the creamy sauce.
Cottage Cheese: Replace ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter filling. You’ll still get that creamy texture, minus some calories!
Nutty Flavor: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pine nuts for added crunch and a nutty flavor. This texture contrast will surprise and delight with each bite.

These variations open up a world of possibilities, especially when paired with a crisp salad or some buttery garlic bread for a complete meal. If you’re looking for something a bit different, you might enjoy my BBQ Chicken Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls or some flavorful Rosemary Garlic Steak for a satisfying bite!

Make Ahead Options

These Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-ups are perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to prepare the filling and sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Simply blend the butternut squash, roasted garlic, ricotta, and other filling ingredients, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. You can also make the creamy pesto sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to assemble, cook the lasagna noodles, spread the filling, and roll them up. Just pour the sauce over and bake as directed—this way, you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal in no time!

Helpful Tricks for Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-ups

• Cook Noodles Just Right: Ensure you cook lasagna noodles one minute less than indicated. This slightly undercooked pasta will hold up better in the oven after baking.

• Perfect Filling Texture: Blend the butternut squash filling until silky smooth. Adjust with milk for the desired creaminess, but be careful not to make it too runny, or it will become difficult to roll.

• Mind the Seasoning: Always taste the squash filling before you assemble the roll-ups. This allows you to adjust salt and pepper, ensuring the flavors pop when baked.

• Pasta Water is Your Friend: Save a bit of pasta cooking water! If your pesto cream sauce seems too thick, add small amounts of the reserved water to reach the perfect consistency.

• Foil for Moisture: Cover the baking dish with foil during the first half of baking. This traps steam, keeping your Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-ups moist and tender without drying out.

• Customize and Enjoy: Don’t hesitate to swap the sausage for different proteins or add spinach and kale. Personalize to your family’s taste and enjoy the comfort of this adaptable dish!

How to Store and Freeze Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-ups

Fridge: Store any leftover roll-ups in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven for a warm, cozy meal!

Freezer: To freeze, wrap each individual roll-up in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. Add a splash of milk to keep them creamy!

Assembling Ahead: You can prepare the roll-ups in advance, then freeze them before baking. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cook time for best results.

Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-ups Recipe FAQs

What type of butternut squash should I use?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using fresh butternut squash that you can roast or steam. However, if you’re short on time, frozen steam-in-bag butternut squash is a wonderfully convenient alternative that saves time without sacrificing taste.

How do I store leftover lasagna roll-ups?
You can store any leftover Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, which keeps the flavors intact and the roll-ups creamy!

Can I freeze the lasagna roll-ups?
Certainly! To freeze, wrap each individual roll-up in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps maintain creaminess!

What if my filling is too thick?
If you find that the filling for your Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-ups is too thick, don’t worry! Simply add a little more milk or reserved pasta water—adding small amounts at a time—until you reach your desired creamy texture. This will make it much easier to spread evenly over the noodles and create a delightful roll-up!

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Yes! If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, be sure to check the labels on store-bought ingredients like pesto and cheese, as they can contain allergens. Additionally, vegetarian and gluten-free options can be easily accommodated! Substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian option, and choose gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish accessible for everyone.