Creamy Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

There is something irresistibly comforting and elegant about Creamy Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups. This dish beautifully marries the velvety sweetness of butternut squash with luscious ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, all wrapped lovingly in tender lasagna noodles and topped with a dreamy béchamel sauce. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a cozy night in, these roll ups offer richness, warmth, and a burst of autumnal flavor that feels like a big, delicious hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component adds a special note—from the silky butternut squash puree to the fragrant sage and creamy cheeses—ensuring every bite is a perfect balance of texture and flavor.

• Lasagna noodles: Use regular or gluten-free noodles, and cook them until al dente to provide the perfect tender-but-firm wrap.
• Butternut squash puree: Offers natural sweetness and creamy texture that makes this dish unique and rich.
• Ricotta cheese: Adds smoothness and a subtle tang, blending perfectly with the squash.
• Parmesan cheese: Brings savory sharpness to deepen the dish’s flavor profile.
• Egg: Acts as a binder, helping the filling hold together inside the noodles.
• Fresh sage: Adds warm, earthy herbal notes—both in the filling and the béchamel sauce.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that irresistible gooey layer in each roll up.
• Béchamel ingredients (butter, flour, milk, nutmeg, cayenne): Combine to create a silky, flavorful white sauce that ties everything together.
• Garlic cloves: Infuse the béchamel with a subtle kick that elevates the entire dish.
• Optional crispy sage leaves: Provide a delightful textural contrast and garnish that makes each serving extra special.

How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups

Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Begin by cooking your lasagna noodles exactly according to the package instructions until they reach that perfect al dente texture. This step is crucial—overcooked noodles become too fragile to roll, while undercooked ones won’t soften properly during baking. Once cooked, lay them flat on a rimmed baking sheet and lightly spray or oil them where they overlap to prevent sticking. This little trick keeps your roll ups neat and easy to assemble.

Step 2: Prepare the Butternut Squash Filling

In a large bowl, combine the creamy butternut squash puree with three-quarters of the ricotta cheese, the grated Parmesan, egg, chopped sage, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently until smooth and well integrated. If the mixture feels too thick to spread easily, fold in the remaining ricotta to loosen it just enough for effortless rolling. This filling is the heart of the dish, bursting with cozy autumn flavors and an irresistibly creamy texture.

Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce

For a luxe finish, start by melting butter over medium heat and whisking in flour to cook just until it’s a light golden color. Gradually add warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Then add fresh sage leaves and smashed garlic cloves, letting them infuse their aromatic essence into the sauce as it thickens to a velvety consistency. Finish with Parmesan, a pinch of nutmeg, cayenne, salt, and freshly ground pepper. This béchamel is what transforms these roll ups from comforting to sublime.

Step 4: Assemble Your Creamy Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread a few spoonfuls of your squash filling across each noodle in a thin, even layer, then sprinkle mozzarella on top before carefully rolling each noodle up. Lay the rolls in your baking dish either flat or standing upright—both look stunning! Pour half of the béchamel sauce over the bottom, arrange the roll ups, then drizzle the remaining sauce generously on top. Finish with a sprinkle of mozzarella before popping the dish into the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for around 30 minutes, until the bubbly sauce and melted cheese start to brown lightly and the edges of the pasta crisp up just a bit. The aroma of browned béchamel, sage, and roasted squash wafting from the oven will have you counting down the minutes. Once out of the oven, top with extra Parmesan and fresh sage leaves for a gorgeous final touch.

How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups

Garnishes

Fresh sage leaves sprinkled over the top add a lovely pop of color and herbaceous fragrance. For an extra-special touch, crispy fried sage leaves offer a textural contrast that turns each bite into a little celebration of flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair these roll ups with a crisp green salad featuring lemon vinaigrette or a simple sauté of garlic spinach to balance the richness. Roasted root vegetables or a light tomato salad also complement the sweet and savory layers of this dish beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of a traditional casserole look, try standing the roll ups on their sides in a deep dish for a dramatic presentation. Drizzle béchamel artistically over each roll up or serve individual portions on plates garnished with microgreens and extra grated Parmesan for an elegant dinner party vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Creamy Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and meld beautifully overnight, making it just as delicious the next day for a quick warmed-up meal.

Freezing

This dish freezes exceptionally well! Assemble the roll ups, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until steaming hot and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. Adding a splash of milk or extra béchamel can help keep the roll ups moist during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh butternut squash?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is a convenient substitute that works perfectly in this recipe, delivering the same creamy texture and sweet flavor.

Is it possible to make these roll ups dairy-free?

Yes! Use plant-based ricotta and mozzarella substitutes and swap regular butter and milk for vegan alternatives to make a delicious dairy-free version.

How do I prevent the lasagna noodles from sticking?

After cooking, spreading them on a baking sheet with a light spray or drizzle of oil where they overlap keeps them from sticking, making rolling much easier.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

For sure! The filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge, which actually gives the flavors a chance to deepen before assembling the roll ups.

What if I don’t have fresh sage?

Dried sage can be used in a pinch, but fresh sage really shines in both the filling and sauce, lending that signature earthy aroma and bright herbal flavor that makes this dish special.

Final Thoughts

There is something genuinely heartwarming about sitting down to Creamy Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups. This dish feels like a cozy hug from the inside, packed with layers of creamy texture and gentle autumnal sweetness. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try—the combination of flavors, colors, and that melt-in-your-mouth béchamel will make it a fast favorite you’ll want to revisit again and again.

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