Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups: The Ultimate Meatless Comfort Food

Discover the joy of a truly satisfying, meatless meal with these incredible Broccoli Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups. Bursting with creamy flavor and wholesome ingredients, this dish is not just easy to prepare but guarantees to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re a devout vegetarian or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based options into your diet, these roll-ups offer a delightful culinary experience that even the most dedicated meat-eaters will adore.

This dish reimagines classic lasagna by transforming it into individual, perfectly portioned rolls. Each noodle is generously spread with a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce and a rich ricotta-broccoli filling, then baked to golden perfection. The result? A harmonious blend of tender pasta, creamy sauce, savory cheese, and nutrient-packed broccoli that’s both comforting and elegant. It’s an ideal choice for a cozy weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or even for meal prepping throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love These Broccoli Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups

There are countless reasons why this recipe stands out. Firstly, its simplicity makes it highly approachable for cooks of all skill levels. While it looks impressive, the steps are straightforward and manageable, ensuring a rewarding cooking experience without unnecessary stress. Secondly, the flavor profile is simply divine. The homemade Alfredo sauce, rich with butter, garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of nutmeg, provides a depth of flavor that complements the fresh, slightly earthy broccoli perfectly. The creamy ricotta adds a delightful texture and additional richness, making every bite a truly indulgent experience.

Moreover, these roll-ups offer excellent versatility. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. For instance, while broccoli is a star here, other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or even roasted red peppers could be incorporated into the ricotta filling for different flavor dimensions. It’s also a fantastic way to introduce more vegetables into your family’s meals in a way that feels like a treat rather than a chore. The individual roll-ups are also perfect for portion control and make serving a breeze, especially when entertaining guests.

Looking for another delightful dessert? Don’t forget to try our Classic Strawberry Shortcake!

Broccoli Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups: A Culinary Deep Dive

The journey to these mouthwatering roll-ups begins with careful preparation. Perfectly cooked lasagna noodles are key to a successful dish. Cook them according to package instructions, ensuring they are al dente and not overcooked, as they will continue to bake in the oven. Once cooked, gently lay them out on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to dry. This crucial step prevents them from becoming soggy and allows the sauces and filling to adhere better, ensuring a tidy roll.

While your noodles are drying, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and generously butter or grease it. This prevents sticking and contributes to a beautiful, golden crust on the bottom of your roll-ups. Set it aside, ready for assembly.

Crafting the Perfect Homemade Alfredo Sauce

The heart of this dish is undoubtedly the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. While jarred sauces can be convenient, making your own from scratch elevates the flavor immensely and is surprisingly simple. In a large skillet, melt three tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add two cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to brown or burn it, as this can make the sauce bitter.

Next, whisk in three tablespoons of all-purpose flour into the butter and garlic mixture. This creates a roux, which will act as the thickening agent for your sauce. Cook the roux for approximately 2 minutes, whisking continuously. This step is vital to cook out the raw flour taste, ensuring a smooth and flavorful sauce base. The mixture should become a pale golden color.

Gradually pour in 2 1/4 cups of whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. As you pour, the sauce will begin to thicken. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in 3/4 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Finally, add 1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg – this is a secret ingredient that truly enhances the richness and warmth of the Alfredo. Season generously to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember, Parmesan cheese is salty, so adjust your seasoning accordingly.

Preparing the Wholesome Broccoli Ricotta Filling

While your Alfredo sauce is simmering, prepare your vibrant broccoli ricotta filling. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of creamy ricotta cheese with 2 cups of steamed and chopped broccoli. For the broccoli, you can steam it on the stovetop or quickly in the microwave (about 2.5 to 3 minutes for tender-crisp florets), ensuring it’s well-drained and chopped into small, manageable pieces. Mix in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Stir all ingredients until well combined, creating a rich and savory filling that beautifully balances the Alfredo sauce.

Assembling Your Delicious Lasagna Roll-Ups

Now comes the fun part – assembly! Lay your cooked and dried lasagna noodles in a single layer on a clean cutting board or a large baking sheet. Take one noodle and spread about 2 tablespoons of the luscious Alfredo sauce evenly over its surface. On top of the Alfredo sauce, spread another 2 tablespoons of the prepared broccoli ricotta mixture. Ensure the filling is spread thinly enough to allow for easy rolling.

Next, spoon a thin, even layer of Alfredo sauce over the bottom of your buttered 9×13 inch baking dish. This initial layer prevents the roll-ups from sticking and adds extra moisture and flavor to the base.

Carefully and gently roll up each lasagna noodle, starting from one end. Place the rolled noodles into the prepared baking dish, seam-side down, ensuring they fit snugly. Continue this process until all eight noodles are rolled and arranged in the dish. Don’t worry if they touch; they will bake together beautifully.

Once all the roll-ups are in place, pour the remaining creamy Alfredo sauce evenly over them. This ensures every bite is drenched in rich flavor and helps to keep the noodles moist during baking. For an extra touch of cheesy goodness, sprinkle additional finely grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the roll-ups. This will create a golden, bubbly crust.

Craving a spicy kick? You must try our Flavorful Cajun Chicken Pasta!

Bake the lasagna roll-ups in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the top begins to turn a lovely golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible! Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the cheese and sauce to set, making for cleaner, easier serving. Serve warm and enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

For another hearty pasta dish, explore our Italian Sausage Rigatoni with Spicy Tomato Cream Sauce!

Expert Tips for Perfect Broccoli Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups

• Noodle Perfection: Always cook your lasagna noodles al dente. They will finish cooking in the oven, and overcooked noodles can become mushy.
• Dry Those Noodles: Laying cooked noodles on paper towels to dry is crucial. Excess moisture can make your roll-ups watery and prevent the sauces from clinging properly.
• Lump-Free Alfredo: When making the Alfredo sauce, gradually add the milk while continuously whisking to ensure a smooth, lump-free consistency. Cooking the flour for two minutes also helps prevent a raw flour taste.
• Don’t Overfill: While tempting, avoid overfilling the noodles with the ricotta mixture. This makes rolling difficult and can cause the filling to spill out during baking.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan: For the best flavor and texture in your Alfredo sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties.
• Broccoli Prep: Ensure your steamed broccoli is well-drained and chopped into small florets or pieces. Large chunks can make the roll-ups bulky.
• Make Ahead Option: You can assemble the roll-ups a day in advance. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, possibly adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time if chilled.
• Resting Time is Key: Allowing the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes after baking helps the sauce and cheese set, making it easier to serve clean, intact roll-ups.

Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips

These Broccoli Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups are hearty enough to be a complete meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a few simple accompaniments. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian baguette is perfect for soaking up any extra creamy Alfredo sauce. For a more elaborate spread, consider serving with roasted asparagus or a side of sautéed spinach.

Storage:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave for individual servings or cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce seems too thick.

Freezing:

These roll-ups freeze beautifully! You can freeze them baked or unbaked.

• To Freeze Unbaked: Assemble the roll-ups in a freezer-safe baking dish, but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed. You might need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
• To Freeze Baked: Allow the baked roll-ups to cool completely. You can freeze individual roll-ups by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or freeze the entire dish. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until heated through, approximately 45-60 minutes, or thaw first and reheat.

Broccoli Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe Card

Broccoli Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

Broccoli Alfredo Lasagna Roll-ups – an easy, meatless, and perfect weeknight meal. Creamy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 700 kcal

Author: Don’t Sweat The Recipe

Ingredients

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 3 tbsp. butter
• 3 tbsp. flour
• 2 1/4 cup whole milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup finely grated Parmesan, divided (3/4 cup for sauce, 1/4 cup for topping)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Broccoli Filling:

• 2 cups broccoli, steamed and chopped
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 8 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 casserole dish and set aside.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to instructions on the package until al dente. Drain and lay flat on paper towels to dry.
3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Whisk the flour into the butter and garlic, and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
5. Gradually pour in whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in 3/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Let simmer until the sauce thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add nutmeg and season to taste with salt and pepper.
6. Spoon a thin layer of the prepared Alfredo sauce onto the bottom of the greased baking dish.
7. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, steamed and chopped broccoli, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
8. Lay cooked noodles in a single layer on a cutting board or baking sheet. Spread about 2 tablespoons of Alfredo sauce over each noodle, then spread 2 tablespoons of the broccoli ricotta mixture over the sauce. Gently roll up each lasagna noodle.
9. Lay the rolled lasagna noodles in the baking dish, seam-side down. Spoon the remaining Alfredo sauce on top of the roll-ups. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the roll-ups.
10. Bake for 20-30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the top is beginning to turn golden brown. Allow to rest for about 10 minutes before serving warm.

Notes

For convenience, I steam the broccoli in the microwave for about 2 1/2 to 3 minutes until tender-crisp.

Nutrition

Calories: 700 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 65g |
Protein: 34g |
Fat: 34g |
Saturated Fat: 20g |
Cholesterol: 107mg |
Sodium: 908mg |
Potassium: 590mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 10g |
Vitamin A: 1410IU |
Vitamin C: 41mg |
Calcium: 670mg |
Iron: 2mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, absolutely! If using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before chopping and adding it to the ricotta mixture. This prevents the filling from becoming watery.

Can I add meat to these roll-ups?

While this recipe is designed as a delicious meatless option, you can certainly add cooked, crumbled chicken or Italian sausage to the ricotta filling if desired. Just be mindful not to overstuff the noodles.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make these roll-ups gluten-free, simply substitute regular lasagna noodles with a good quality gluten-free lasagna noodle. Ensure that all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free if strict adherence is necessary.

What if my Alfredo sauce is too thin or too thick?

If your Alfredo sauce is too thin, you can simmer it for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow it to reduce and thicken. If it becomes too thick, you can thin it out by whisking in a tablespoon or two of warm milk until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I use other cheeses in the filling?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses! While ricotta is traditional, you could substitute part of it with cottage cheese for a lighter option, or add a handful of shredded mozzarella or fontina for extra gooeyness. Just ensure the overall consistency remains suitable for spreading.

Conclusion

These Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups are more than just a meal; they’re an experience. Combining the comforting warmth of traditional lasagna with the vibrant freshness of broccoli and a rich, homemade Alfredo, this dish is a testament to how satisfying and exciting meatless cooking can be. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe that delivers gourmet results, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating your family to a wholesome, flavorful dinner. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and prepare to create a culinary masterpiece that will surely earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!