Veggie-Packed Delight Recipe

If you’re ready to cozy up to the ultimate comfort food, these Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups are your new go-to. Each bite sings with creamy, cheesy filling, tender pasta, and a sweet, earthy butternut squash—it’s no wonder this dish has earned its place as a Veggie-Packed Delight in my repertoire. With layers of flavor and color from fresh spinach and a velvety béchamel drizzle, this recipe captures everything we love about a hearty lasagna with a much lighter feel. Whether you’re cooking for family, trying to impress guests, or sneaking more veggies into dinner, these roll-ups always deliver big on flavor, warmth, and joy.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Veggie-Packed Delight is handpicked for maximum impact—simple, accessible, and each plays a starring role in taste, texture, or color. Don’t let the short list fool you: this dish is much greater than the sum of its parts.

• Lasagna Noodles: Go for classic or no-boil noodles; they create the perfect tender base for rolling and holding all that goodness.
• Butternut Squash Purée: Roasted and mashed or canned both work; it gives a naturally sweet, velvety filling that pairs beautifully with cheese.
• Ricotta Cheese: This mild, creamy cheese lightens and enriches every bite for that classic lasagna texture.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Meltiness galore! It’s sprinkled both inside and on top for those dreamy cheese pulls.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch to the filling and enhances every layer.
• Egg: Helps bind the filling, so your roll-ups stay deliciously together.
• Garlic (minced): Just one clove brings the whole filling to life with aromatic flair.
• Salt and Black Pepper: The essentials that ensure every flavor shines.
• Nutmeg: A tiny pinch deepens and warms the squash flavor—don’t skip it!
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the spinach and adding luxurious richness.
• Baby Spinach (sautéed): A pop of color and nutrition; feel free to sub with kale or chard if you like.
• Béchamel or Alfredo Sauce: Whether homemade or store-bought, this creamy sauce ties everything together with a silky finish.
• Fresh Sage or Parsley (optional): The final green touch, for fragrance and flair at serving time.

How to Make Veggie-Packed Delight

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, just until al dente. Drain them gently, then lay each noodle flat on a parchment-lined surface to keep them from sticking—this way, you’ll have perfect strips ready for rolling.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine your butternut squash purée, creamy ricotta, egg, Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a whisper of nutmeg. Stir until everything is smooth and beautifully golden. Fold in the sautéed spinach so the veggie goodness is evenly tucked in. This filling is the secret to our Veggie-Packed Delight’s flavor.

Step 3: Roll Up the Lasagna

Working with one noodle at a time, spread a generous spoonful of filling down the length. Roll it up from one end to the other—it’s a little like rolling a savory cinnamon roll. Repeat until you have ten gorgeous, veggie-stuffed spirals.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Coat the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish with a thin layer of béchamel or Alfredo sauce. This creates a creamy bed for your roll-ups and keeps them from sticking. Nestle each rolled noodle seam-side down into the dish, then spoon the rest of the sauce over the top and shower with the remaining mozzarella.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover your baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10 minutes, letting the cheese get bubbly and golden. Don’t skip the final rest—give your Veggie-Packed Delight five minutes to settle before serving.

How to Serve Veggie-Packed Delight

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh sage or parsley on top instantly transforms your dish from weeknight cozy to dinner party chic. Not only does it add a pop of green, but it brings a fresh fragrance that highlights the savory-sweet flavors of the lasagna and butternut squash.

Side Dishes

Round out your meal with a crisp green salad, roasted seasonal veggies, or a slice of rustic bread perfect for mopping up every bit of sauce. These sides play beautifully with the creamy, hearty nature of your Veggie-Packed Delight.

Creative Ways to Present

The beauty of these roll-ups is in their versatility. Arrange them in a single layer for dramatic swirls, or group them tightly for a family-style effect. Try serving individual portions on pretty plates with extra sauce pooling around—looks impressive, requires zero extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftovers tightly and pop them in the fridge. The flavors deepen overnight, making your next-day lunch even more delicious. These rolled portions reheat surprisingly well and hold their structure beautifully.

Freezing

Lasagna roll-ups are a meal-planner’s dream. You can assemble your Veggie-Packed Delight up to the point of baking, then freeze tightly wrapped. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to your usual time, and dinner’s done whenever you need it most.

Reheating

For best results, cover roll-ups loosely with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through. Individual portions can also be microwaved in a pinch, but the oven method keeps the sauce silky and the cheese melty.

FAQs

Can I make this with gluten-free noodles?

Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles—just watch the cook time, as they can get soft quickly. The rest of the Veggie-Packed Delight recipe remains unchanged and just as tasty.

Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

You can swap in your go-to vegan ricotta and mozzarella, use an egg replacer, and opt for plant-based Alfredo. The butternut squash base still delivers that signature Veggie-Packed Delight creaminess you crave.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Try folding in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers for a twist. This recipe is wonderfully flexible, letting you make your Veggie-Packed Delight even more colorful and robust.

How can I keep the noodles from tearing?

Handling cooked noodles gently and laying them flat on parchment or a little oil ensures they stay smooth. If a noodle breaks, you can still spread filling and roll it up—just tuck the seam on the bottom.

What’s the best way to serve this at a dinner party?

Arrange the roll-ups in a pretty baking dish and garnish generously with fresh herbs. Serve on warm plates with a drizzle of extra béchamel for a restaurant-worthy presentation—guests will love your Veggie-Packed Delight!

Final Thoughts

Few dishes bring as much coziness and color to the table as this Veggie-Packed Delight. Whether you’re cooking for comfort, nutrition, or pure joy, these butternut squash lasagna roll-ups are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give them a try and watch your table light up with smiles!

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