Lasagna Roll Ups with Cottage Cheese: A Lighter, Creamy Twist on a Classic Favorite

If you love lasagna but want a dish that’s easier to serve, quicker to assemble, and a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor, lasagna roll ups with cottage cheese are the perfect solution. These individual pasta rolls deliver all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna—rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, melty cheese, and savory filling—while offering better portion control and a creamy, satisfying texture.

This recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, make-ahead meals, family gatherings, and even meal prep. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make perfect lasagna roll ups with cottage cheese, why cottage cheese works so well, and how to customize the dish to suit your taste.

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Why Lasagna Roll Ups Are So Popular

Lasagna roll ups have surged in popularity because they are:

• Easier to serve than layered lasagna
• Faster to assemble
• Perfectly portioned
• Customizable with different fillings
• Freezer-friendly

Each roll holds its shape, cooks evenly, and looks beautiful on the plate.

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Why Use Cottage Cheese Instead of Ricotta?

Cottage cheese is an excellent alternative to ricotta for lasagna roll ups.

Benefits of Cottage Cheese

• Lower in fat and calories
• Higher in protein
• Naturally creamy when blended
• Mild flavor that absorbs seasoning well

When properly seasoned and mixed, cottage cheese becomes smooth and rich—many people can’t even tell the difference.

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What Makes These Lasagna Roll Ups Perfect

Perfect lasagna roll ups strike a balance between:

• Tender pasta that doesn’t tear
• Creamy, well-seasoned filling
• Rich tomato sauce
• Even cheese coverage

Using cottage cheese helps keep the filling light while still delivering classic lasagna flavor.

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Ingredients for Lasagna Roll Ups with Cottage Cheese

Pasta

• Lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)

Cheese Filling

• Cottage cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg (optional, for structure)

Sauce

• Marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Seasonings

• Garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Optional Add-Ins

• Spinach
• Ground beef or Italian sausage
• Mushrooms
• Zucchini

These ingredients combine into a hearty yet balanced dish.

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Choosing the Best Cottage Cheese

For best results:

• Use small-curd cottage cheese
• Choose full-fat or 2% for creaminess
• Blend briefly if you prefer a smoother texture

Blending cottage cheese creates a ricotta-like consistency that works beautifully in roll ups.

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How to Make Lasagna Roll Ups with Cottage Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Boil lasagna noodles in well-salted water until just al dente. Lay them flat on parchment or foil to prevent sticking.

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Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling

In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. Blend if desired.

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Step 3: Assemble the Roll Ups

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the baking dish. Spoon cheese filling evenly onto each noodle, spreading edge to edge. Roll up gently.

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Step 4: Arrange and Sauce

Place rolls seam-side down in the dish. Spoon additional marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with mozzarella.

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Step 5: Bake

Cover with foil and bake until bubbly. Remove foil and bake briefly to melt and lightly brown the cheese.

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Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the roll ups rest before serving to help them set and hold their shape.

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How to Prevent Lasagna Roll Ups from Falling Apart

• Do not overcook noodles
• Spread filling evenly
• Roll gently but snugly
• Place seam-side down

These steps ensure clean, intact rolls.

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Lasagna Roll Up Variations

Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups

Add chopped cooked spinach to the filling for extra nutrients.

Meat Lasagna Roll Ups

Layer cooked ground beef or sausage over the filling before rolling.

Vegetable Lasagna Roll Ups

Use mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted vegetables.

White Sauce Lasagna Roll Ups

Replace marinara with Alfredo or béchamel sauce.

Gluten-Free Lasagna Roll Ups

Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.

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Make-Ahead and Freezer Instructions

Lasagna roll ups are ideal for meal prep.

Make Ahead

Assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked roll ups for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen with extra time.

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How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerate: up to 4 days
• Reheat in oven for best texture
• Microwave for convenience

Add extra sauce if reheating to keep rolls moist.

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What to Serve with Lasagna Roll Ups

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Steamed broccoli

These sides complement the rich, cheesy rolls.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling the noodles
• Skipping seasoning in the cheese mixture
• Using watery cottage cheese
• Baking uncovered too long

Avoiding these mistakes ensures perfect results.

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Why This Recipe Works

• Cottage cheese provides creaminess and protein
• Individual rolls bake evenly
• Balanced sauce-to-cheese ratio
• Easy to customize

This method produces consistent, restaurant-quality lasagna roll ups.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute ricotta for cottage cheese?
Yes, in equal amounts.

Do I need to blend the cottage cheese?
No, but blending creates a smoother filling.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely—skip meat and add vegetables.

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Conclusion

Lasagna roll ups with cottage cheese are a modern, lighter take on a beloved classic. Creamy, comforting, and beautifully portioned, they’re perfect for busy weeknights, entertaining, or make-ahead meals.

Once you try this version, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

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