Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups: Your Ultimate Easy & Flavorful Meatless Dinner
Discover the delightful world of Broccoli Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups – a dish that effortlessly combines elegance with incredible comfort. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, these individual roll-ups offer a sophisticated twist on classic lasagna, making them an instant family favorite. This recipe delivers a harmonious blend of tender lasagna noodles, a rich, velvety homemade Alfredo sauce, and a vibrant, creamy broccoli-ricotta filling. It’s a truly satisfying meatless meal that even the most dedicated meat-eaters will adore, proving that vegetarian dishes can be utterly decadent and bursting with flavor.
If you’re searching for a meal that’s both nourishing and incredibly delicious, these lasagna roll-ups are your answer. Each portion is perfectly sized, making serving a breeze and ensuring every bite is packed with the creamy, cheesy goodness you crave. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor achieved with fresh ingredients and a homemade touch. Say goodbye to heavy, traditional layered lasagnas and hello to these lighter, yet equally satisfying, roll-ups.
Seeking another delicious dessert? You’ll love our Strawberry Shortcake!
The Irresistible Appeal of Broccoli Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups
Broccoli Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups are more than just a meal; they’re an experience. They present a fantastic way to incorporate healthy vegetables like broccoli into a comforting pasta dish without compromising on taste. The individual roll-ups are not only appealing visually but also make portion control and serving incredibly easy. No more messy slices from a large casserole! Each roll-up is a neat, flavorful package ready to be enjoyed.
Crafting the Perfect Alfredo Sauce
The heart of these roll-ups is undoubtedly the rich Alfredo sauce. Preparing a truly spectacular Alfredo from scratch is surprisingly simple and yields a flavor that store-bought versions can’t match. Begin by melting high-quality butter in a large skillet over medium heat. This forms the essential base. Next, add minced garlic and sauté it until it becomes wonderfully fragrant – typically about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste.
Once the garlic is fragrant, whisk in the flour. This creates a roux, which is crucial for thickening the sauce. Cook this mixture for approximately 2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook out its raw taste, while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in 3/4 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. A final touch of freshly grated nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor that elevates the Alfredo. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed to complement the rich cheese and creamy texture.
Preparing the Filling and Noodles
For the vibrant and flavorful filling, start by steaming and chopping your broccoli. Steaming ensures the broccoli is tender but still retains a slight bite and its beautiful green color. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the steamed and chopped broccoli with creamy ricotta cheese, fragrant Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined, creating a rich and savory mixture that will perfectly complement the Alfredo sauce.
Next, prepare your lasagna noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions until al dente. Overcooked noodles can be difficult to roll, so pay attention to the cooking time. Once cooked, lay the noodles in a single layer on paper towels or a clean surface to dry slightly and prevent sticking. This step is crucial for easy handling during assembly.
Assembling Your Lasagna Roll-Ups
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by generously buttering it. This prevents sticking and adds a little extra flavor to the bottom layer. Spread a thin layer of the prepared Alfredo sauce evenly over the bottom of the baking dish. This will create a moist base for your roll-ups and prevent them from drying out.
Now, for the fun part: assembly! Lay each cooked lasagna noodle flat on a cutting board. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the homemade Alfredo sauce over the entire surface of each noodle. On top of the Alfredo sauce, evenly spread another 2 tablespoons of the broccoli-ricotta mixture. Gently but firmly roll up each lasagna noodle, starting from one end. Place the rolled-up noodles in the prepared baking dish, seam-side down, ensuring they fit snugly without being overly crowded. This method not only makes for a beautiful presentation but also ensures even cooking and perfect individual portions.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Once all the lasagna roll-ups are neatly arranged in the baking dish, pour the remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the top, ensuring each roll-up is generously coated. For an extra layer of cheesy goodness and a beautiful golden crust, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the entire dish. This final touch will melt and bubble, creating an irresistible top layer. Bake the roll-ups for 20-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top has turned a beautiful golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely incredible!
Don’t miss our Cajun Chicken Pasta for another flavor-packed meal!
Allow the lasagna roll-ups to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This resting period is crucial as it allows the sauce to settle and the roll-ups to firm up slightly, making them easier to serve and preventing them from falling apart. Serve warm, perhaps garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. These roll-ups pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread, making for a complete and utterly satisfying meal.
For a robust and hearty pasta, give our Italian Sausage Rigatoni with Spicy Tomato Cream Sauce a try!
Broccoli Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
Broccoli Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
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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
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Broccoli Filling:
- 2 cups broccoli, steamed and chopped 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
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 casserole dish and set aside.
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Boil lasagna noodles according to instructions on the box.
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Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and saute until garlic is fragrant about 30 seconds.
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Whisk the flour into the butter and garlic and cook until for about 2 minutes.
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Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly. Bring mixture to a simmer then stir in 3/4 cup parmesan. Let simmer until the sauce thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add nutmeg and season to taste with salt and pepper.
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Spoon a thin layer of sauce onto the bottom of the baking dish.
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Combine ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, broccoli, salt and pepper.
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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 the lasagna noodles.
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Lay the roll-ups in the baking dish seam-side-down. Spoon remaining sauce on top of the roll-ups. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup parmesan over roll-ups.
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Bake for 20-30 minutes, until the sauce, is bubbling and it’s beginning to turn golden brown. Allow to rest about 10 minutes, and serve warm.