Name: Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups with Ricotta and Sage Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 package lasagna noodles (can use gluten-free; about 15-16 noodles); 1 cup mashed butternut squash (or canned pumpkin purée); 1¼ cup ricotta cheese, divided; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 1 large egg; 2 Tbsp finely chopped sage, plus more for serving; 1 tsp kosher salt; ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 4 Tbsp unsalted butter; 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour; 2-3 cups warm milk (use 2 cups for thicker sauce, 3 cups for looser sauce); ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ⅛ tsp grated nutmeg; Pinch of cayenne pepper; ½ tsp kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 4 large fresh sage leaves; 2 garlic cloves, smashed; A handful of fresh sage leaves; Neutral oil (for frying)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 3 reviews

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If you’re craving a comfort meal that feels cozy and elegant all at once, you will absolutely fall for this Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups with Ricotta and Sage Recipe. It’s a beautiful twist on classic lasagna, featuring tender noodles rolled up with a luscious, creamy filling of sweet butternut squash, tangy ricotta, and fragrant sage, baked in a silky béchamel sauce that’s bursting with warmth and subtle spice. Each bite is a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet notes, making it an irresistible dish for any season or special occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows cooking ingredients on a white marbled surface, split into two sides. On the left side, there are yellow, wavy lasagna noodles stacked upright, a white bowl with orange mashed butternut squash, a small white bowl with white ricotta cheese, and a clear small bowl with salt and pepper. Below that, fresh green sage leaves next to a brown egg, and a wide white bowl filled with shredded mozzarella cheese. A metal measuring cup with grated parmesan is also visible. On the right side, there's a small black bowl with white butter blocks, a small white bowl with white flour, a small white bowl with spices (cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, nutmeg), fresh green sage leaves, two garlic cloves, a small white bowl with more parmesan, and a clear jug filled with white milk. All ingredients are neatly placed with visible labels. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups with Ricotta and Sage Recipe plays a starring role—simple, fresh, and full of flavor that melds together into a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

Lasagna noodles: The foundation that holds everything together; opt for gluten-free if needed, but be gentle when cooking to keep them intact.
Butternut squash purée: Adds natural sweetness and smooth texture, or swap in pumpkin purée in a pinch for similar comfort vibes.
Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it’s essential for that luscious filling, and a little extra helps adjust consistency perfectly.
Parmesan cheese: Providing a nutty, salty punch, it works wonders both in the filling and sprinkled on top for golden perfection.
Egg: Acts as a binder to keep the filling firm and spreadable, ensuring your roll-ups hold their shape beautifully.
Fresh sage: The herbaceous star, finely chopped for the filling and whole leaves for garnishing and infusing the béchamel sauce.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings to highlight all the flavors without overpowering.
Mozzarella cheese: Gooey and melty, it adds delightful stringiness and richness, both inside and on top of the roll-ups.
Butter and flour: These create the roux for the béchamel sauce, giving it that creamy, velvety texture.
Milk (warm): To thin out the béchamel, the amount controls how thick or saucy your final dish turns out—make it your perfect comfort level.
Grated nutmeg and cayenne pepper: Just a hint of spice and warmth that elevate the béchamel sauce beyond ordinary.
Garlic cloves: Added to the béchamel for a gentle aromatic base without overwhelming the dish.
Neutral oil: Handy for frying sage leaves, creating crispy, fragrant garnishes that really impress.

How to Make Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups with Ricotta and Sage Recipe

Step 1: Cook the lasagna noodles

Start by cooking your lasagna noodles until al dente, following the package instructions closely. Once drained, lay them flat on a rimmed baking sheet and lightly oil the surface or spray with cooking spray. This step keeps them from sticking together and makes them easier to handle when it’s time to roll. It’s an essential step since delicate noodles that break too much can turn your roll-ups into a messy situation you definitely want to avoid.

Step 2: Make the filling

In a large bowl, combine the mashed butternut squash purée, ricotta, grated Parmesan, egg, chopped sage, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently until everything is smooth and well incorporated. If your mixture feels a bit too thick or stiff to spread nicely along the noodles, fold in the remaining ricotta to loosen it up just the right amount. The result should be creamy, fragrant, and full of that inviting savory-sweet flavor that’s signature to this dish.

Step 3: Prepare the béchamel sauce

Melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan, then whisk in flour and cook until the mixture turns a light golden color—this step cooks out the raw flour taste. Slowly add warm milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps, and bring to a gentle simmer. Then, reduce heat to low and add fresh sage leaves and smashed garlic cloves to infuse the sauce with fragrant herbal and garlic notes. Let it thicken slowly until it’s luxuriously velvety, then stir in Parmesan, nutmeg, cayenne, salt, and pepper. This sauce is the heart of what makes your Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups with Ricotta and Sage Recipe irresistibly creamy and comforting.

Step 4: Assemble the roll-ups

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread out the noodles on a clean surface and evenly spread 2 to 3 tablespoons of the filling onto each noodle. Sprinkle a little shredded mozzarella over the filling, then roll the noodles up tightly from one end to the other. This step is so satisfying; watching these little rolls come together is like crafting delicious edible treasures. Set each roll-up aside as you finish all of them.

Step 5: Bake to bubbly perfection

Discard the sage leaves and garlic from your béchamel, then spread half of the sauce evenly on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange your beautiful roll-ups in the dish—either laying flat or standing on their sides for a striking presentation. Pour over the remaining béchamel and sprinkle the top with the rest of the shredded mozzarella. Bake for about 30 minutes until the sauce bubbles and the cheese on top turns golden with tantalizing edges. This stage fills your kitchen with a warm, cozy aroma that’ll have you counting down the minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle those roll-ups with extra grated Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and a few crispy fried sage leaves if you have time (they add a dreamy crunch and aroma). Serve the roll-ups warm and enjoy the sighs of delight that follow with every bite. You’ve just made a dish that turns simple ingredients into something truly special.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups with Ricotta and Sage Recipe

Two rolled pasta layers stuffed with a creamy orange filling and covered with a white sauce, topped with small green sage leaves and sprinkled with black pepper. The edges of the pasta have a wavy texture and the rolls sit in a shallow pool of the white sauce on a white round plate. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding crispy fried sage leaves not only elevates the dish visually but introduces a delicate crunch and herbal brightness that complements the creamy filling perfectly. A light dusting of extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper adds a sharp, savory contrast to the mellow squash and creamy cheese, making every bite pop with flavor.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, consider pairing these roll-ups with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or brussels sprouts. The freshness and texture variety these sides bring make for a balanced, memorable dinner that feels indulgent yet nourishing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, arrange the lasagna roll-ups standing side by side in your baking dish—this showcases the spiral of filling beautifully when you serve. You could also plate individual roll-ups on square plates and drizzle a little extra béchamel sauce or a sage-infused oil around the edges, turning your meal into a gorgeous dining experience that feels restaurant-worthy at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups with Ricotta and Sage Recipe, cool any leftovers completely, then cover them tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days and can be reheated easily for a quick, comforting meal on a busy day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Assemble the roll-ups and layer them in your baking dish, then cover with béchamel and cheese as usual. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake them from frozen at a slightly lower temperature for a longer time to ensure they heat through evenly.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftovers in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Removing the foil in the last 5 minutes helps the cheese crisp back up nicely, restoring that fresh-from-the-oven magic.

FAQs

Can I use pumpkin instead of butternut squash?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée works just as well and offers a similar creamy texture and sweet-earthy flavor, making it a convenient alternative in this Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups with Ricotta and Sage Recipe.

What if I don’t have fresh sage?

Fresh sage is ideal because it provides that unique aromatic quality to the dish, but if you don’t have it, a small amount of dried sage can be used in a pinch—just reduce the quantity, as dried herbs tend to be more concentrated.

Can I make this dish vegan or dairy-free?

To adapt this recipe, swap ricotta and mozzarella for vegan cheese alternatives and use a plant-based milk and butter substitute for the béchamel. Be mindful that the flavor and texture will differ slightly, but it can still be wonderfully comforting.

Do I need to boil the noodles before rolling?

Yes, boiling your lasagna noodles until they’re just al dente is crucial. It makes them pliable enough to roll without breaking and ensures a tender bite in the final dish. Fresh no-boil noodles generally aren’t sturdy enough for roll-ups.

Can I prepare the roll-ups ahead of time before baking?

You can absolutely assemble the roll-ups and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before baking. This is a great time saver for busy days or dinner parties.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the way this Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups with Ricotta and Sage Recipe transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a cozy, elegant dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these roll-ups offer a perfect way to enjoy the comforting flavors of fall year-round. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite to add to your recipe rotation!

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