If you’re looking to cozy up your dinner routine with a dish that’s just bursting with autumn vibes, you’ve got to try my Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe. I absolutely love how this comes together—layer after layer of creamy ricotta, roasted butternut squash, and savory béchamel sauce wrapped up in tender lasagna sheets, baked in a rich tomato sauce that makes your kitchen smell divine. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting friends, these roll-ups strike the perfect balance between comfort and elegance that everyone will rave about.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort in Every Bite: The creamy ricotta, roasted squash, and cheesy béchamel come together for a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’ll warm you up instantly.
Versatility: Whether you want to keep it vegetarian or add turkey slices for extra protein, this recipe flexes beautifully to suit your preferences.
Make Ahead Friendly: I love that you can prep these in advance and bake them when you’re ready, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.
Beautiful Presentation: Those curled-edge riccia sheets rolled up with filling are not only tasty but make for a stunning dish on any table.

The image shows a round silver pan filled with layered lasagna, featuring two main layers of ruffled pasta sheets baked with a rich, thick red tomato sauce and melted golden cheese on top. The surface of the lasagna has a slightly browned texture with spots where the cheese has melted deeply into the sauce. Surrounding the pan are small white bowls with green chopped herbs and red pepper flakes, a piece of hard cheese on a wooden board, multiple empty clear wine glasses, and golden cutlery placed on a gray fabric napkin, all resting on a wooden table. The photo has a warm, inviting feel with natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about balancing fresh ingredients and comforting flavors. I always recommend using good-quality olive oil and fresh herbs to really bring out the best in this Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe.

Butternut Squash: Roasted for natural sweetness and softness that blends perfectly into the filling.
Olive Oil: Split between roasting and sautéeing, the quality here makes a big difference in flavor.
Onions: Caramelized to add a gentle sweetness and depth to the filling.
Fresh Sage and Thyme: Earthy herbs that lift the whole dish without being overpowering.
Jalapeno: Adds a subtle kick—you can remove the seeds for less heat or skip it if you prefer mild flavors.
Pasta Sauce: Use your favorite jarred variety or homemade for that perfect tomato base.
Lasagna Riccia Sheets: The curled edges hold fillings well and add a lovely rustic look.
Butter and Flour: For the béchamel sauce — make sure to cook the roux properly for that silky texture.
Milk: Warmed before adding to the roux to prevent lumps.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild, it balances the sweet squash beautifully.
Mozzarella Cheese: For that gooey, melty cheese pull everyone loves.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds nuttiness and sharpness; use some inside and reserve some for topping.
Turkey Deli Slices (Optional): Adds a smoky protein layer, but honestly, these are just as delicious without.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about this Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe is how easily it adapts. I often tweak it depending on what I have on hand or the season, and you should feel free to do the same!

Meatless Version: Leave out the turkey slices entirely; the béchamel, cheese, and squash keep it hearty enough to satisfy vegetarians.
Spicy Kick: Add more jalapeno or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the béchamel for heat — my family loves a little heat in their comfort food!
Greens Added: Toss some fresh spinach or kale into the ricotta mixture to sneak in some greens without overpowering the flavor.
Different Cheese Combos: Try swapping mozzarella with fontina or provolone for a different melt and flavor profile.

How to Make Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Toss each half with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then place cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast for about 45 minutes or until the flesh is tender and caramelized around the edges. This slow roasting is key—it brings out the natural sweetness that makes the filling sing.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the squash roasts, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook gently until caramelized, about 15 minutes. Stir in chopped sage and diced jalapeño, cooking just until fragrant (don’t let the jalapeño overpower). Once the squash is cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh and mash it with the onion mixture, seasoning with salt and pepper—a fabulous combo of sweet, savory, and a bit of heat.

Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook for a minute to remove the raw flour taste, then gradually whisk in warm milk until smooth and thickened. Add fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. This creamy béchamel will add richness that ties the squash filling and cheeses together perfectly.

Step 4: Assemble the Roll-Ups

Boil your lasagna riccia sheets following the package instructions until al dente (they’ll finish cooking in the oven). Lightly oil a baking dish with butter. Lay the noodles flat, and spread a thin layer of béchamel, then a scoop of the squash mixture, a dollop of ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and if you’re using them, a slice or two of turkey. Roll each sheet tightly and place seam side down in the pan on top of a thin layer of pasta sauce. Repeat until all noodles are used.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the roll-ups with the remaining pasta sauce, sprinkle with grated Parmesan, and bake uncovered at 375°F for about 40-50 minutes or until bubbly and golden around the edges. This step melds all the flavors and creates a beautiful crispy top that’s oh so satisfying.

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Pro Tips for Making Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

Roast Squash Low and Slow: Trust me, roasting at 425°F caramelizes the sugars, but don’t rush it; softer squash means smoother filling.
Warm Your Milk: Adding warm milk to the roux avoids lumps and creates that silky béchamel texture you’re after.
Don’t Overfill Your Rolls: Too much filling can make rolling tricky and cause them to burst during baking.
Let It Rest: After baking, let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes so the sauce settles and cutting the roll-ups is easier.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

The image shows a round metal pan filled with eight stuffed pasta shells, each topped with red tomato sauce and sprinkled with green herbs and grated cheese. Two white plates with dark rims hold a single stuffed shell covered in sauce, herbs, and cheese positioned above the pan. The pan and plates sit on a wooden table with a small white bowl of chopped green herbs to the left and a wooden board holding a cheese grater and a block of cheese to the right. Gold forks rest on a grey napkin near the bottom right. The light reflects warmly on the food, and a glass of white wine is visible near the top right corner. The surface behind is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to scatter chopped fresh parsley or basil on top just before serving; it adds a bright freshness and a pop of color. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan is always a crowd-pleaser — it adds that lovely salty finish that everyone secretly loves.

Side Dishes

For sides, a simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Sometimes, I roast a tray of balsamic-glazed Brussels sprouts or garlic green beans to round out the meal with some veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making these for guests, serve the roll-ups individually on plates with a drizzle of olive oil and a few chili flakes sprinkled on top for a touch of heat and drama. I’ve even assembled smaller roll-ups as appetizers for parties, which everyone loved — bite-sized and full of flavor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover the lasagna roll-ups tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. I’ve found that refrigerating overnight actually helps the flavors meld even more — great for prepping ahead of time.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, assemble the roll-ups but don’t bake them yet. Wrap them tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container, where they’ll keep for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen — just add a bit more time to ensure it’s heated through.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until warmed through. Removing the foil during the last 5 minutes helps re-crisp the top edges. Microwaving is an option but can make the pasta a bit softer than ideal.

FAQs

Can I use regular lasagna sheets instead of riccia sheets?

Absolutely! Riccia sheets are traditional with curled edges that help hold the filling better, but regular flat lasagna noodles work just fine. You might want to be extra careful rolling them to prevent tearing.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! Just skip the turkey deli slices for a delicious vegetarian meal. The combination of roasted squash, cheeses, and béchamel is hearty and satisfying without meat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

With some tweaks, yes! Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and substitute all-purpose flour in the béchamel with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or cornstarch to keep the sauce creamy.
How far ahead can I assemble the roll-ups?

You can assemble them the day before and keep them covered in the fridge until baking time. This is a lifesaver when you want to streamline dinner prep without sacrificing flavor.
What if I don’t have fresh sage or thyme?

Fresh herbs do add the best flavor, but dried will work in a pinch. Use about one-third of the amount called for and add them early in the cooking process to bloom the flavors.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe, I was blown away by how the humble squash transformed into something so velvety and irresistible, wrapped up with cheesy goodness. Now, it’s a fixture in my kitchen during fall and winter—even my pickiest eaters can’t get enough! I promise, once you give it a shot, this recipe will become one of those special go-tos you pull out whenever you want to impress with minimal fuss. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves and make this comforting dream of a dish your next dinner triumph.