Name: Lasagna Roll Ups With Cottage Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or jarred, plus more for serving); 8 lasagna noodles (uncooked, wheat or gluten-free); 16 ounces 2% cottage cheese (drained); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 1/4 cup parsley (chopped); 2 tablespoons pesto (prepared or homemade); 1 egg (large); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; black pepper (to taste); 1/2 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese (shredded (about 3 oz)); basil or parsley (optional for garnish)

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There’s something wonderfully cozy about lasagna, but when you want the same comforting flavors without the slices and layers, Lasagna Roll Ups With Cottage Cheese answer the call. These tender pasta rolls stuffed with a creamy cottage cheese filling, brightened with pesto and parsley, and baked in a vibrant marinara sauce are perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or a make-ahead meal that reheats beautifully.

This version uses simple pantry staples and a short ingredient list that comes together faster than traditional lasagna. I love the lighter texture the cottage cheese gives compared with ricotta, and combining it with Parmesan and a bit of pesto creates depth without extra fuss. Serve with a crisp salad and a little extra sauce for dunking—the contrast of silky filling, al dente noodles, and tangy tomato is irresistible.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Faster to assemble than classic layered lasagna but just as satisfying.
Uses cottage cheese for a lighter, protein-rich filling with excellent texture.
Customizable: swap in whole-wheat or gluten-free lasagna noodles to match dietary needs.
Make-ahead friendly: roll ups assemble ahead and bake when you’re ready.

Ingredients

Make sure you have everything measured and ready before you start rolling. This recipe yields multiple servings and is ideal for sharing.

2 cups homemade or jarred marinara sauce, plus more for serving
8 uncooked lasagna noodles, wheat or gluten-free
16 ounces 2% cottage cheese, I like Good Culture, drained
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley
2 tablespoons pesto, prepared or homemade
1 large egg
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Black pepper to taste
1/2 cup part skim mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 3 oz)
Basil or parsley, optional for garnish

Before you begin

Drain the cottage cheese well. Excess liquid will make the filling runny and harder to manage when rolling. If you’re using jarred marinara, pick a flavorful one—roasted garlic or basil-forward sauces work especially well. If you prefer a chunkier or smoother sauce, either will be delicious. Preheat your oven and have a 9×13-inch baking dish ready for the rolls.

Step-by-step Instructions

Follow these clear steps to build, bake, and serve the best Lasagna Roll Ups With Cottage Cheese. The directions remain in the order of the original recipe but have been rewritten for clarity and ease.

Prep the noodles:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 8 uncooked lasagna noodles and cook until they are very pliable but not falling apart—usually 8 to 10 minutes depending on the brand. Stir gently so the noodles don’t stick together.

Once tender, drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or a countertop dusted with a little olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the filling.
Make the filling:

In a medium bowl, combine the 16 ounces of drained 2% cottage cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 2 tablespoons prepared pesto, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix until the ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture is creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired.
Spread the sauce in the baking dish:

Pour 1 to 1 1/2 cups of the 2 cups of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer. This creates a flavorful base and prevents the noodles from sticking to the pan during baking.
Assemble the roll ups:

Place one cooked lasagna noodle on a clean surface. Spoon approximately 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cottage cheese filling over one end of the noodle and spread it into a thin layer, leaving a small margin on the edges so filling doesn’t squeeze out. Repeat with the remaining noodles and filling. When each noodle is filled, roll it up tightly, starting at the filled end and rolling to enclose the filling completely.

Arrange the filled rolls seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, placing them snugly in rows so they support each other as they bake. You should fit 8 rolls comfortably in a 9×13 pan.
Add sauce and cheese:

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the arranged roll ups, using just enough to coat the tops and seep between the rolls—about 1/2 to 1 cup of sauce. Sprinkle the 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce-covered rolls. If you like extra cheesiness, add a little more mozzarella or a light dusting of additional Parmesan.
Bake:

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and just starting to brown and the sauce is bubbly around the edges.
Rest and garnish:

Take the dish out of the oven and let the roll ups rest for 5 minutes. This brief rest time helps the filling set so the rolls hold their shape when transferred to plates. Garnish with fresh basil or additional chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Serve:

Spoon extra warmed marinara sauce onto plates, place 2 to 3 roll ups per serving on top, and finish with a crack of fresh black pepper. These pair beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for an indulgent but balanced meal.

Make-ahead and storage tips

To assemble ahead: Prepare roll ups through step 4, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove plastic wrap, top with sauce and cheese, cover with foil, and add 5–10 minutes to the covered baking time to accommodate the chilled filling.
To freeze: Arrange unbaked roll ups in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking and follow the directions, adding extra time if still slightly chilled.
Leftovers: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil, or microwave individual portions until warmed through.

Ingredient swaps and variations

Feel free to tailor these Lasagna Roll Ups With Cottage Cheese to your taste or pantry:

Make it spinach-forward: Fold 1 to 1 1/2 cups of cooked, squeezed-dry spinach into the cottage cheese mixture for a verdant boost.
Protein addition: Stir 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken or ground turkey into the filling for a heartier roll up.
Cheese-free option: Replace the Parmesan and mozzarella with a flavored dairy-free blend to keep a similar texture but different flavor profile.
Herb swaps: Swap parsley for basil or a mix of both to change the herbaceous notes.
Sauce choices: Use a spicy arrabbiata or a roasted tomato and garlic marinara for different levels of brightness and heat.

Common questions

Can I skip boiling the noodles? No—uncooked lasagna noodles must be softened before rolling. Some no-boil noodles exist, but check packaging and follow those instructions; otherwise, cook until pliable so they roll easily without cracking.

Do I have to drain the cottage cheese? Yes. Draining removes excess whey, ensuring a thick filling that won’t leak out of the noodles while they bake. Place cottage cheese in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a paper towel for 10–15 minutes before using.

How many roll ups per person? Plan on 2 to 3 roll ups per person, depending on appetite and what else you’re serving.

Final notes

The beauty of these Lasagna Roll Ups With Cottage Cheese is their simplicity. They capture all the layers of flavor you love in traditional lasagna—tomato, cheesy creaminess, and a fragrant herb kick—while being easier to assemble and portion. Whether you’re feeding a family, bringing a dish to share, or prepping dinners for the week, these roll ups are a dependable crowd-pleaser that reheats and freezes well.

Enjoy the satisfaction of a classic comfort-dish flavor delivered in a neat, approachable little package. Serve hot, with extra marinara on the side for dipping, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs to finish—simple joys on a plate.