High-Protein Butternut Squash Lasagna Rollups
Ingredients
- 9 ozgluten-free lasagna noodles
12 sheets needed
- 1 tspolive oil
additional for greasing
- 1 lbground italian chicken sausage
spicy or sweet, or pork sausage
- 16 ozcottage cheese
4% milkfat recommended
- 1 tspdried basil
- 1 tspgarlic powder
- 1 tspdried oregano
- 1 tspkosher salt
- ½ tspground black pepper
- ½ tspground sage
- ¼ tspground nutmeg
- 1 cfinely chopped baby spinach
- ⅓ cgrated parmesan cheese
- 2 cmashed or puréed butternut squash
divided, instructions included in notes
- ⅝ cshredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
- 1
Prepare the lasagna noodles according to package instructions to cook al dente (be careful when handling since they can break easily). Drain and add back to the pot. Drizzle with olive oil while hot to prevent sticking.
- 2
While the pasta cooks, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken sausage and cook until browned all over, breaking up into small crumbles as it cooks, 5 to 7 minutes. Set aside.
- 3
Preheat the oven to 400ºF and grease a 9x13 baking dish with olive oil. Add the cottage cheese, basil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, sage, and nutmeg to a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth, about 60 seconds. Divide evenly between two bowls, about 1 cup each.
- 4
Add the cooked and cooled chicken sausage, one cup of the cottage cheese mixture, the spinach, parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of the butternut squash to a large bowl. Mix to combine.
- 5
One or two at a time, place a lasagna sheet on the baking dish and add 3 to 4 tablespoons of the sausage mixture to one end. Carefully roll tightly from the filled end (see video for example) and push to one end of the baking dish. Continue this process until you have 12 roll ups arranged in two rows of 6.
- 6
Top the lasagna rolls with the remaining cottage cheese mixture spread evenly across the tops. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining butternut squash on top (see photo for reference). Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over top. Bake until the cheese is melted, about 7 minutes, then increase the oven to high broil and broil until bubbling and brown on top, 3 to 4 minutes.
- 7
Cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
High-Protein Butternut Squash Lasagna Rollups
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About this Recipe
Craving a cozy, comforting dinner that truly nourishes without sacrificing flavor? These High-Protein Butternut Squash Lasagna Rollups are your answer, delivering a truly satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet is packed with nutrition.
What makes this recipe stand out is its clever approach to classic lasagna. You'll find a rich, creamy sauce crafted from tangy cottage cheese and naturally sweet butternut squash, replacing traditional red sauce with a lighter, equally delicious alternative. Combined with savory ground Italian chicken sausage, each rollup offers an impressive 46 grams of protein, making it a powerful and delicious choice for dinner.
Expect a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. The tender gluten-free lasagna noodles encase a luscious filling where the sweetness of pureed butternut squash perfectly balances the tang of cottage cheese. Savory chicken sausage, fragrant with dried basil, garlic powder, oregano, sage, and nutmeg, is complemented by fresh baby spinach and a sprinkle of Parmesan, all topped with melted mozzarella. This is a hearty, flavorful dish that will leave you feeling completely satisfied.
Customizing these lasagna rollups is simple. Feel free to use spicy Italian chicken sausage for a kick, or sweet Italian sausage for a milder flavor. Ground pork sausage can also be used as a substitute if preferred. If you're looking to boost the vegetable content further, a few extra handfuls of finely chopped spinach can easily be incorporated into the filling.
These rollups are perfect for a family dinner on a chilly evening or an impressive potluck dish. Serve them with a simple green salad to complete the meal, allowing the rich flavors of the lasagna to shine.