Grandma’s Creamy Asparagus Lasagna Roll-Ups

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Grandma’s Creamy Asparagus Lasagna Roll-Ups

A nostalgic holiday favorite & irresistible guilty pleasure

This dish is a classic comfort recipe often passed down through generations—tender asparagus wrapped in pasta, smothered in a silky béchamel sauce, and baked until bubbly and golden. Rich, cozy, and elegant enough for special occasions, yet comforting enough to sneak seconds (or thirds 😉).

🧀 Recipe Description

These Creamy Asparagus Lasagna Roll-Ups combine fresh asparagus spears with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, all rolled inside lasagna noodles and baked in a homemade white sauce. It’s the kind of dish grandmas brought out for holidays, showers, and Sunday dinners—simple ingredients transformed into something unforgettable.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Roll-Ups

  • 12 lasagna noodles

  • 1 lb (450 g) fresh asparagus, trimmed

  • 1½ cups ricotta cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan

  • 1 egg

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

For the Béchamel (Cream Sauce)

  • 4 tbsp butter

  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 3 cups whole milk (warm)

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional but traditional)

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan (for extra richness)

Optional Topping

  • Extra mozzarella or Parmesan

  • Fresh thyme or parsley

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)

  • Grease a 9×13 baking dish

  • Cook lasagna noodles until just al dente; drain and lay flat

2. Asparagus

  • Blanch asparagus in boiling water 2–3 minutes

  • Transfer to ice water, then pat dry

3. Filling

  • In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs

4. Béchamel Sauce

  1. Melt butter over medium heat

  2. Whisk in flour; cook 1 minute

  3. Slowly whisk in warm milk

  4. Simmer until thickened (5–7 min)

  5. Add salt, nutmeg, and Parmesan

5. Assemble

  • Spread a thin layer of sauce in the baking dish

  • Spread ricotta mixture on each noodle

  • Lay 2–3 asparagus spears on each

  • Roll up and place seam-side down

  • Pour remaining sauce over top

  • Sprinkle with extra cheese

6. Bake

  • Cover with foil, bake 25 minutes

  • Uncover and bake 10–15 minutes until golden

  • Rest 10 minutes before serving

🍽 Servings

6 servings (2 roll-ups per person)

🧠 Nutrition (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: ~420

  • Protein: 20 g

  • Fat: 24 g

  • Carbs: 32 g

  • Fiber: 4 g

💚 Benefits

  • Asparagus: High in fiber, folate, antioxidants

  • Calcium-rich cheeses for bone health

  • Comfort food with real vegetables—balance!

📝 Tips & Variations

  • ✨ Add lemon zest to the ricotta for brightness

  • 🥓 Add prosciutto or ham for a savory twist

  • 🌱 Make vegetarian-friendly (already is!)

  • ❄️ Freezes beautifully before baking

  • 🧄 Garlic lovers: roast garlic into the béchamel

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake when needed.

Q: Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
You can, but homemade béchamel gives that grandma-made flavor.

Q: What if I don’t have lasagna noodles?
Manicotti shells or cannelloni work perfectly.

Q: Can I add protein?
Grilled chicken or crab meat are delicious additions.

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