Zucchini Rollatini

Name: Zucchini Rollatini
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 medium zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise; 15 ounces ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 large egg; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 24 ounces marinara sauce

Author: Tessa

Published: September 13, 2025

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Zucchini Rollatini has been my go-to dish for a healthy yet incredibly satisfying meal, especially when I’m craving something comforting with an Italian flair. There’s something truly magical about taking simple, fresh zucchini and transforming it into elegant rolls filled with creamy ricotta, baked in a rich marinara sauce. It’s a dish that manages to be both light and incredibly flavorful, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a special occasion when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

I first discovered Zucchini Rollatini years ago when I was looking for more vegetarian options that didn’t compromise on taste, and it quickly became a household favorite. It’s so easy to prepare, surprisingly good for you, and delivers a burst of delicious Italian-inspired flavors in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and yields fantastic results every time. In this article, I’ll walk you through every step, sharing all my tips and tricks to help you create the perfect Zucchini Rollatini.

Zucchini Rollatini - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Rollatini

This Zucchini Rollatini isn’t just another recipe; it’s a culinary hug! It brings together everything you’d want in a meal, from its incredible taste to its health benefits and sheer convenience. I promise, once you try this, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in my kitchen.

Deliciously Light: It’s packed with flavor without feeling heavy.
Healthy & Wholesome: Loaded with fresh vegetables and lean protein.
Easy to Make: Simple steps and readily available ingredients.
Customizable: Easily adapt to your taste preferences.

The Allure of Zucchini Rollatini

The true allure of Zucchini Rollatini lies in its ability to be both comforting and refreshingly light. It’s a brilliant vegetarian option that satisfies like a hearty lasagna but leaves you feeling energized, not weighed down. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, making it perfect for any meal.

Essential Ingredients for Zucchini Rollatini

Creating truly delicious Zucchini Rollatini starts with selecting the right components. You don’t need a huge list of exotic items, just quality basics that will shine through. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

3 medium zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
24 ounces marinara sauce

Fresh Produce for Zucchini Rollatini

For your Zucchini Rollatini, look for firm, medium-sized zucchini that are free of blemishes. They’ll be easier to slice thinly. When it comes to fresh parsley, choose vibrant green bunches with no wilting – this adds a wonderful freshness to the ricotta filling.

Dairy and Pantry Staples for Zucchini Rollatini

Investing in good quality ricotta cheese will make a huge difference in your Zucchini Rollatini; it should be creamy and fresh. For the marinara sauce, pick your favorite brand, or use homemade if you have it! And don’t forget a large egg to bind that delicious filling together.

How to Prepare Zucchini Rollatini: Step-by-Step Guide

Making Zucchini Rollatini is a straightforward process, but paying attention to each step ensures a perfect dish every time. I’ve broken it down so you can confidently create these delicious rolls. Don’t worry if your first few rolls aren’t perfect; practice makes them even prettier!

Preheat and Prep: First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Mix the Ricotta Filling: In a medium bowl, combine your ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, the large egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until it’s well combined and looks like a fluffy, cohesive mixture. This is the heart of your rolls!
Sauce the Dish: Spread a thin, even layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This creates a flavorful base and keeps the zucchini from drying out.
Fill and Roll: Lay one of your thinly sliced zucchini pieces flat on a clean surface. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture at one end of the zucchini slice. Now, carefully roll the zucchini slice tightly, starting from the end with the filling. Don’t be afraid to gently squeeze as you roll to keep the filling snug.
Arrange in Dish: Place the rolled zucchini, seam-side down, into your baking dish. Repeat this process with all remaining zucchini slices and the ricotta filling. Arrange them snugly in rows; they don’t mind being close!
Top with Sauce and Cheese: Once all your rolls are nestled in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top of the zucchini rolls. Finish by sprinkling additional Parmesan cheese generously over everything. This will create a lovely golden crust.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the zucchini is tender (you can easily pierce it with a fork) and the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly browned.
Rest and Serve: Let the Zucchini Rollatini stand for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to serve without falling apart.

Prepping Your Zucchini Rollatini Ingredients

Before you even think about rolling, get your oven ready by preheating it to 375°F (190°C) and give that baking dish a quick grease. Then, combine all your ricotta filling ingredients – ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper – in a bowl. Mix it really well; you want that filling to be perfectly uniform and seasoned.

Assembling and Baking Zucchini Rollatini

Once your dish has a thin layer of marinara, it’s time to start rolling! Take each zucchini slice, add a spoonful of the ricotta mixture, and roll it up tightly. Place these little bundles seam-side down in the dish. Cover with the rest of your marinara and a final sprinkle of Parmesan. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is beautifully golden and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before diving in!

Zucchini Rollatini - detail 2

Tips for Perfect Zucchini Rollatini

While the step-by-step guide will get you a fantastic Zucchini Rollatini, a few extra tips from my kitchen can elevate your dish from good to absolutely amazing. These little tricks can make a big difference in texture and flavor, ensuring your rolls are firm, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every single time. Trust me, these small efforts yield huge rewards!

Ensuring Firm Zucchini Rollatini

The secret to Zucchini Rollatini that isn’t watery lies in managing the zucchini’s moisture. If you find your zucchini tends to release a lot of water, simply salt the sliced zucchini and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then, pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels before filling. This draws out excess liquid, preventing a soggy dish.

Flavor Variations for Your Zucchini Rollatini

Don’t be afraid to play with the flavors in your Zucchini Rollatini! I often swap or add different herbs to the ricotta mixture – fresh basil, oregano, or even a pinch of dried Italian seasoning can transform the taste. For a little kick, a tiny dash of red pepper flakes in the filling or marinara works wonders. You can also mix in some finely chopped cooked spinach for extra greens!

Frequently Asked Questions About Zucchini Rollatini

I get a lot of questions about Zucchini Rollatini, and it makes me so happy to know you’re all as excited about this dish as I am! Here are some of the most common inquiries I receive, along with my best advice to help you master this vegetarian favorite.

Can I Make Zucchini Rollatini Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the Zucchini Rollatini rolls and place them in the baking dish a day in advance. Cover them tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.

What to Serve with Zucchini Rollatini?

Zucchini Rollatini is fantastic on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. A side of crusty Italian bread is also perfect for soaking up all that delicious marinara sauce. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside some roasted asparagus or a light pasta dish.

Storing Leftover Zucchini Rollatini

Leftover Zucchini Rollatini stores wonderfully! Simply transfer any cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave, or for best results, warm them gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, usually about 15-20 minutes.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Zucchini Rollatini

Please note that the following nutritional information for Zucchini Rollatini is an estimate. Values can vary based on specific ingredient brands, portion sizes, and any modifications you make to the recipe. This is provided as a general guide to help you understand the approximate nutritional content per serving:

Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 25g

Your Zucchini Rollatini Experience

Now it’s your turn to make this delicious Zucchini Rollatini! I’d absolutely love to hear how it turned out for you. Please leave a comment below, rate the recipe, and share any favorite variations or tips you discovered along the way. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!