Ingredients
Scale
- 8 lasagna noodles (standard, not no-bake)
- 1.5 cups low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 large egg (helps bind the filling)
- 1.5 cups canned marinara sauce (store brand works great)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package directions, but aim for “al dente”—usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Do not overcook them, as they need to stay firm enough to roll without tearing. Once done, drain the noodles and lay them flat on a piece of parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta cooks, grab a medium mixing bowl. Combine the cottage cheese, egg, dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture until the egg is fully incorporated. This creates a creamy, stable filling that won’t leak out during the baking process. If your cottage cheese is very watery, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve for a few minutes beforehand.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking dish. Take a noodle and spread approximately 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cottage cheese mixture evenly along the surface. Carefully roll the noodle from one end to the other. Place the roll seam-side down into the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the lasagna rolls, ensuring each one is well-covered to prevent the pasta from drying out. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown slightly.
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the cheese filling to set, making the rolls easier to lift out of the pan. Garnish with extra parsley if you have it, and enjoy your delicious, budget-friendly meal.
- Cook Time: 50 minutes