Exquisite Greek Alfredo Lasagna Rolls: A Mediterranean Delight
Transform your dinner routine with these incredibly easy and undeniably delicious Greek Alfredo Lasagna Rolls. This innovative twist on classic lasagna promises a burst of Mediterranean flavors that will captivate your palate and delight every member of your family. Imagine tender lasagna noodles embracing a rich, creamy filling, all bathed in a luscious white Alfredo sauce. What sets this recipe apart is its vibrant Greek soul, infused with the distinct taste of premium Kalamata olives, tangy feta cheese, marinated artichoke hearts, and aromatic dried herbs.
Say goodbye to boring weeknight meals! These creamy, rich, and utterly satisfying lasagna rolls offer a refreshing departure from traditional meat sauces, embracing a vibrant white Alfredo base that truly shines. The star of the show, alongside the delightful vegetables and cheeses, is undoubtedly the inclusion of Pearls’ Specialties Kalamata Greek Olives. These olives elevate the entire dish, imparting a unique depth and savory complexity that will have you coming back for more.
For connoisseurs of fine olives, Pearls is a brand that consistently delivers excellence. Their Specialties Kalamata Greek Olives are not just any olives; they are gourmet gems, meticulously sourced directly from the sun-drenched groves of Greece. Hand-picked and carefully crafted, these distinctively firm, fruity, purple olives are a testament to Pearls’ passion for quality. Their commitment ensures that every bite transports you to the heart of the Mediterranean, making them my preferred choice whenever I’m grocery shopping for authentic flavor.
If you’re an olive enthusiast looking to explore more delightful recipes that feature these incredible ingredients, be sure to try my Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad or the flavorful Greek Chicken Skillet Recipe. Both are fantastic options for a satisfying work lunch, as they pack beautifully, or for a memorable family dinner any night of the week!
Why You’ll Adore These Greek Alfredo Lasagna Rolls
This Greek Alfredo Lasagna Rolls recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience waiting to happen. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire:
- Unforgettable Flavor Profile: Each bite of these Greek Alfredo lasagna rolls is a symphony of flavors. The secret lies in the exceptional Pearls’ Kalamata Olives. These sun-kissed, hand-picked purple gems boast a firm texture and a wonderfully fruity flavor that is incredibly unique. When combined with the creamy Alfredo, salty feta, and savory artichoke hearts, they infuse the lasagna with a distinctive Mediterranean essence that truly sets it apart from any other lasagna you’ve tasted. It’s a fresh, vibrant taste that will transport your senses straight to the Greek islands.
- A Refreshing Culinary Twist: Tired of the same old lasagna? This recipe offers a delightful and inventive twist. By swapping the traditional red meat sauce for a rich, white Alfredo, we create a lighter yet equally satisfying foundation. The fresh Greek ingredients further enhance this unique flavor profile. The harmonious combination of Pearls’ Greek Kalamata olives, tender marinated artichoke hearts, sweet roasted red peppers, creamy feta cheese, and fragrant oregano creates a taste sensation that is simply heavenly. It’s a perfect way to introduce exciting new flavors to your family’s dinner table.
- The Ultimate Family Dinner Solution: This recipe yields six generously sized lasagna rolls, making it an ideal meal for families. Whether you’re feeding hungry adults or picky kids, these rolls are a guaranteed hit. Their individual portions make them fun to eat and incredibly convenient for serving. Expect clean plates and requests for seconds; there likely won’t be any leftovers! It’s a satisfying, comforting, and wholesome meal that brings everyone together.
- Effortless Elegance: Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare. Rolling individual lasagna portions might seem daunting, but it’s actually quicker and less messy than layering a traditional lasagna. This method ensures uniform portions and a beautiful presentation, making it suitable for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions where you want to impress without the stress.
Essential Ingredients for Your Greek Alfredo Lasagna
Crafting these delectable Greek Alfredo Lasagna Rolls requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that contribute to its distinctive Mediterranean character. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
- Lasagna Pasta: You’ll need six sheets of lasagna pasta. Feel free to choose your preferred type – regular, gluten-free, or whole wheat pasta will all work beautifully. The key is to cook them al dente, meaning slightly firm to the bite, as they will continue to cook in the oven. This ensures your rolls maintain their structure and perfect texture.
- The Greek Stuffing: This is where the Mediterranean magic truly happens. For a robust and flavorful filling, you’ll need:
- Pearls’ Specialties Kalamata Olives: Chopped for an intense, briny, and fruity flavor that is fundamental to the Greek profile.
- Fresh Tomatoes: Diced to add a juicy, bright acidity.
- Roasted Red Bell Pepper: Jarred and diced for convenience, offering a sweet, smoky undertone.
- Marinated Artichoke Hearts: Chopped, these bring a tender texture and a delightful tanginess.
- Crumbled Feta Cheese: Essential for its signature salty, tangy, and crumbly texture.
- Ricotta Cheese: Full-fat ricotta provides a creamy, rich binding agent for the stuffing.
- Seasonings: Salt and pepper to enhance all the natural flavors.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables, adding a foundational layer of flavor.
- Baby Spinach: Fresh, sautéed with onions until just wilted, adding a healthy green element and subtle earthiness.
- Red Onions: Thinly sliced and sautéed with the spinach, providing a sweet and pungent aromatic base.
Remember, you can always adjust the amount of each ingredient in the stuffing to suit your personal taste preferences.
- The Velvety White Lasagna Sauce (Alfredo): Instead of a heavy tomato-based sauce, this recipe features a luxurious homemade Alfredo. You’ll need:
- All-Purpose Flour and Butter: To create a classic roux, which forms the base and thickens the sauce.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced, to impart a fragrant, savory aroma.
- Aromatic Spices: Salt, black pepper (adjust to taste), dried oregano, dried basil, chili flakes (for a subtle warmth), and onion powder – these spices are carefully chosen to complement the Greek flavors and provide a balanced seasoning for the creamy sauce.
- Pasta Water: Preserving some water from cooking the lasagna pasta is crucial. It’s starchy, helping to emulsify and create a wonderfully silky, flavorful sauce.
- Heavy Cream: The cornerstone of any rich Alfredo, providing unparalleled creaminess and decadence.
Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the seasoning of your sauce as you go along to achieve your perfect balance.
- Delightful Toppings: To finish off your magnificent lasagna rolls, you’ll need:
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For that irresistible golden-brown, gooey top layer.
- Leftover Stuffing Ingredients: A scattering of extra chopped Kalamata olives, quartered artichoke hearts, diced roasted red bell peppers, sliced red onions, and even some sautéed spinach leaves can be arranged around the rolls in the baking dish for added visual appeal and an extra pop of flavor and texture.
Crafting Your Greek Alfredo Lasagna Rolls: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions to create a truly memorable meal:
- Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Preheat the Oven.
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook your lasagna pasta sheets according to the package directions until they are al dente. This means they should still have a slight firmness. It’s crucial not to overcook them, as they will continue to soften in the oven.
- Before draining, make sure to reserve 1½ cups of the starchy pasta water. This will be a vital ingredient for achieving a perfectly smooth and flavorful Alfredo sauce.
- Step 2: Prepare the Flavorful Filling.
- In a medium skillet, heat a teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onion and fresh baby spinach. Sauté until the onion is tender and the spinach is just wilted. This typically takes only a few minutes.
- Transfer the sautéed spinach and onion to a large mixing bowl.
- Into the same bowl, add the remaining stuffing ingredients: chopped Pearls’ Kalamata Olives, diced fresh tomatoes, diced roasted red bell pepper, chopped marinated artichoke hearts, crumbled feta cheese, ricotta cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Set this vibrant Greek stuffing aside.
- Step 3: Prepare the Luscious Greek Alfredo Sauce.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the spices: salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, chili flakes, and onion powder. Mix well and sauté for another few seconds to toast the spices, which deepens their flavor.
- Gradually sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, stirring continuously with a whisk. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until you form a smooth, pale paste (a roux). This step is crucial for preventing a lumpy sauce.
- Continuously whisk as you gradually pour in the reserved pasta water and the heavy cream. Keep whisking diligently to prevent any lumps from forming.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over low heat. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for a few minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency – it should be coating the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Rolls.
- Lay a single cooked lasagna sheet flat on a clean cutting board.
- Spoon a generous amount (about ¼ to ⅓ cup) of the Greek stuffing evenly over the entire surface of the lasagna sheet, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Carefully roll the lasagna sheet from one end to the other, creating a tight roll.
- Place the finished roll seam-side down in your prepared baking dish.
- Repeat this process for the remaining lasagna sheets and filling until you have six beautiful rolls.
- In a baking dish (a 9×13 inch dish works well), spread about half of the prepared Greek Alfredo sauce evenly over the bottom. This will create a luscious base for your rolls.
- Arrange the assembled lasagna rolls snugly in the baking dish, placing them seam-side down.
- Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce generously over the top of the rolls, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Bake to Perfection.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of all the lasagna rolls. This will create a golden, bubbly crust.
- If you like, scatter some of the reserved topping ingredients (extra chopped olives, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or spinach) around the rolls in the baking dish for added visual appeal and texture.
- Bake in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown on top.
- Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Allow the Greek Alfredo Lasagna Rolls to rest for a few minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the rolls set and makes them easier to cut and serve without falling apart. Serve warm and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Notes for Perfect Stuffed Lasagna Rolls
Achieve lasagna roll perfection with these helpful tips and tricks:
- Embrace Your Olives: If you find yourself with extra Pearls’ Kalamata Olives, don’t let them go to waste! Olives.com is a fantastic resource for inspiration and recipes tailored for olive lovers. It’s also a great place to learn more about their diverse range of olives and find out where to purchase them.
- Rest for Success: After removing your Greek lasagna rolls from the oven, it’s tempting to dive right in. However, allowing the dish to rest for at least 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving is crucial. This resting period allows the sauce to set and the layers to firm up, preventing them from sliding apart when you scoop them out.
- Veggies Galore (with caution): Feel free to sneak in additional vegetables if you like, such as finely chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just be mindful that many vegetables release moisture during cooking. Too much added water can lead to a soupy lasagna, so if you add high-water content veggies, consider sautéing them first to remove excess liquid.
- Cover for Crispy, Not Dry: To prevent the top layer of lasagna noodles from becoming brittle and dry during baking, ensure it is completely covered with a generous layer of cheese. The mozzarella creates a protective and delicious crust, keeping the pasta underneath perfectly tender.
- Boost the Protein: For a more substantial meal, consider adding shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked ground turkey to the stuffing mixture. This offers an excellent source of lean protein that complements the Greek flavors beautifully.
- Ricotta vs. Cottage Cheese: While traditional lasagna typically calls for ricotta cheese, which offers a wonderfully creamy texture and rich flavor, you can opt for cottage cheese as a lighter alternative. Cottage cheese is lower in fat and calories. Be aware that cottage cheese might have a slightly grainier texture compared to smooth ricotta, but it will still provide a delicious and satisfying filling.
- Prevent Sticky Pasta: As soon as your lasagna sheets are cooked, rinse them briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Lay them flat on parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel while you prepare the filling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Alfredo Lasagna Rolls
Absolutely! These lasagna rolls are perfect for make-ahead convenience. Assemble the lasagna rolls the night before, then cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply follow the baking instructions, but extend the cooking time by an additional 10 to 15 minutes, as the rolls will be cold from the refrigerator.
Yes, this recipe is wonderfully freezer-friendly! To freeze, fully bake the lasagna rolls and allow them to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, you can either wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or wrap the entire baking dish. To reheat, remove the foil, add a little extra shredded mozzarella cheese on top, cover loosely with fresh tin foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw overnight in the refrigerator first for best results.
Both ricotta and cottage cheese can be used in lasagna, and the choice often comes down to personal preference and dietary goals. Ricotta cheese is traditionally used and offers a smoother, richer, and creamier consistency, thanks to its higher fat and calorie content. Cottage cheese, on the other hand, is a lighter alternative, lower in fat and calories, and provides a slightly coarser, more textured filling. If you prefer a classic, indulgent lasagna, ricotta is the way to go. For a lighter touch, cottage cheese is an excellent substitute.
These Greek Alfredo Lasagna Rolls are a hearty meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a fresh side. I particularly love serving lasagna with a side of Crusty Artisan Bread to soak up all that delicious Alfredo sauce. Other excellent companions include Cheesy Pesto Breadsticks, light and fluffy Cheesy Broccoli Bites, or a classic Easy Green Bean Casserole. A simple, crisp green salad with a lemon-herb vinaigrette would also provide a refreshing contrast.
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen spinach in this recipe. When using frozen spinach, you have two options: you can add it directly from frozen to your pan with the onions, allowing it to thaw and cook down, or you can thaw it first and then squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible before adding it to the pan. Squeezing out the liquid is recommended to prevent your filling from becoming too watery, ensuring a perfect consistency for your lasagna rolls.
For food safety reasons, I strongly advise against thawing this meal on your kitchen counter, especially since it contains dairy products like cream and cheese. It’s best to thaw frozen lasagna overnight in the refrigerator. This allows it to thaw slowly and safely, preventing bacterial growth and ensuring the quality and taste of your delicious meal.
More Pasta Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these Greek Alfredo Lasagna Rolls, you’re sure to appreciate these other delightful pasta creations:
- Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad
- Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta
- Chicken Avocado Pasta Salad
- Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Shells
I genuinely hope you cherish every recipe I share with you, and that these Greek Alfredo Lasagna Rolls become a new family favorite. I encourage you to try this recipe, savor its unique flavors, rate it, and share the joy with your friends and family!
If you prepare this recipe and love it, please consider leaving a star rating and a comment below. Don’t forget to use my hashtag on Instagram so I can see your wonderful culinary creations! You can also find me on social media for all my latest posts and recipes.
Greek Alfredo Lasagna Rolls (with White Sauce)
Ingredients
- 6 sheets lasagna pasta, cooked al dente
Greek Stuffing
- 1 cup Pearls Kalamata Olives, chopped
- ¾ cup tomatoes, fresh, diced
- ¾ cup roasted red bell pepper, from jar, diced
- 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ⅔ cup ricotta cheese, full fat
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp. pepper
- 1 tsp. olive oil, to sauté the onion and spinach
- 2 handful baby spinach, fresh, sautéed with onions
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced, sautéed with spinach
Greek Alfredo Sauce
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- ¼ cup butter
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¾ tsp. black pepper, or less to taste
- 1 tsp. oregano, dry
- ½ tsp. basil, dry
- ½ tsp. chili flakes
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1½ cup pasta water, preserved from cooking the pasta
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, to top the lasagna
- Pearls Kalamata Olives, to add around the lasagna rolls
- quartered marinated artichoke hearts, to add around the lasagna rolls
- diced roasted red bell peppers, to add around the lasagna rolls
- sliced red onions, to add around the lasagna rolls
- sautéed spinach leaves, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Save 1½ cups of the pasta water.
Prepare the Filling
- Sauté the spinach and onion with olive oil and transfer to a large bowl.
- In the same bowl, add in the rest of the stuffing ingredients. Mix and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a skillet, melt the butter and add in the garlic. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant. Add in the spices. Mix and sauté for a few more seconds.
- Add in the flour and mix well until you obtain a nice smooth paste.
- Add the water and heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent any lumps. Simmer on low for a few minutes until the sauce thickens up.
Assemble The Lasagna Rolls
- Place a sheet of the cooked lasagna on a cutting board and add a heaping spoon of the filling. Spread evenly onto the roll and roll the lasagna sheet. Set aside. Repeat for the rest of the rolls.
- In a baking dish, add half of the Greek alfredo sauce at the bottom of the dish.
- Place the rolls into the baking dish and pour the rest of the alfredo sauce on top of the rolls.
- Top rolls with some shredded mozzarella cheese, add the rest of the topping ingredients around the rolls and bake at 400 F for 20-25 minutes until the cheese becomes a little golden brown in color.
- Remove from oven and serve while warm.
Notes
- You can sneak more veggies in if you like, just be wary that this can up the water content, you don’t want to end up with a soupy lasagna.
- After removing from the oven, allow the Greek lasagna to sit for a few minutes before cutting into it. This stops your layers from sliding apart.
- The final layer of pasta needs to be totally covered in cheese to prevent the noodles from becoming too brittle and dry.
- Add shredded rotisserie chicken to the filling for extra protein.
- If you want something lighter than ricotta cheese, try using cottage cheese. While ricotta cheese is more traditional in a lasagna, cottage cheese is lower in fat and calories.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 36g
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Protein: 17g
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Fat: 28g
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Saturated Fat: 14g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 9g
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Trans Fat: 1g
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Cholesterol: 69mg
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Sodium: 1485mg
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Potassium: 327mg
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugar: 3g
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Vitamin A: 2448IU
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Vitamin C: 22mg
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Calcium: 237mg
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Iron: 2mg