Venetian Pasta Rolls
Venetian Pasta Rolls feature tender lasagna noodles filled with flavorful sausage, onions, and cheese, then baked to perfection with a rich spaghetti sauce and melted mozzarella. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish combines Italian flavors in an elegant, handheld format.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove casing from sausage, crumble into a skillet, brown, and drain.
- Add chopped onions; cook until tender.
- Stir in 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese.
- Cover each cooked and drained lasagna noodle with 1/3 cup sausage mixture.
- Roll up the noodles starting at the narrow end.
- Place the rolled noodles seam side down in an 8 x 12-inch baking dish.
- Spoon remaining spaghetti sauce over the noodles.
- Top with shredded Mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage. You can substitute the lasagna noodles with zucchini slices for a gluten-free option. If you have leftover spaghetti sauce, feel free to mix in some vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and nutrition. This dish can also be made ahead and frozen before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Venetian Pasta Rolls with a side salad for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread complements the dish nicely, adding a crunchy texture. A glass of Chianti wine pairs beautifully with the rich flavors, enhancing your Italian dining experience. For a family-friendly meal, consider serving alongside Gigi's Delicious Spaghetti Dinner for a complete Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the rolls in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Venetian Pasta Rolls contains roughly 381 calories, with 29g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (58% of the Daily Value) and calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 841mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the Venetian Pasta Rolls in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with foil to keep them fresh. This makes it convenient for busy weeknights or gatherings.
What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?
If you don't have mozzarella cheese on hand, you can substitute it with provolone or fontina cheese for a different flavor profile. Both options melt well and provide a deliciously creamy texture to the dish.
Can I add vegetables to the sausage mixture?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms can enhance the nutritional value and flavor of the sausage mixture. Just sauté them with the onions before mixing in the sauce and cheese for a delicious twist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).