Cheesy Baked Pasta Roll with Marinara Sauce

🔥 KITCHEN FINDS

3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out

These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.

This Kitchen Gadget Sprays AND Pours Oil

One bottle for spraying, pouring and keeping cooking oil close at hand.

Check It Out on Amazon →

This Weird Little Tool Slices Watermelon for You

Slice, cube and grab watermelon with one ridiculously simple little gadget.

Check It Out on Amazon →

Mix & Pour Pancake Batter Without the Mess

Mix the batter right in the bottle, then squeeze it straight onto the griddle.

Check It Out on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Cheesy Baked Pasta Roll with Marinara Sauce is the perfect comfort food for a weeknight dinner. This dish combines tender pasta filled with gooey cheese, all enveloped in a rich marinara sauce. It’s visually impressive and absolutely delicious, making it an irresistible choice for family meals or entertaining guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with a touch of elegance. Here’s why it stands out:

• Flavor-packed: Rich cheese and tangy marinara create a delightful flavor explosion.
• Easy to make: Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe requires minimal prep time.
• Visual appeal: The rolled pasta presentation is sure to impress your guests.
• Customizable: You can easily add your favorite ingredients to the filling.

Ingredients

• 1 pound pasta dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling

How to Make Cheesy Baked Pasta Roll

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pasta dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into rectangles roughly 4 inches wide and 8 inches long.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
4. Spread a generous layer of the cheese mixture over each piece of pasta, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Carefully roll each rectangle of pasta tightly from one end to the other, ensuring the filling stays inside.
6. Place the rolled pasta, seam side down, in a greased baking dish.
7. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the pasta rolls, ensuring they are well covered.
8. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and sesame seeds on top of the sauce.
9. Drizzle a little olive oil over the entire dish for added flavor.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
11. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with additional parsley. Serve warm.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use a pasta machine for even thickness if you have one; it makes rolling easier.
• Don’t overfill the pasta rolls to prevent them from bursting during baking.
• For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or Italian herbs to the cheese mixture.
• Let the dish sit for a few minutes after baking; it will hold its shape better.

Easy Variations

• Incorporate cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms into the cheese filling for added nutrition.
• Swap out mozzarella for pepper jack or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Add cooked ground beef or sausage to the cheese mixture for a heartier dish.

What to Serve With It

• A simple green salad with vinaigrette for a fresh contrast.
• Garlic bread for a classic Italian pairing.
• Roasted vegetables to add a healthy side option.

Storage and Reheating

📚 RECIPE LOVER FINDS

Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out

Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.

❤️ Love This Recipe? Save Your Favorites

Keep all those recipes you actually want to make again together in your own recipe book.

See It on Amazon →

🔥 Yep, Snoop Dogg Has a Cookbook

From Crook to Cook brings Snoop's spin to comfort food, classics and seriously fun recipes.

Check It Out on Amazon →

🥗 100+ Meals You Can Make Ahead

Simple make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals for making the week way easier.

See It on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

Recipe Card