Zucchini & Chicken Sausage Roll-Ups with Pesto and Ricotta
Tender ribbons of zucchini are rolled with a savory chicken sausage and ricotta filling, baked in a light basil pesto sauce, and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan. This dish is fresh, high-protein, and feels both elegant and comforting — like lasagna roll-ups, but lighter and grain-free!
Total Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
For the Roll-Ups
2 medium zucchinis, ends trimmed
2 chicken sausages, casings removed
1 cup ricotta cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 small garlic clove, minced
2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tsp lemon zest
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Pesto Sauce
⅓ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
2 tbsp olive oil
1–2 tbsp cream or milk (optional, to thin the pesto slightly)
For Topping
¼ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
2. Prepare the zucchini:
Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, slice zucchini lengthwise into thin ribbons (about ⅛ inch thick).
Pat dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
3. Cook the chicken sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage (removed from casing) for 5–6 minutes until browned.
Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Let cool slightly.
4. Make the filling:
In a bowl, combine cooked chicken sausage, ricotta, Parmesan, basil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Assemble the roll-ups:
Lay two overlapping zucchini strips to form a wider base.
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the ricotta mixture onto one end, then gently roll up.
Place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with all zucchini ribbons.
Whisk together pesto, olive oil, and cream or milk (if using).
Spoon or drizzle half of it into the bottom of the baking dish before placing the roll-ups.
Drizzle remaining pesto sauce over the top of the roll-ups.
7. Top & bake:
Sprinkle with mozzarella or Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes until cheese is lightly golden.
8. Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil and a little extra lemon zest before serving.
Notes & Tips
To keep zucchini flexible for rolling, you can microwave slices for 20 seconds or lightly sauté them before filling.
You can swap chicken sausage for turkey sausage or crumbled chicken breast.
Want it extra creamy? Add 2 tbsp of mascarpone or cream cheese to the filling.
Serve warm or at room temperature — both are delicious.
️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a simple arugula and tomato salad.
Serve over cauliflower rice, quinoa, or with garlic bread for a heartier meal.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 330 kcal
Protein: 25 g
Fat: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 2 g