Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups

These Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups are a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, making a flavorful three-cheese filling wrapped in tender noodles. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a friendly gathering, these roll-ups make serving and enjoying lasagna easier than ever. The standout quality of this recipe is its simplicity—no layering required! Just roll, bake, and enjoy a delicious meatless meal that can be prepared in advance.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: With simple steps, you can whip up this dish without fuss.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it ahead of time and bake just before serving for convenience.
• Cheesy Goodness: The blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a creamy, flavorful filling.
• Family-Friendly: A dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike makes mealtime enjoyable.
• Versatile Meal Option: Perfect as a main course or as part of a larger spread.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have the right tools handy. These will make your cooking experience smooth and efficient.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large pot
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Mixing bowl
• Fork
• Baking dish (13×9-inch)
• Parchment paper

Why These Tools Matter

• Large pot: Essential for boiling the lasagna noodles to perfection.
• Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining all the flavorful ingredients seamlessly.

Ingredients

These Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups feature a delicious three-cheese filling that will satisfy your cravings.

For the Noodles

• 12 lasagna noodles

For the Filling

• 10 ounce package frozen chopped spinach
• 1 egg
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce

• 25 ounce jar marinara sauce

How to Make Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups

Step 1: Boil the Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente.
3. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
4. Lay noodles out in a single layer on parchment paper to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Spinach

1. Thaw the spinach in a microwave-safe bowl using the defrost setting or low power.
2. Alternatively, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Wrap thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture.

Step 3: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350° F.

Step 4: Make the Filling

1. Crack the egg into a large mixing bowl and beat slightly with a fork.
2. Add thawed spinach, ricotta cheese, all but 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Roll Ups

1. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
2. Take each noodle and spread ¼ cup of the cheese mixture evenly over it.
3. Roll up each noodle tightly and place seam side down in the baking dish.

Step 6: Bake It Up

1. Spread remaining marinara sauce over the tops of the roll ups.
2. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
3. Cover with foil (spray underside with cooking spray if desired).
4. Bake for 30 minutes; uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Enjoy your delicious Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups!

How to Serve Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups

These Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups make a delightful main dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Below are some serving suggestions to complement this delicious meal.

With Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of lasagna roll ups.
• Greek Salad: This refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese provides a tangy contrast to the cheesy roll ups.

Add Garlic Bread

• Toasted Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread brushed with butter adds a savory element that is perfect for soaking up any extra marinara sauce.
• Herbed Focaccia: Soft and flavorful focaccia seasoned with herbs complements the Italian theme of the dish.

Drizzle with Extra Marinara

• Extra Marinara Sauce: Serve additional marinara sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling over each roll up for added flavor and moisture.

How to Perfect Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups

To make your Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups even more delicious, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your dish.

• Bold seasoning: Enhance flavor by adding garlic powder or Italian herbs to the cheese mixture for an extra punch.
• Properly drain spinach: Make sure to squeeze out all excess moisture from the spinach to prevent soggy roll ups.
• Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh mozzarella instead of pre-shredded for a creamier texture that melts beautifully.
• Layer sauce generously: Spread enough marinara sauce at the bottom and on top to keep the roll ups moist during baking.
• Let cool before serving: Allow the roll ups to rest for a few minutes after baking to help them hold their shape when serving.

Best Side Dishes for Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups

Pairing side dishes with your Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli: This simple yet flavorful side adds nutrition and crunch alongside your cheesy rolls.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a light salad that balances the richness of the main dish.
3. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus with a sprinkle of lemon juice offers a refreshing contrast.
4. Antipasto Platter: A variety of olives, marinated vegetables, and cheeses provide a tasty appetizer before digging into the main course.
5. Quinoa Salad: A vibrant quinoa salad mixed with veggies can add texture and health benefits as a side.
6. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized deliver a sweet touch that pairs well with savory flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups can be simple and fun, but there are common missteps to watch out for.

• Overcooking noodles – Cooking lasagna noodles too long can make them mushy. Aim for al dente, which helps the noodles hold their shape when rolling.
• Not squeezing spinach – Failing to remove excess moisture from spinach can lead to a soggy filling. Always squeeze out the water after thawing.
• Skipping seasoning – Neglecting to season the cheese mixture can result in bland flavors. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance the taste.
• Using too much sauce – Over-saucing the roll ups can make them messy. Use just enough marinara to coat without drowning the rolls.
• Not covering while baking – Leaving the dish uncovered during baking can dry out the top layer of cheese. Cover with foil until the last few minutes to ensure it stays moist.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3–5 days.
• Allow roll ups to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months.
• Consider wrapping individual portions in plastic wrap for easy thawing.

Reheating Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power in a microwave-safe dish, covering with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, for about 3-5 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop – Place roll ups in a skillet with a bit of sauce over low heat, cover, and warm for approximately 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups?

Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups are pasta rolls filled with a creamy mixture of spinach and cheeses, topped with marinara sauce. They are an easy and delicious way to enjoy lasagna flavors without layering.

Can I add meat to Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups?

Yes! You can add cooked ground beef or shredded chicken into the cheese mixture for added protein and flavor.

How do I customize my Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups?

Feel free to incorporate different vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, or use various cheeses such as feta or cottage cheese based on your preference.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to bake.

How long do Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups last?

In the refrigerator, they last about 3-5 days. If frozen, they can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

Conclusion

Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups are not only flavorful but also versatile, allowing you to tailor them to your tastes. Whether you keep them vegetarian or add proteins, this recipe is perfect for meal prep or family dinners. Try making these delicious roll ups today!