Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups

These Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups offer a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, making them a perfect choice for family dinners or special occasions. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, these roll ups feature a creamy three-cheese filling that delivers comfort in every bite. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Skip the hassle of layering; just roll and bake!
• Flavorful Filling: A delicious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and spinach for ultimate taste.
• Make Ahead Option: Perfect for meal prep—simply assemble and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Versatile Dish: Suitable for vegetarian meals or as a side dish at gatherings.
• Kid-Friendly: Fun to eat and appealing to all ages.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, ensure you have the right tools on hand. Using the right kitchen equipment makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Large pot: Necessary for boiling lasagna noodles evenly.
• Baking dish: The ideal size ensures even cooking and presentation.
• Mixing bowl: Helps in combining ingredients without spills.
• Fork: Useful for beating eggs and mixing fillings smoothly.

Ingredients

These Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups have a flavorful three cheese filling. Enjoy lasagna without all of the layering! These lasagna rolls are a delicious meatless meal that you can make ahead.

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 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
• 25 ounce jar marinara sauce

How to Make Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add lasagna noodles according to package directions for al dente.
3. Drain and rinse with cold water.
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 in the microwave.
2. Wrap thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture.

Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. In a large bowl, crack the egg and beat slightly with a fork.
3. Add spinach, ricotta cheese, all but 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Roll Ups

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

Step 5: Bake the Roll Ups

1. Spread remaining marinara sauce over tops of roll ups.
2. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
3. Cover with foil (spray underside with cooking spray).
4. Bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 5 to 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 are not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve them. Whether you want a light meal or a hearty feast, these roll-ups can be paired with various sides and garnishes to enhance their flavors.

With Fresh Salad

• Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine with Caesar dressing and croutons complements the cheesy richness of the rolls.

With Garlic Bread

• Classic Garlic Bread: Toasted bread topped with garlic butter is perfect for scooping up marinara sauce.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Take it up a notch by adding mozzarella cheese on top for extra flavor.

With Marinara Sauce

• Extra Marinara: Serve additional marinara sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling over the roll-ups.
• Pesto Sauce: A basil pesto drizzled over the top brings a fresh taste that pairs well with the cheese.

How to Perfect Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups

Creating the ultimate Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfection.

• Boldly season your filling: Adding more herbs like oregano or basil can elevate the flavor profile of your cheese mixture.
• Carefully drain spinach: Make sure to squeeze out all excess moisture from the spinach; this prevents soggy roll-ups.
• Use quality cheeses: Opt for fresh ricotta and good-quality mozzarella to enhance the creaminess and flavor of your dish.
• Do not overfill: Spread just enough filling on each noodle to allow easy rolling without spilling out.
• Cover properly while baking: Use foil to cover while baking initially, then uncover to let the cheese brown nicely at the end.

Best Side Dishes for Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups

Pairing your Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil and garlic adds color and nutrition.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli tossed with lemon juice provides a refreshing contrast.
3. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction offer bright flavors.
4. Risotto: Creamy risotto made with Parmesan cheese enhances the Italian theme of your meal.
5. Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles provide a low-carb alternative alongside your roll-ups.
6. Antipasto Platter: A variety of olives, marinated artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes make for an appealing starter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using uncooked noodles: Make sure you cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. This will ensure they are tender and easy to roll.
• Not draining spinach properly: Excess moisture can make your filling soggy. Always squeeze out as much water as possible from the spinach before mixing it with other ingredients.
• Overstuffing the rolls: It’s tempting to add more filling, but overstuffing can cause the rolls to burst during baking. Use about ¼ cup of filling per noodle for best results.
• Skipping sauce on the bottom: Failing to spread marinara sauce in the baking dish can lead to sticking. Always start with a layer of sauce in your dish.
• Baking with foil too tightly: Covering your dish too tightly with foil can trap steam and create a watery texture. Leave a little space for steam to escape while still protecting the cheese.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Enjoy within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups

• Wrap individual roll-ups tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake covered for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for about 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: For a quick option, heat on low in a non-stick skillet, adding a splash of marinara sauce to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups?

Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups are a delightful pasta dish where lasagna noodles are filled with a cheesy spinach mixture, rolled up, and baked with marinara sauce.

Can I customize my Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers, or switch up the cheeses according to your taste preferences.

How do I ensure my Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups don’t fall apart?

Properly cooking and cooling your noodles, using just enough filling without overstuffing, and securely rolling them will help keep them intact during baking.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Just sauté it briefly until wilted before squeezing out excess moisture and mixing it into your filling.

How long does it take to make Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups?

The total preparation and cooking time is about 65 minutes, including prep time of around 25 minutes and cooking time of approximately 40 minutes.

Conclusion

These Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups offer a delicious twist on classic lasagna without all the layering hassle. They’re perfect for meal prep or serving at family gatherings. Don’t hesitate to customize them by adding your favorite ingredients like different veggies or herbs. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!