Lasagna Roll Ups with Spinach, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe
These Lasagna Roll Ups are a delightful twist on the classic lasagna, featuring tender noodles filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, and baked in a rich marinara sauce topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, these roll ups deliver all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in fun, individual portions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Roll Ups:
- 9 dry lasagna noodles
- 15 ounces (1 3/4 cups) part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 10-ounce package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Sauce and Topping:
- 3 cups homemade or store-bought marinara sauce, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra virgin olive oil, for greasing and drizzling
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel to cool, preventing them from sticking.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, thawed and squeezed spinach, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Assemble the Roll Ups: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Lay out one cooked noodle and evenly spread about 1/4 cup of the ricotta mixture over the noodle, then sprinkle a little shredded mozzarella on top. Starting at one end, gently roll up the noodle. Place the rolled noodle seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles and filling.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the assembled roll ups. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all of the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake: Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top for added richness and flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly, the cheese is melted and golden, and the roll ups are hot throughout.
- Serve: Let the roll ups cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle. Serve warm and enjoy the classic flavors in a fun, individual portion.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen spinach as preferred, but ensure to squeeze out all excess water to avoid watery filling.
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; bake before serving for best results.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute gluten-free lasagna noodles.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adding fresh basil or parsley to the filling can enhance flavor.
Keywords: lasagna roll ups, spinach ricotta lasagna, baked pasta, Italian vegetarian dinner, easy lasagna recipe