Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal
Craving lasagna but short on time? Or perhaps you’re looking for a fun and elegant twist on a classic comfort food? Look no further than Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups! These individual portions are not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to make. They’re packed with flavor, combining creamy ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, and a tangy tomato sauce, all nestled within tender lasagna noodles. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck gathering, or even a make-ahead meal. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love These Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups
* **Easy to Make:** Forget layering a traditional lasagna. These roll ups are much simpler and quicker to assemble.
* **Individual Portions:** Perfect for portion control and serving a crowd. They also look beautiful on a plate!
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the filling and sauce to your liking. Add different vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Prepare them ahead of time and bake when you’re ready to eat.
* **Delicious and Nutritious:** A great way to sneak in some extra veggies and enjoy a comforting meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Lasagna Noodles:** 12-15 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or regular)
* **Spinach:** 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry, or 1 pound fresh spinach, wilted and chopped
* **Ricotta Cheese:** 15 ounces ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
* **Egg:** 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced
* **Onion:** 1/2 cup chopped onion
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Tomato Sauce:** 24-26 ounces jarred marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons
Equipment You’ll Need
* Large pot
* Colander
* Large bowl
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Cheese grater
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Mixing spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Lasagna Noodles
* **For Regular Lasagna Noodles:** Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Drain well and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to dry.
* **For Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles:** These noodles do not require pre-cooking. However, some people prefer to soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes to soften them slightly. This step is optional but can help prevent them from being too firm after baking.
2. Prepare the Spinach Mixture
* If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out all the excess water. This is crucial to prevent the roll ups from becoming watery.
* If using fresh spinach, wash it thoroughly and wilt it in a pan with a little olive oil over medium heat. Chop the wilted spinach into smaller pieces.
* In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
* Add the spinach to the ricotta mixture and stir until well combined.
3. Assemble the Lasagna Roll Ups
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce (about 1 cup) evenly over the bottom of the 9×13 inch baking dish.
* Lay a lasagna noodle flat on a clean surface.
* Spread about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the spinach ricotta mixture evenly over the noodle, leaving a small border at the edges.
* Starting at one end, carefully roll up the noodle tightly. Don’t roll too tightly, or the filling might squeeze out.
* Place the rolled-up lasagna, seam-side down, in the prepared baking dish.
* Repeat this process with the remaining noodles and filling, arranging the roll ups in a single layer in the baking dish.
4. Bake the Lasagna Roll Ups
* Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the lasagna roll ups, ensuring they are all covered.
* If desired, sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella cheese and additional Parmesan cheese.
* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
* Bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
* Let the roll ups cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations
* **Add Meat:** For a heartier meal, add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken to the spinach ricotta mixture. Brown the meat separately and drain off any excess grease before adding it to the filling.
* **Vegetarian Options:** Include other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or roasted eggplant in the filling. Sauté them until tender before adding them to the ricotta mixture.
* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different cheeses in the filling, such as provolone, mozzarella, or asiago.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce for a little heat.
* **Use Different Sauces:** Instead of tomato sauce, try using a creamy Alfredo sauce or a pesto sauce.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
* **Herb it Up:** Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano can add a burst of flavor to the filling or sauce. Add them fresh or dried.
* **Garlic Lovers:** Roast the garlic before mincing for a sweeter, milder garlic flavor.
* **Wine Pairing:** A light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Chianti Classico pairs well with spinach lasagna roll ups.
* **Serving Suggestions:** Serve these roll ups with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
Make-Ahead Instructions
These lasagna roll ups are perfect for making ahead of time. Assemble them as directed, but do not bake them. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since they are starting from cold.
You can also freeze the unbaked roll ups. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding extra baking time as needed.
Detailed Recipe Card
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 35-40 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 12-15 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or regular)
* 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry, or 1 pound fresh spinach, wilted and chopped
* 15 ounces ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 24-26 ounces jarred marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Lasagna Noodles:**
* **For Regular Lasagna Noodles:** Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to dry.
* **For Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles:** These noodles do not require pre-cooking. You can soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes to soften them slightly (optional).
2. **Prepare the Spinach Mixture:**
* If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out all the excess water.
* If using fresh spinach, wash it thoroughly and wilt it in a pan with a little olive oil over medium heat. Chop the wilted spinach into smaller pieces.
* In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
* Add the spinach to the ricotta mixture and stir until well combined.
3. **Assemble the Lasagna Roll Ups:**
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce (about 1 cup) evenly over the bottom of the 9×13 inch baking dish.
* Lay a lasagna noodle flat on a clean surface.
* Spread about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the spinach ricotta mixture evenly over the noodle, leaving a small border at the edges.
* Starting at one end, carefully roll up the noodle tightly. Place the rolled-up lasagna, seam-side down, in the prepared baking dish.
* Repeat with the remaining noodles and filling.
4. **Bake the Lasagna Roll Ups:**
* Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the lasagna roll ups, ensuring they are all covered.
* If desired, sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella cheese and additional Parmesan cheese.
* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
* Bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
* Let the roll ups cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)
* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 35-45g
*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
Enjoy!
Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups are a delightful and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. With their ease of preparation and customizable nature, they’re perfect for any occasion. Give them a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!