Spinach Lasagna Rolls: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal

Spinach lasagna rolls are a delightful twist on classic lasagna, offering individual portions packed with flavor and cheesy goodness. They are perfect for a weeknight meal, a potluck dish, or even a freezer-friendly make-ahead option. This recipe combines creamy ricotta cheese, vibrant spinach, and flavorful marinara sauce, all nestled within tender lasagna noodles and topped with melted mozzarella. Get ready to enjoy a comforting and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* Individual Portions: Lasagna rolls offer a neat and tidy serving experience compared to traditional lasagna slices.
* Easy to Make: Despite their elegant appearance, these rolls are surprisingly simple to prepare.
* Flavorful and Nutritious: Spinach adds a boost of vitamins and minerals, while the ricotta cheese provides a creamy richness.
* Freezer-Friendly: Prepare them ahead of time and freeze for a quick and convenient meal on busy days.
* Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different cheeses, vegetables, or meats to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* Lasagna Noodles: Use regular lasagna noodles, not the no-boil kind. We’ll parboil them to make them pliable enough to roll.
* Spinach: Fresh or frozen spinach can be used. If using frozen, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture.
* Ricotta Cheese: Whole milk ricotta cheese provides the best flavor and texture. Avoid using part-skim ricotta, as it can be too watery.
* Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese is used both in the filling and as a topping.
* Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty and savory note to the filling.
* Egg: An egg helps bind the filling ingredients together.
* Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor to the filling and sauce.
* Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.
* Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor.
* Salt and Pepper: To taste.
* Olive Oil: For cooking the garlic and coating the baking dish.

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large Pot: For boiling the lasagna noodles.
* Large Bowl: For mixing the filling ingredients.
* Colander: For draining the spinach.
* 9×13 inch Baking Dish: For baking the lasagna rolls.
* Spoon or Spatula: For spreading the filling and sauce.
* Aluminum Foil: For covering the baking dish during baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lasagna Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package directions, but for 2-3 minutes less than the recommended time. The noodles should be pliable but not completely cooked through. This is called parboiling.
3. Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
4. Lay the noodles flat on a clean surface (such as a cutting board or baking sheet) lined with parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel. This will prevent them from sticking together.

Step 2: Prepare the Spinach Filling

1. If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This is crucial to prevent the filling from becoming watery. You can use your hands, a clean kitchen towel, or a cheesecloth to squeeze out the moisture.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese (reserve some for topping), Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the drained spinach to the bowl and mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
3. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
4. Take one lasagna noodle and spread about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the spinach filling evenly over the noodle, leaving a small border at the edges.
5. Carefully roll up the noodle from one end to the other, creating a tight roll.
6. Place the lasagna roll seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 with the remaining noodles and filling, arranging the rolls snugly in the baking dish.

Step 4: Bake the Lasagna Rolls

1. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the lasagna rolls, ensuring that they are well covered.
2. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
3. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
4. Bake for 25 minutes.
5. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
6. Let the lasagna rolls cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help them hold their shape.

Tips and Variations

* Add Meat: For a heartier meal, add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken to the spinach filling. Brown the meat before adding it to the filling.
* Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses in the filling, such as provolone, fontina, or goat cheese.
* Add Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables into the filling, such as chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the filling.
* Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a touch of heat.
* Make it Vegetarian: Ensure your marinara sauce is vegetarian and consider adding more vegetables to compensate for the absence of meat.
* Use No-Boil Noodles (with caution): While this recipe is designed for regular lasagna noodles, you can try using no-boil noodles. However, you’ll need to add more liquid to the sauce to ensure the noodles cook properly. Spread a thin layer of sauce in the baking dish, then layer the no-boil noodles, filling, and sauce. Top with remaining sauce and cheese. Cover with foil and bake as directed. Be sure to check for doneness and add more liquid if needed.
* Fresh Herbs: Stir in some fresh basil, parsley, or oregano into the ricotta mixture for a burst of fresh flavor.
* Brown the Garlic: Lightly brown the minced garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding it to the ricotta mixture for a richer, deeper garlic flavor.
* Ricotta Variations: Consider adding a small amount of cream cheese to the ricotta mixture for an even creamier texture. You can also use a blend of ricotta and cottage cheese, but drain the cottage cheese well first.

Serving Suggestions

* Serve the spinach lasagna rolls with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
* They also pair well with roasted vegetables or a simple tomato soup.
* Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Make-Ahead Instructions

* Assemble the lasagna rolls completely, but do not bake them.
* Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil.
* Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
* When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if needed.

Freezing Instructions

* Assemble the lasagna rolls completely and bake them as directed.
* Let them cool completely.
* Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
* Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
* To reheat, thaw the lasagna rolls in the refrigerator overnight.
* Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
* You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may become slightly less crisp.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per roll)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g

Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Detailed Recipe Card

Recipe Name: Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 35-40 minutes

Servings: 8-10 rolls

Ingredients:

* 12 lasagna noodles
* 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry, or 10 ounces fresh spinach, cooked and chopped
* 15 ounces ricotta cheese, whole milk
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 24 ounces marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions, about 2-3 minutes less than package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Lay flat on parchment paper.
3. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and spinach. Mix well.
4. Spread about 1/3 cup of spinach mixture over each lasagna noodle. Roll up tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
5. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the rolls. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Spinach Lasagna Rolls! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect way to enjoy a healthy and comforting meal.