It might sound kinda strange but spinach lasagna roll ups is a fun spin on regular lasagna. Instead of layering big sheets you smear a mix of ricotta and fresh spinach then roll each one up. They look cool on your plate, taste creamy and are actually pretty good for you.
Spinach the main star here is loaded with vitamins A, C and K plus iron and antioxidants. It help keep your bones strong and boosts your immune system. Its low in calories so you dont have to feel guilty when you eat more.
One cool thing about these roll ups is you can make them ahead and store them in the fridge or freezer till youre ready. They also look fancy so theyre perfect for dinners with family or friends. Plus you can mix it up with different fillings so picky eaters are happy too.
What are Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups?
Spinach lasagna roll ups is basically lasagna noodles rolled around a creamy mix of ricotta and spinach. After you roll em up you pour sauce and cheese on top so it all melts together in the oven. Each spiral shows off that bright green filling, making it look extra special on the plate.
Instead of the usual layering you just roll each noodle one by one. That way everyone gets their own neat portion and its super easy to serve. You can even sneak in extra veggies or meat if you want to switch things up.
Lasagna come from Italy and they been around for centuries. At first people just layered pasta and sauce but someone musta thought rolling it would be more fun. Now these roll ups are really popular, especially if you wanna eat more greens but still enjoy comfort food.
Why Choose Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups?
First off spinach is crazy good for you. Its packed with vitamins A, C and K, plus iron and antioxidants that help your body stay healthy. Vegetarians love this dish since it gives protein from cheese without any meat.
Its also super handy for busy nights. You can prep everything earlier then just pop it in the oven later. The individual rolls mean no messy cutting and everyone gets the same amount, which is great for kids and grownups alike.
And dont forget presentation – the green filling looks amazing when you slice into each roll. Top with extra cheese or fresh herbs and itll look like you spent hours in the kitchen even when you didnt.
Ingredients for Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups
Here's what you need:
- Fresh spinach (or frozen)
- Lasagna noodles
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- 1 Egg
- Marinara sauce
- Garlic, salt, and pepper
- Optional: herbs (Italian seasoning, basil)
Detailed Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it warms up by the time youre ready to bake.
2. Cook Lasagna Noodles
Fill a big pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook the noodles following the package directions until theyre al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water so they dont stick together.
3. Prepare Filling
In a bowl mix ricotta cheese, chopped spinach (if using frozen make sure its drained), the beaten egg, garlic, salt and pepper. Stir it all until its creamy and well blended.
4. Assemble Roll Ups
Lay a noodle flat, spread a layer of the spinach-ricotta mix along the length, then roll it up tightly. Place each roll seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with all noodles and filling.
Cooking Instructions
1. Layering with Marinara Sauce
Spread a bit of marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish. Arrange the roll ups in the sauce and pour more sauce on top. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over everything.
2. Baking
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese turns golden brown. If it seems to brown too fast you can cover with foil for the first half.
3. Serving
Let the rolls sit a few minutes after you take them out so the sauce settles. Plate each roll, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or extra cheese, and serve.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Roll Ups
- Toss cooked noodles with a drizzle of olive oil so they dont stick.
- Add cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms for more flavor and protein.
- These roll ups freeze well. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake till heated through.
Pairing Suggestions
- Recommended Sides: Garlic bread or a simple garden salad to balance the richness.
- Beverage Pairings: A light red wine like Pinot Noir or a zesty lemonade works great.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Dont overcook the noodles—they should still have a bit of bite or theyll tear when you roll.
- Make sure your spinach is well drained so the filling isnt too wet.
- Season the mixture well: a little salt, pepper and herbs makes a big difference.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat lasagna noodles?
Yes you can, just check the package since they might need more cooking time.
Can I make roll ups ahead of time?
Totally. Assemble them, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for later.
Is there a gluten-free version?
Sure, use gluten-free lasagna noodles and follow their cooking directions.
What type of cheese can I use instead of ricotta?
You could try cottage cheese or a vegan ricotta alternative if you need.
Can I add meat to spinach lasagna roll ups?
Absolutely, ground beef, turkey or chicken mix right into the filling for more protein.
Conclusion
Spinach lasagna roll ups is a tasty way to enjoy a classic with extra greens. Feel free to swap veggies, cheeses or spices to fit your taste. These roll ups are easy, look great and give you a hearty, healthy meal the whole family will love.
spinach lasagna roll ups recipe
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 baking dish (9x13 inch)
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 spoon or spatula
- 1 aluminum foil
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 8 pieces lasagna noodles
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded Divided into two halves for layering and topping.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 piece egg
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce For layering and topping.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Take a lasagna noodle and spread a generous amount of the spinach and cheese mixture along the length of the noodle. Roll the noodle up tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Repeat this process for all the lasagna noodles.
- Once all roll-ups are in the baking dish, top with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
