Imagine a classic Italian favorite reimagined into a fun, easy-to-eat masterpiece that combines all the cheesy, saucy goodness of traditional lasagna with a modern twist. These Lasagna Roll Ups are about to become your new go-to meal that will impress family and friends with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary novice, this recipe promises to transform your dinner routine into a delightful Italian feast that's both simple to prepare and absolutely irresistible!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Lay out the cooked lasagna noodles flat on a clean work surface. Spread an even layer of the ricotta mixture along the length of each noodle, leaving a small border at the edges.
- Carefully roll up each noodle from one end to the other, creating a neat roll. Place the rolls seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce evenly over the lasagna rolls, ensuring each roll is covered.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the rolls.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the lasagna rolls rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the rolls to set and makes them easier to plate.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- Cook noodles al dente: Slightly undercook the lasagna noodles, as they'll continue cooking in the oven. This prevents them from becoming mushy.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Let ricotta and cheeses sit out for 15-20 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, even blending.
- Don't overfill the noodles: Leave a small border when spreading the cheese mixture to prevent spillage during rolling.
- Use a non-stick baking dish or generously grease your pan to prevent sticking.
- Let the rolls rest after baking: The 5-minute resting period helps them set and makes serving easier.
- For extra flavor, try adding garlic, fresh herbs, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture.
- Make ahead tip: You can prepare these roll-ups in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
- For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 75mg
