Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups
Transforming traditional lasagna into easy, elegant rolls, these Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups are not only visually appealing but also packed with delicious flavors. Fresh spinach combined with ricotta and parmesan cheeses, seasoned lightly with nutmeg and pepper, are wrapped within perfectly cooked lasagna noodles. Each roll is nestled upright in a bed of rich spaghetti sauce, ensuring every bite is as saucy and flavorful as the next. Perfect for impressing dinner guests or a cozy family meal, these roll-ups offer all the comforts of classic lasagna with a simple twist.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
lasagna noodles
8-10 (cooked, drained)
frozen chopped spinach
10 ounces (thawed, moisture removed)
grated parmesan cheese
1 cup (divided)
part-skim ricotta cheese
1.5 cups (none)
ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
spaghetti sauce
2 cups (none)
shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse in cold water to prevent sticking.
3
Thoroughly squeeze all excess moisture from thawed spinach using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
4
In a large bowl, combine the squeezed spinach, 3/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to form a smooth filling.
5
Lay a noodle flat and spread roughly 1/4 cup of the spinach mixture evenly across its length.
6
Carefully roll the noodle from one end to the other and place it upright in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Repeat with remaining noodles and filling.
7
Cover the rolls with the spaghetti sauce, ensuring even coverage to keep the noodles tender during baking.
8
Cover the dish with foil and bake in preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, until heated through and bubbly.
9
Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of parmesan and a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the rolls.
10
Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and golden, about 5-10 additional minutes.
11
Remove from oven, allow to cool slightly, and serve warm. Enjoy your gourmet lasagna roll-ups!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups?
They are a creative twist on traditional lasagna where noodles are rolled with a spinach and cheese filling and baked upright in spaghetti sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the lasagna noodles?
Cook them according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse in cold water to prevent sticking.
What is the most important step when using frozen spinach?
You must thoroughly squeeze all excess moisture from the thawed spinach using a clean towel or paper towels.
What ingredients make up the cheese filling?
The filling consists of squeezed spinach, grated parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
How much parmesan cheese goes into the filling?
Use 3/4 cup of the grated parmesan cheese for the filling; the remaining 1/4 cup is used for the topping.
What type of ricotta cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of part-skim ricotta cheese.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, but you should cook it down and squeeze out the moisture first to match the 10-ounce frozen equivalent.
What spices are used to season the roll-ups?
The filling is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
How much filling should I put on each noodle?
Spread roughly 1/4 cup of the spinach and cheese mixture evenly across the length of each noodle.
How are the lasagna rolls arranged in the dish?
The rolled noodles should be placed upright in the baking dish.
What size baking dish is needed?
A greased 9x13 inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, the instructions specify using a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
How much spaghetti sauce is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of spaghetti sauce to cover the rolls.
Why is the dish covered with foil during baking?
Covering with foil ensures even coverage of the sauce and keeps the noodles tender while they heat through.
How long is the initial baking time?
The roll-ups bake covered for 30-45 minutes until they are heated through and bubbly.
What toppings are added after the initial bake?
After removing the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of parmesan and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the rolls.
How long do I bake the rolls after adding the mozzarella?
Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this is a vegetarian-friendly pasta dish.
Can I substitute the ricotta cheese?
While ricotta is traditional, some cooks use cottage cheese as a substitute, though the texture will be different.
What is the texture of the noodles supposed to be?
The noodles should be cooked al dente so they remain firm enough to roll and don't become mushy during baking.
How do I stop the noodles from sticking after boiling?
Rinsing the cooked noodles in cold water immediately after draining helps prevent them from sticking together.
What makes this 'gourmet'?
The upright presentation and the addition of nutmeg to the cheese blend give it a more refined flavor and look than standard lasagna.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you could easily add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the spaghetti sauce if desired.
How do I know when the dish is finished cooking?
The dish is ready when the sauce is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and has turned a golden color.
Should I let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, allowing the roll-ups to cool slightly helps the cheese set and makes them easier to serve.
What are the primary flavor profiles?
The dish features rich Italian cheeses, savory tomato sauce, and earthy spinach with a hint of warm nutmeg.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls in the dish and refrigerate them before baking, though you may need to add a few minutes to the bake time.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
The tags include lasagna, spinach, italian, cheese, pasta, dinner, comfort food, vegetarian, baked, and easy recipe.