Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe That Kids Adore
Spinach lasagna roll-ups revolutionize ordinary pasta into a culinary adventure that sparks excitement at any dinner table.
These delightful parcels combine classic Italian comfort with modern nutritional wisdom, offering a clever twist on traditional layered dishes.
Creamy, vibrant fillings nestle between delicate pasta sheets, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe elevates weeknight meals with minimal kitchen effort and maximum satisfaction.
Nutritious greens intertwine with rich, melted cheeses, promising a balanced and indulgent dining experience.
Each roll-up represents a perfect portion of wholesome goodness, inviting you to savor every delectable bite.
Surprise your family and friends with this elegant, crowd-pleasing meal that feels both gourmet and wonderfully familiar.
Why Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups Make a Tasty Weeknight Dinner
Effortlessly Customize Individual Portions: These lasagna roll-ups let everyone enjoy their perfect serving size, making meal time fun and personalized without the hassle of cutting traditional lasagna.
Sneak in Nutritious Greens Deliciously: Packed with spinach, these roll-ups transform a classic comfort food into a veggie-rich meal that even picky eaters will love, blending health and flavor seamlessly.
Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: From prep to plate in under an hour, these roll-ups offer a stress-free cooking experience that delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy families.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food Reinvented: By combining creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and zesty marinara in a fun roll-up format, this dish turns a traditional recipe into an exciting, crowd-winning meal that sparks conversation at the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups
Main Ingredients:
Lasagna Base:
Lasagna Noodles, Wheat or Gluten-Free Noodles: Flexible pasta sheets forming the roll-up structure, choose whole wheat for extra nutrition or gluten-free for dietary needs.
Filling Proteins:
Ricotta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Egg: Creamy base that binds filling together, rich in protein and creates smooth texture, select part-skim ricotta for lighter option.
Vegetable Component:
Frozen Chopped Spinach: Nutrient-dense green vegetable adding color, flavor, and vitamins to the filling, ensure thoroughly thawed and well-drained.
Cheese Topping:
Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese providing golden brown layer and additional creamy texture, part-skim variety recommended for lighter dish.
Seasoning and Sauce:
Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian tomato sauce adding moisture and traditional flavor, homemade version preferred for best taste.
Kosher Salt, Fresh Pepper: Essential seasonings enhancing overall taste profile, adjust according to personal preference.
How to Roll, Fill, and Bake Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Pour marinara sauce into a 9 x 12 baking dish, creating a thin base layer
Step 2: Cook Lasagna Noodles
Boil lasagna noodles according to package instructions
Drain noodles completely
Lay noodles flat on wax paper to dry and cool
Step 3: Create Creamy Spinach Filling
Combine the following ingredients in a medium mixing bowl:
Fresh spinach
Ricotta cheese
Parmesan cheese
Egg
Salt
Black pepper
Mix thoroughly until ingredients are evenly blended
Step 4: Assemble Lasagna Roll-Ups
Spread filling evenly across each lasagna noodle
Carefully roll each noodle from one end to the other
Place rolled noodles seam-side down in the baking dish
Step 5: Add Final Toppings
Drizzle remaining marinara sauce over rolled noodles
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top of each roll
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Cover baking dish with aluminum foil
Bake for 40 minutes
Remove foil when cheese is melted and bubbly
Let cool for a few minutes before serving
Tips for Tender Pasta and Creamy Filling
Prevent Soggy Noodles: Pat lasagna noodles dry with paper towels after boiling to remove excess moisture and ensure a firmer texture.
Smooth Rolling Technique: Use a gentle, consistent pressure when rolling noodles to create tight, uniform roll-ups that hold their shape.
Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let rolled lasagna sit for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese and marinara sauce to settle and enhance overall taste.
Cheese Distribution Trick: Spread ricotta mixture evenly with an offset spatula to guarantee consistent flavor in every bite.
Storage Savvy: Cool lasagna roll-ups completely before refrigerating, and they'll stay fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Keeping Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups Delicious for Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store leftover spinach lasagna roll-ups in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and food safety.
Freeze: Wrap individual roll-ups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen lasagna roll-ups can last up to 2 months for convenient future meals.
Reheat: Warm refrigerated roll-ups in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through. For frozen roll-ups, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What Complements Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups
Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich, creamy lasagna rolls, balancing the spinach and cheese flavors with its bright, acidic notes.
Serve with Fresh Garden Salad: A light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides a zesty, refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty lasagna rolls, adding a crisp texture to the meal.
Complement with Garlic Bread: Toasted, buttery garlic bread helps soak up the marinara sauce and offers a crunchy side that enhances the overall dining experience, bringing out the Italian-inspired comfort of the dish.
Finish with Citrus Sorbet: A light, tangy lemon or orange sorbet serves as a palate cleanser after the rich lasagna, providing a cool and refreshing end to the meal.
Fun Fillings to Swap into Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups
Roasted Veggie Roll-Ups: Swap spinach with a medley of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a colorful and nutritious alternative that adds depth and smoky flavor to the classic lasagna rolls.
Chicken Florentine Roll-Ups: Replace spinach with shredded cooked chicken, then mix in wilted spinach and garlic for a protein-packed version that brings a Mediterranean-inspired touch to the dish.
Mushroom and Herb Roll-Ups: Incorporate sautéed wild mushrooms like shiitake and cremini with fresh thyme and rosemary into the ricotta mixture, creating an earthy and robust variation that appeals to vegetarian and mushroom lovers.
Spicy Southwestern Roll-Ups: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder to the ricotta mixture, then top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty, Southwest-inspired take on the traditional lasagna roll-ups.
Spinach lasagna roll-ups bring Italian comfort to your dinner table with creamy ricotta and tender spinach nestled in perfectly rolled pasta. Cheesy layers and rich marinara sauce create a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
9 lasagna noodles, wheat or gluten-free
10 ounces (283 grams) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed well
2 cups homemade marinara sauce, plus more for serving
Kosher salt to taste
Fresh pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the baking vessel by coating the bottom with a generous layer of marinara sauce, creating a flavorful foundation for the lasagna rolls.
Immerse lasagna noodles in boiling water, cooking them until they reach a tender yet firm consistency. Carefully extract and arrange them on a flat surface to air dry and prevent sticking.
Craft a vibrant filling by amalgamating fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, aged Parmesan, a whisked egg, and a delicate blend of salt and black pepper. Ensure thorough integration of ingredients for a harmonious mixture.
Distribute the verdant ricotta blend uniformly across each lasagna noodle, ensuring complete coverage and leaving a small margin around the edges to prevent overflow during rolling.
Gently roll each noodle into a compact cylinder, positioning them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish to maintain their structural integrity.
Lavish the roll-ups with remaining marinara sauce, creating a rich, saucy coating that will infuse moisture and flavor during baking.
Crown each roll with a sprinkle of melty mozzarella cheese, adding a luxurious golden finish.
Shield the dish with aluminum foil, then slide into a preheated oven and bake until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, molten layer and the rolls are heated through completely.
Notes
Prepare ingredients ahead of time for a stress-free cooking experience, allowing you to assemble these rolls quickly and efficiently.
Make extra and freeze individual portions for future meals, creating a convenient and delicious backup dinner solution.
Recipe Development and Testing, Culinary Education, Food Writing and Blogging, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.
Le Cordon Bleu Paris
Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.
Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability.
Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops.
His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.
Alex Reed
Founder & Lead Content Writer
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Culinary Education, Food Writing and Blogging, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Le Cordon Bleu Paris
Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability.
Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops.
His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.