How to Create Cheesy Baked Spinach Ricotta Lasagna Rolls
Lasagna is a universal comfort food that warms the heart and fills the belly. But what if you could take that traditional dish and turn it into something even more fun – cheesy baked spinach ricotta lasagna rolls! These rolls are not only tasty but are also incredibly easy to make. They’re perfect for a cozy dinner at home, a special gathering, or even meal prep for the week. With layers of creamy ricotta, vibrant spinach, gooey mozzarella, and hearty marinara sauce, these rolls will be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into this simple recipe step by step.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we begin, make sure you have these ingredients on hand:
– 8-10 cooked lasagna noodles (wide and flat)
– 1 tub (15 oz) of ricotta cheese
– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
– 1 large egg
– 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: fresh basil for garnish
Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Begin by cooking your lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil, carefully add the noodles, and cook them until al dente (firm but cooked). Be gentle when stirring to prevent the noodles from breaking. Once done, drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean surface, like a cutting board or parchment paper. This will stop them from sticking together while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Spinach Ricotta Filling
Now it’s time for the creamy filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and one egg. Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor. Mix everything together until it forms a smooth and evenly blended mixture. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to squeeze out all the water before adding it to avoid a watery filling.
Step 3: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a large baking dish. This will create a delicious foundation for your lasagna rolls and prevent them from sticking to the dish while baking.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Rolls
Here’s the fun part! Take one cooked lasagna noodle, lay it flat, and spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the spinach ricotta filling over the noodle. Use a spoon or spatula to spread the filling evenly, covering the entire surface of the noodle. Starting at one end, gently roll the noodle into a spiral shape, like you’re rolling a soft taco. Place the rolled noodle seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process with all the noodles.
Step 5: Add the Sauce and Cheese
Once all the rolls are snugly placed in your baking dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, covering each roll generously. You want the rolls to be drenched in sauce for extra flavor and softness during baking. Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the rolls for that melty, cheesy topping we all love.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the lasagna rolls for about 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the rolls are bubbling and the cheese is golden and gooey. Your kitchen will smell heavenly as the rolls cook!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Use a spatula to carefully lift the lasagna rolls onto plates. Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Pair them with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for Success
- Make-ahead option: You can assemble the lasagna rolls ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This is great for busy weeknights or gatherings.
- Experiment with add-ons: Want to mix things up? Add cooked chicken, roasted veggies, or mushrooms to your filling for an extra twist.
- Use leftover noodles: If you have extra cooked noodles, you can always freeze them for another batch later.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Spinach ricotta lasagna rolls are a great twist on traditional lasagna. They’re easier to portion out and serve, plus they look beautiful when plated. The creamy filling, hearty sauce, and cheesy topping create the perfect balance of flavors in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this dish will win hearts.
Go ahead and give this recipe a try! With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a comforting homemade meal in no time. Happy cooking!
