How to Create Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna Rolls: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Who doesn’t love a warm, cheesy, comforting dish that’s easy to make and fun to eat? Spinach and ricotta lasagna rolls are a tasty twist on traditional lasagna. Instead of layering the pasta, sauce, and cheese, you roll it all into bite-sized portions that look as good as they taste. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you’re just craving some cheesy goodness. Here’s how to make them in simple English!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Before you start, gather these basic ingredients:
For the Lasagna Rolls:
– 10 lasagna sheets (uncooked)
– 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped) or 1 cup frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
– 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
– 2 cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Optional: ½ cup heavy cream for a creamier sauce
Step 1: Boil the Lasagna Sheets
Start by cooking your lasagna sheets according to the package instructions. Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil and drop in the lasagna sheets one by one to prevent sticking. Cook for about 8–10 minutes until they’re soft but still firm enough to handle.
Once done, carefully drain the sheets and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to cool. This will keep them from sticking together. Be gentle—lasagna sheets can tear easily!
Step 2: Prepare the Spinach Ricotta Filling
While the pasta is cooling, it’s time to mix up the creamy, cheesy filling.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan.
- Add one egg to the mixture. The egg helps bind the filling so it doesn’t fall apart when you roll the sheets.
- Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly until it forms a creamy, tasty paste.
Pro Tip: Taste the filling (before adding the egg!) to make sure the seasoning is just right. You want it to be flavorful since this is the star of your dish.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna Rolls
Now for the fun part—rolling them up!
- Lay one lasagna sheet flat on your working surface. Spread about 2–3 tablespoons of the spinach ricotta mixture evenly across the sheet. Don’t overload it, or the roll will burst open when cooked.
- Carefully roll the sheet like you’re making a jelly roll or burrito. Start at one end and tuck it tightly as you roll toward the other end.
- Repeat with the remaining lasagna sheets and filling until you have a row of neat little rolls.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Take out your favorite baking dish (a casserole dish works perfectly). Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of the dish. This sauce prevents the rolls from sticking and adds that delicious tomato flavor.
Place each lasagna roll seam-side down in the dish. Once all the rolls are snugly packed into the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top. You can also mix in a splash of heavy cream with the sauce for a creamier finish!
Step 5: Add More Cheese and Bake
No lasagna is complete without a generous layer of melted cheese on top.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top of the sauced rolls. You can never have too much cheese, so don’t be shy!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the lasagna rolls are baked to perfection, let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving. Use a spatula to carefully lift each roll onto plates. Pair them with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
For leftovers (if you have any!), store the rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven, making them a great make-ahead dish.
Why These Lasagna Rolls Are Amazing
Spinach and ricotta lasagna rolls are a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons. The combination of cheesy ricotta, nutrient-packed spinach, and rich marinara sauce is simply irresistible. Plus, turning lasagna into neat, handheld rolls makes it easier to serve and portion. No messy slicing!
Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, this dish is easy to make and full of flavor. So the next time you want to impress your family or guests, whip up these cheesy spinach and ricotta lasagna rolls. They’re guaranteed to be a hit!
There you have it—a simple recipe for a dish that’s as delicious as it is fun to make. Try it today and share the cheesy love!
