Spinach Lasagna Rolls Recipe

Lean in close because I'm about to share with you an Italian classic with a fun twist. Everyone loves lasagna, but it can be a bit heavy. Enter Spinach Lasagna Rolls. They have all the traditional flavors of lasagna, but in a lightened-up, easier-to-serve format. Plus, they're perfect for portion control!

Photos of Spinach Lasagna Rolls Recipe

Most of the ingredients in this recipe are commonplace, but there are a few you might need to keep an eye out for. For one, the part skim ricotta cheese is a healthier choice that might not be in every dairy aisle. Also, the marinara sauce can be homemade or store-bought. If you decide to buy it, opt for a brand that uses fresh, natural ingredients.

Key Ingredients for Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Homemade marinara sauce: This forms the base of the lasagna. You can make it at home or buy a good store-bought version.

Lasagna noodles: These are the building blocks of our rolls. You can use regular or whole grain noodles.

Frozen spinach: A great way to pack in some greens. Thaw and drain it well to avoid a watery lasagna.

Ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese adds a lovely texture and flavor to the filling. Part skim is a lightened-up option.

Parmesan cheese: A hard, salty cheese that gives a flavor punch.

Egg: This is used to bind the ricotta filling together.

Salt and pepper: Season to taste, but don't go overboard as the cheeses already contain salt.

Mozzarella cheese: This is sprinkled on top for a bubbly, golden finish.

One reader, Humfried Tolliver says:

I recently tried the spinach lasagna rolls recipe and it was a hit! The combination of spinach, ricotta, and marinara sauce was simply delicious. The rolls were easy to make and turned out perfectly. I highly recommend this recipe for a tasty and healthy meal.

Humfried Tolliver

Key Techniques for Perfect Spinach Lasagna Rolls

How to make marinara sauce: A simple marinara sauce can be made by sautéing garlic and onions in olive oil, then adding crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 20-30 minutes until it thickens.

How to cook lasagna noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them out on a flat surface to prevent sticking.

How to thaw frozen spinach: Place the frozen spinach in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, or until fully thawed. Alternatively, you can thaw the spinach in the refrigerator overnight.

How to mix ricotta filling: In a medium bowl, combine the thawed spinach, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

How to roll lasagna noodles: Lay out a piece of wax paper and place the cooked lasagna noodles on it. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over each noodle, then carefully roll them up.

How to ladle sauce over lasagna rolls: After placing the lasagna rolls in the baking dish, ladle the remaining marinara sauce over the top of each roll, ensuring they are evenly covered.

How to bake lasagna rolls: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 40 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the rolls are heated through.

How to serve lasagna rolls: To serve, ladle a small amount of marinara sauce onto each plate and place a lasagna roll on top. Enjoy!

How To Make Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Put together an Italian-inspired dinner with these spinach lasagna rolls made with tender wheat pasta layered with ricotta and topped with melty mozzarella.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 40 minutes

Total: 1 hour

Serves:

Ingredients

2cupshomemade marinara sauce,plus more for serving
9lasagna noodles,uncooked, wheat or gluten-free
10ozfrozen spinach,(1 package) chopped, thawed and squeezed well
15ozpart skim ricotta cheese
½cupParmesan Cheese,grated
1large egg
kosher salt and fresh pepper
9tbsppart skim mozzarella cheese,(about 3 oz), shredded

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Ladle about 1 cup of sauce on the bottom of a 9×12-inch baking dish.
Cook noodles according to package directions, then drain.
Combine spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl and mix.
Place a piece of wax paper on the counter and lay out lasagna noodles. Make sure noodles are dry.
Take ⅓ cup of ricotta mixture and spread evenly over noodle. Roll carefully and place seam side down onto the baking dish. Repeat with remaining noodles.
Ladle remaining sauce over the noodles and top each one with 1 tablespoon mozzarella cheese. Put foil over baking dish and bake for 40 minutes, or until cheese melts. Makes 9 rolls.
To serve, ladle a little sauce on the plate and top with lasagna roll.

Nutrition

Calories: 273.90kcal
Fat: 14.06g
Saturated Fat: 8.15g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3.94g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.91g
Carbohydrates: 20.60g
Fiber: 2.43g
Sugar: 4.19g
Protein: 16.46g
Cholesterol: 66.01mg
Sodium: 548.39mg
Calcium: 345.13mg
Potassium: 484.79mg
Iron: 1.96mg
Vitamin A: 281.93µg
Vitamin C: 10.02mg

Pro Tip for Mastering Spinach Lasagna Rolls

When preparing your spinach lasagna rolls, ensure that your lasagna noodles are completely dry before spreading the ricotta mixture. Any excess moisture can make the rolls soggy and prevent them from holding their shape. To achieve this, after draining the noodles, lay them out on a clean kitchen towel and pat them dry. This extra step will ensure your lasagna rolls are firm and delicious.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the marinara sauce and the ricotta-spinach mixture a day in advance to save time on the day of cooking.

Use no-boil noodles: Opt for no-boil lasagna noodles to skip the step of boiling them, saving you time and effort in the process.

Double the recipe: Make a double batch of the lasagna rolls and freeze the extra for a quick and convenient meal option in the future.

Streamline assembly: Lay out all the lasagna noodles at once and assemble the rolls simultaneously to expedite the process.

Invest in a kitchen scale: Use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients accurately and efficiently, ensuring the perfect balance of flavors in the dish.

Prep in bulk: Buy spinach in bulk, cook it, and freeze it in portions to have it ready for future recipes, saving time on prep work.

Substitute Ingredients For Spinach Lasagna Rolls Recipe

lasagna noodles - Substitute with zucchini slices: Zucchini slices can be used as a low-carb alternative to lasagna noodles, providing a lighter and healthier option.
part skim ricotta cheese - Substitute with cottage cheese: Cottage cheese can be used as a lower fat alternative to ricotta, while still providing a creamy texture and mild flavor.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino Romano cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese offers a similar salty and tangy flavor to parmesan, adding a delicious depth to the dish.
part skim mozzarella cheese - Substitute with fontina cheese: Fontina cheese melts beautifully and has a rich, creamy flavor, making it a great substitute for mozzarella in this recipe.

Presentation Ideas for Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Elevate the plating: When presenting the spinach lasagna rolls, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing plate. Use clean lines and carefully position each roll to create a stunning presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a pop of color and freshness to the dish by garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a burst of flavor.
Incorporate a drizzle of olive oil: Before serving, delicately drizzle a high-quality olive oil over the lasagna rolls. This adds a touch of richness and elevates the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Accent with a balsamic reduction: Create a beautiful design on the plate using a balsamic reduction. The sweet and tangy flavor will complement the savory lasagna rolls and add a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Use fine dining tableware: Select elegant tableware to serve the spinach lasagna rolls. Opt for minimalist, high-quality plates and utensils to enhance the dining experience and showcase the dish in a refined manner.
Add a sprinkle of edible flowers: Introduce a touch of elegance by delicately placing a few edible flowers around the plate. Not only do they add a visual appeal, but they also bring a subtle floral note to the dish.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange the lasagna rolls in a symmetrical pattern on the plate, paying attention to balance and precision. This meticulous arrangement adds a sense of artistry to the presentation.
Accentuate with microgreens: Sprinkle a few vibrant microgreens over the lasagna rolls to add a burst of color and a hint of fresh, earthy flavor. This small detail can make a big impact on the overall presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Lasagna Rolls

Baking dish: A rectangular or square dish used for baking and serving dishes like lasagna rolls.
Wax paper: Used for rolling out the lasagna noodles and preventing them from sticking to the counter.
Foil: Used to cover the baking dish while the lasagna rolls are baking in the oven.
Ladle: Used for spooning and distributing the marinara sauce onto the bottom of the baking dish and over the lasagna rolls.
Food processor: Optional tool for blending the spinach and ricotta mixture.
Mixing bowl: Used for combining the spinach, ricotta, parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper to create the filling for the lasagna rolls.

Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Allow the spinach lasagna rolls to cool completely before storing or freezing.
For storing in the refrigerator, place the cooled rolls in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze the rolls, follow these steps:
1. Place the cooled rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they aren't touching each other.
2. Put the baking sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until the rolls are frozen solid.
3. Once frozen, transfer the rolls to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
4. Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
Frozen spinach lasagna rolls will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat refrigerated rolls, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the rolls in a baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
For frozen rolls, you can either thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as directed above, or bake them directly from frozen. If baking from frozen, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the frozen rolls in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the rolls are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

How To Reheat Leftover Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover spinach lasagna rolls in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain the texture and moisture of the rolls while ensuring even heating.
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place the spinach lasagna rolls on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the rolls to become rubbery.
If you have an air fryer, you can reheat the spinach lasagna rolls in it for a crispy exterior. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the rolls in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a stovetop method, place the spinach lasagna rolls in a covered skillet with a splash of water or marinara sauce. Heat over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps prevent the rolls from drying out while reheating.
If you have a sous vide machine, you can reheat the spinach lasagna rolls using this precise temperature control method. Place the rolls in a vacuum-sealed bag or a ziplock bag with the air removed. Set the sous vide water bath to 140°F (60°C) and submerge the bag for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. This method ensures even heating and maintains the original texture of the rolls.

Interesting Trivia About Spinach Lasagna Rolls

The lasagna rolls recipe is a great way to incorporate spinach into your diet. Spinach is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is high in iron, calcium, and vitamins A and K. It's also a good source of fiber and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

Budget-Friendly: Making Spinach Lasagna Rolls at Home

The cost-effectiveness of this spinach lasagna rolls recipe is quite favorable. With affordable ingredients like frozen spinach, ricotta cheese, and lasagna noodles, it offers a budget-friendly option for households. The use of simple, readily available items makes it a cost-effective choice. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be 8/10, considering its affordability, nutritional value, and delicious taste.

Is This Spinach Lasagna Recipe Healthy?

The spinach lasagna rolls recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering several nutritious ingredients:

Spinach is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
Part-skim ricotta and mozzarella provide protein and calcium with less fat than full-fat cheeses
Whole-grain lasagna noodles offer more fiber and nutrients than traditional pasta
Homemade marinara sauce allows control over sodium and sugar content

However, the recipe could be further improved to boost its nutritional value:

Increase the amount of spinach or add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers to enhance fiber, vitamins, and minerals
Use low-fat ricotta cheese or replace some of the ricotta with tofu for a lower-fat, protein-rich alternative
Opt for whole-grain or vegetable-based lasagna noodles to increase fiber content
Reduce the amount of cheese used to lower the overall fat and calorie content
Incorporate lean ground turkey or chicken for an additional source of lean protein
Add herbs and spices like basil, oregano, and garlic to enhance flavor without increasing sodium

By making these adjustments, you can create a more nutrient-dense and well-rounded meal that still satisfies your lasagna cravings. Remember, enjoying this dish in moderation and pairing it with a side salad or other nutrient-rich foods can contribute to a balanced and healthy diet.

Editor's Opinion on These Delightful Spinach Lasagna Rolls

This spinach lasagna rolls recipe is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna. The combination of creamy ricotta, flavorful spinach, and tangy marinara sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors. The individual rolls make for an elegant presentation, and the dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. The recipe is simple to follow and yields delicious results, making it a great addition to any home cook's repertoire.

Enhance Your Spinach Lasagna Rolls Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with a crispy garlic parmesan topping.

Honey Glazed Carrots with Thyme: Sweet and savory carrots glazed with honey and thyme for a delightful side dish.

Mushroom Risotto Cakes: Creamy mushroom risotto formed into cakes and pan-fried until golden brown for a unique and delicious side dish.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Creamy Chicken Alfredo: This creamy chicken alfredo recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and creamy alfredo sauce. It's the perfect meal for a cozy night in.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Mango salsa chicken is a flavorful and vibrant dish that combines juicy chicken with a fresh and tangy mango salsa. It's a perfect recipe for a summer barbecue or a light and refreshing dinner.

Butternut Squash Soup: Butternut squash soup is a velvety and comforting soup that's perfect for chilly days. It's made with roasted butternut squash, onions, and a blend of warm spices for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a rich and creamy cheese mixture and topped with a crispy breadcrumb topping.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with these classic bruschetta bites, featuring toasted baguette slices topped with a flavorful mixture of tomatoes, garlic, and basil.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a decadent and velvety smooth chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The rich and creamy texture will melt in your mouth, leaving you craving for more.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the creamy and luscious strawberry cheesecake, with a buttery graham cracker crust and a sweet strawberry topping. Each bite is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Why trust this Spinach Lasagna Rolls Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, featuring spinach and a flavorful blend of ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. The use of homemade marinara sauce ensures a rich and authentic flavor. With carefully crafted instructions, these lasagna rolls promise a satisfying and wholesome meal. Trust in the combination of quality ingredients and a meticulous cooking process to deliver a delectable dining experience.

If you'd like to share your own tips or experiences making Spinach Lasagna Rolls, head over to the Recipe Sharing section of our forum and join the discussion!

FAQ:

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh spinach instead of frozen. Simply blanch the fresh spinach, squeeze out the excess moisture, and chop it finely before using it in the recipe.

Can I make the lasagna rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them until you're ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you're starting with cold rolls.

Can I freeze the lasagna rolls?

Yes, you can freeze the lasagna rolls. After assembling the rolls, place them in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Certainly! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. You can substitute the ricotta with cottage cheese or use a blend of different cheeses such as fontina, provolone, or asiago for added flavor.

Can I add meat to the lasagna rolls?

Of course! If you'd like to add meat, you can brown some ground beef, turkey, or sausage and mix it into the ricotta mixture before spreading it onto the noodles. This will add a delicious meaty flavor to the rolls.