Easy Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups

 

Ingredients

For the Lasagna Roll-Ups:

• 9-12 lasagna noodles (depending on the size of your baking dish)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lasagna Noodles

1. Cook the Noodles:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

2. Sautéed Spinach:

   • If using fresh spinach, heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Add the spinach and sauté until wilted (about 2-3 minutes). If using frozen spinach, ensure it is fully thawed and drained.

3. Mix Filling Ingredients:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Roll-Ups

4. Spread the Filling:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a baking dish.

5. Fill the Noodles:

   • Take one lasagna noodle and place it on a flat surface. Spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the spinach mixture evenly over the noodle. Roll it up tightly, starting from one end.

6. Place in Baking Dish:

   • Place the rolled noodle seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles and filling.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

7. Top with Sauce:

   • Once all the roll-ups are in the baking dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, ensuring all the noodles are covered.

8. Add Cheese:

   • Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the sauce.

Step 5: Bake

9. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Serve

10. Garnish and Serve:
    • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

• Protein Addition: Add cooked ground beef, turkey, or sausage to the filling for extra protein.
• Vegetable Variations: You can mix in other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers into the filling.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a gluten-free version of this dish.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled roll-ups before baking. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Conclusion

These Easy Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups are a delicious and comforting dish that's perfect for family dinners or meal prep. They offer a great way to enjoy the classic flavors of lasagna in a fun, individual serving! Enjoy making this tasty recipe, and feel free to ask if you have any questions or need more ideas!