Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna Roll-Ups: A Creamy, Cheesy Italian Delight

These Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna Roll-Ups are a fun, elegant twist on classic lasagna. Instead of layering, lasagna sheets are filled with a creamy spinach and ricotta mixture, rolled up, and baked in a rich Alfredo or béchamel sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, these individual rolls are perfect for serving at family dinners, dinner parties, or even as a make-ahead meal for busy nights.

Not only do they look beautiful plated, but they also deliver the comforting, cheesy goodness of traditional lasagna in a slightly lighter and fresher form. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Individually Rolled Portions: Perfectly portioned rolls make serving easier and more visually appealing.
2. Rich and Creamy Sauce: Alfredo or béchamel sauce adds indulgent flavor and keeps the dish moist.
3. Family-Friendly: A great way to sneak spinach into a cheesy dish that even kids will love.
4. Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, proteins, or swap sauces for endless possibilities.
5. Perfect for Any Occasion: Elegant enough for entertaining, but simple enough for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Lasagna Roll-Ups:

• 8 lasagna sheets: Cooked al dente to hold their shape during rolling and baking.
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it’s the perfect base for the filling.
• 2 cups fresh spinach, sautéed and chopped: Adds nutrients and a touch of earthiness to the dish.
• 1 egg: Helps bind the filling, ensuring it stays intact during baking.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor to the filling.

For the Sauce and Topping:

• 2 cups Alfredo or béchamel sauce: Rich, creamy, and the perfect complement to the cheesy filling. Use store-bought for convenience or homemade for an extra touch.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates a golden, bubbly topping that’s irresistible.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory kick to the filling.

For Garnish:

• Chopped parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness for the perfect finishing touch.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Sheets

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the lasagna sheets until al dente (follow package instructions). Be careful not to overcook, as they’ll need to hold their shape for rolling.
3. Drain the lasagna sheets and lay them flat on parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. Heat a skillet with a small drizzle of olive oil. Add the fresh spinach and sauté until wilted (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat, chop finely, and let cool slightly.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, egg, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Roll-Ups

1. Spread a thin layer of the ricotta-spinach mixture evenly over each lasagna sheet, leaving a small border at the edges.
2. Roll the lasagna sheets tightly, starting from one short end, and place each roll seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Add the Sauce and Cheese

1. Pour the Alfredo or béchamel sauce evenly over the lasagna rolls, ensuring they are completely covered.
2. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

1. Bake the roll-ups in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
2. For a crispier cheese topping, broil the dish on high for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the roll-ups rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and flavor.
3. Serve hot, paired with a crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread for the ultimate Italian-inspired feast.

Chef Tips for Success

1. Prevent Sticking: After cooking, lay the lasagna sheets flat and don’t stack them to avoid sticking together.
2. Don’t Overfill: Spread a thin, even layer of filling on the lasagna sheets to ensure easy rolling and prevent spilling.
3. Customize Your Sauce: For a lighter option, use marinara instead of Alfredo or béchamel. For a richer flavor, try a tomato cream sauce.
4. Sauté the Spinach: Sautéing spinach removes excess moisture, preventing a watery filling.
5. Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Shredding mozzarella and Parmesan fresh ensures a smoother melt compared to pre-shredded cheese.

Customizations and Variations

This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Here are some ways to make it your own:

Add Proteins:

• Mix cooked, crumbled sausage or shredded chicken into the ricotta filling.
• Add a layer of prosciutto or cooked pancetta to each roll before spreading the filling.

Boost the Veggies:

• Stir in roasted red peppers, mushrooms, or artichokes to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
• Replace spinach with kale, Swiss chard, or even finely chopped zucchini.

Go Gluten-Free:

• Use gluten-free lasagna sheets to make this dish gluten-free.

Experiment with Cheeses:

• Swap ricotta for cottage cheese or mascarpone for a creamier filling.
• Try Asiago or Gruyère in place of Parmesan for a different flavor profile.

Spice it Up:

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce for a subtle kick.

What to Serve with Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna Roll-Ups

These roll-ups pair beautifully with Italian-inspired sides. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Crisp Caesar Salad: A classic pairing with creamy lasagna dishes.
• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the extra Alfredo or béchamel sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts for a healthy side.
• Antipasto Platter: Serve as a starter with marinated olives, cured meats, and fresh mozzarella.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here’s an estimate for one serving of Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna Roll-Ups (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the lasagna roll-ups, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

3. Can I freeze lasagna roll-ups?

Yes! Assemble the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, or bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

4. Can I use no-boil lasagna sheets?

Yes! Soak no-boil lasagna sheets in hot water for 5-7 minutes to soften before assembling.

5. Can I make this vegetarian?

It already is! But feel free to swap out the Alfredo sauce for marinara for an even lighter vegetarian option.

Conclusion

These Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna Roll-Ups are the perfect combination of elegance and comfort. With tender pasta, a creamy spinach-ricotta filling, and a rich Alfredo or béchamel sauce, this dish delivers big on flavor while keeping the prep simple. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party, meal-prepping for the week, or treating your family to a delicious Italian-inspired meal, these roll-ups are guaranteed to impress. Enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite! 🍝🌿