Description
Cheesy lasagna roll ups offer a delightful twist on classic Italian pasta. Rolled noodles stuffed with ricotta, herbs, and meat create a mouthwatering meal that satisfies hearty appetites and brings comfort to the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 9 dry lasagna noodles
- 15 ounces (425 grams) part-skim ricotta cheese
- 10 ounces (280 grams) frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 cups homemade marinara sauce (or store-bought)
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
Seasonings and Other Ingredients:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Submerge lasagna noodles in boiling, salted water and cook until tender. Carefully drain and prevent sticking by lightly coating with olive oil, then spread out on a clean surface.
- Heat oven to 350°F and create a marinara sauce base in a 9×13 inch baking dish by spreading a thin layer across the bottom.
- Combine ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and nutmeg in a mixing bowl until thoroughly incorporated.
- Take each noodle and generously spread the cheese mixture along its entire length, then gently roll into compact cylinders.
- Position rolled noodles seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are snugly arranged.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the rolls, then sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top for extra coverage.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 35 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts completely and the interior reaches a warm temperature.
- Remove from oven, garnish with optional Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately while hot and fresh.
Notes
- Use fresh lasagna noodles for a softer, more delicate texture that melts in your mouth, ensuring a more authentic Italian experience.
- Swap ricotta with cottage cheese or tofu for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that works great for health-conscious eaters.
- Enhance flavor complexity by adding a layer of sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions inside the roll-ups for extra depth and richness.
- Prepare roll-ups ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg