Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
If you’re looking to shake up pasta night with something that feels both familiar and delightfully fresh, these Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups are just the ticket. Think all the goodness of classic lasagna, but in a personal, rolled-up format that makes serving not just a breeze, but fun! Each spiral is bursting with creamy cottage cheese, vibrant spinach, and melty cheese, all bathed in a zesty tomato sauce. It’s a crowd-pleasing comfort dish that manages to taste both light and ultra-satisfying, and it just might become your new favorite way to enjoy lasagna.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups is how approachable the ingredient list is. Each element is easy to find and absolutely crucial, working together to bring out bold flavors, creamy textures, and eye-catching color. Here’s what you’ll need, with tips on why they matter:
- Lasagna noodles: The base and structure for rolling; be sure to cook them al dente so they hold together and don’t get mushy.
- Baby spinach: Adds a delicate earthiness and a pop of green; finely chop for the most even texture in your filling.
- Low-fat cottage cheese: Delivers creaminess and a light, tangy flavor while keeping things lighter than traditional ricotta.
- Shredded cheese (mozzarella, Romano, or a blend): Melts beautifully for a gooey, irresistible finish—use your favorite mix.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty depth that rounds out the filling perfectly.
- Garlic cloves, finely minced: Infuses the filling with aromatic, savory undertones—fresh garlic makes a big difference!
- Salt: Essential for balancing flavors; don’t skip this simple seasoning.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Brings a gentle heat and enhances all the other flavors in your filling.
- Spaghetti sauce: The finishing touch, making each roll-up saucy and satisfying—pick your favorite store-bought or homemade version.
How to Make Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9-by-9 inch baking dish. This step keeps your roll-ups from sticking and ensures an easy cleanup later. Having your pan and oven ready before you start assembling means you can slide everything right in once you’re done, with zero fuss.
Step 2: Cook and Cool the Lasagna Noodles
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil, then add the lasagna noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions until they are just al dente—you want them tender with a bit of bite so they’ll roll up neatly and not tear. Once cooked, gently lay the noodles out on a clean kitchen towel to cool and dry. This step prevents sticking and makes assembly a whole lot easier!
Step 3: Mix Up the Spinach and Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your finely chopped baby spinach, low-fat cottage cheese, half of your shredded cheese, all the Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and a generous dash of freshly ground black pepper. Stir until everything is well blended. The result is a vibrant, creamy mixture that’s packed with nutrition and pure lasagna flavor!
Step 4: Fill and Roll Each Noodle
Divide the spinach-cheese filling evenly among the noodles, spreading it from end to end. This way, every single bite gets the perfect hit of flavor and creaminess. Once they’re all topped, carefully roll each noodle from the bottom upwards, then nestle each roll seam-side down in your prepared baking dish, snugly side by side.
Step 5: Sauce, Top, and Bake!
Pour the spaghetti sauce evenly over the rolled noodles, making sure each one gets covered. Then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is gorgeously melted. Serve them warm and watch as everyone digs in with big smiles!
How to Serve Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley right before serving makes these Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups look extra inviting. Consider a little extra grated Parmesan or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who like a touch of heat. The freshness of the herbs really lifts the dish and adds color.
Side Dishes
These roll-ups pair beautifully with a crisp green salad—think arugula, romaine, or mixed greens tossed in a simple vinaigrette. Add a crusty piece of garlic bread or a drizzle of olive oil on toasted baguette slices for a classic Italian vibe. If you want to keep things light, roasted seasonal vegetables round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving the Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups individually on small plates, each topped with that beautiful molten cheese and a swoosh of sauce. For family-style, line them up in a casserole and let people help themselves. You can even pack them in a lunchbox for a fun twist on leftovers—just slice them in half for perfect little pinwheels!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups store surprisingly well! Simply cool them to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Pop them in the fridge and they’ll stay delicious for up to three days—making them perfect for enjoying throughout your busy week.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, assemble the dish but hold off on baking. Wrap the entire pan tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed (you may need a few extra minutes in the oven).
Reheating
To reheat, place the roll-ups in a baking dish, cover with foil to lock in moisture, and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. For individual portions, a quick zap in the microwave works well—just cover and heat in short bursts to keep the cheese nice and melty.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw the spinach, squeeze out excess water, and use it in place of the fresh baby spinach. You’ll get all the same vibrant flavor and nutrients, and it’s especially convenient when you’re working with pantry staples.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta makes a wonderful substitute for an even richer filling. You could also try a dairy-free alternative if you’re looking for a vegan spin.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Definitely! Browned ground turkey, chicken, or beef can be added to the filling or even layered on top before rolling. Just make sure to cook and season the meat beforehand, and reduce some of the cheese or spinach if needed for the perfect balance.
What’s the best way to prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Once drained, immediately arrange the cooked noodles in a single layer on a clean towel. If you need to stack them, place a piece of parchment or wax paper between layers to keep them from adhering.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply swap in your favorite brand of gluten-free lasagna noodles and check that your spaghetti sauce doesn’t contain any hidden gluten. Follow the same cooking and assembly steps for delicious gluten-free Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups!
Final Thoughts
I hope these Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups inspire you to roll up your sleeves and bring a little extra joy to your next pasta night. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or treating friends to something special, this dish is always a delicious success. Happy cooking—and don’t forget to savor every cheesy, spinach-packed bite!
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Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups recipe that is easy to make and perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
For the lasagna roll-ups:
- 8 lasagna noodles
For the spinach and cheese filling:
- 2 cups finely chopped baby spinach, from about 3 ounces
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 2/3 cup shredded cheese, such as mozzarella, Romano, or a blend, divided
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
For assembly and baking:
- 1 cup spaghetti sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9-x9-inch baking dish.
- Cook the lasagna noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles in plenty of salted boiling water according to package directions. Remove when they are al dente and lay out on a clean towel to dry and cool.
- Prepare the spinach and cheese filling: Mix the spinach, cottage cheese, 1/3 cup shredded cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and a generous quantity of black pepper.
- Assemble the roll-ups: Divide the spinach and cheese mixture evenly between the noodles, spreading the mixture over the entire length of each noodle. Roll up the noodles from bottom to top, and place in a baking dish, side by side, touching.
- Add sauce and bake: Pour the tomato sauce over the rolls, and sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup shredded cheese over top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
Notes
- You can customize the cheese blend to suit your taste preferences.
- Feel free to add cooked ground meat or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll-up
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups, Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe, Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe
