Oh, let me tell you, I absolutely adore comfort food, and there’s just something about a cheesy, saucy dish that makes my heart sing! These Lasagna Rolls with Spinach Filling are a fantastic twist on traditional lasagna that will have everyone raving about your culinary skills! I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering; everyone was swooning over the cheesy goodness. It’s almost like you’re giving lasagna a big, warm hug—what’s not to love? Plus, the best part is, they’re surprisingly easy to assemble. So, let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe!
Now, if you’ve ever been intimidated by making lasagna, fear not! These rolls are just as hearty and indulgent but are way easier to serve and enjoy. Picture this: tender lasagna noodles rolled around a creamy spinach filling, topped with a blanket of gooey mozzarella cheese, and smothered in marinara sauce. It’s irresistible!
What’s in Lasagna Rolls With Spinach Filling?
Let’s break down what goes into these delicious rolls—each ingredient plays a special role in making this dish a crowd-pleaser.
Lasagna Noodles: The foundation of our rolls! I always use traditional lasagna noodles, but feel free to go for the no-boil version if you’re short on time.
Fresh Spinach: This vibrant green adds a pop of color and nutrition. You can substitute with frozen spinach if that’s what you have, just make sure to drain it well!
Ricotta Cheese: A staple in Italian cooking! It adds creaminess and richness to the filling. I generally go for whole milk ricotta for that extra cream factor.
Mozzarella Cheese: The star of the show! Who doesn’t love melted mozzarella? Shredded mozzarella mixed into the filling and another layer on top makes for an ooey-gooey topping.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of this tangy cheese elevates the flavor profile of the filling.
Egg: This helps to bind everything together, giving the filling a nice texture.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: I love adding these spices for flavor without the fuss of chopping fresh onions and garlic.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out all the flavors.
Marinara Sauce: The lifeblood of our rolls! A good quality jarred sauce (or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious) will bring everything together beautifully.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: Optional but highly recommended for that fresh touch when serving!
Is Lasagna Rolls With Spinach Filling Good for You?
You might be wondering whether these delectable rolls are a healthier option. Well, let me break it down for you:
Spinach: This leafy green is packed with vitamins A and K, not to mention minerals like iron and calcium. So, you’re definitely getting some nutritious benefits with each bite!
Ricotta Cheese: It’s lower in fat compared to some other cheeses, which is a nice perk when indulging in a cheesy dish.
On the flip side, this dish does have a fair amount of cheese, which means it has calories to match. If you’re watching your calorie intake, consider using low-fat cheese options or reducing the quantity slightly.
Ingredients List:
– 9 lasagna noodles
– 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, for topping
– Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
*Serves: 4-6 people*
How to Make Lasagna Rolls With Spinach Filling?
Ready to roll? Here’s how to make these delightful lasagna rolls step by step:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). The perfect baking temperature for getting that cheese bubbly!
2. Cook your lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Drain them and set aside; they’ll continue to cook a little further in the oven.
3. While the noodles are cooking, in a large bowl, combine the chopped spinach with the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined; this filling is going to be dreamy!
4. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. It stops the noodles from sticking and adds flavor.
5. Now, grab a cooked lasagna noodle and place about 2-3 tablespoons of the spinach filling along the length of it. Roll it up tightly from one end to the other and place it seam-side down in your baking dish. Repeat this for the rest of the noodles—your dish will start to look gorgeous!
6. Once you’ve rolled them all up, cover the rolls with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle the last 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top. Because more cheese is always better, right?
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and then bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
8. Let the lasagna rolls cool for a few minutes before diving in. I know it’s hard to wait, but garnishing with fresh basil or parsley really adds a lovely touch to the presentation!
Roll into More Flavor!
If you want to switch things up, consider trying variations! You could add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even some cooked chicken to the filling for an extra protein punch. Feeling adventurous? Swap out the marinara for an alfredo sauce for a creamy twist!
I’m genuinely excited for you to try these Lasagna Rolls with Spinach Filling. They’re a surefire way to impress your family or friends (or just yourself, because why not?). I’d love to hear how they turn out for you, so don’t hesitate to come back and share your experience. Happy cooking!
