There’s something utterly comforting about the aroma of lasagna wafting through the house—it’s a scent that tugs at nostalgia and brings a sense of warmth. These Easy Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups are like little parcels of joy, each packed with creamy cheese and vibrant spinach. I stumbled upon this gem while scrolling through a cooking blog during a late-night craving spree; who knew that a midnight snack could lead to such a cherished recipe?
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil a large pot of lightly salted water. Cook the lasagna noodles until they are tender but still firm, approximately 8 minutes. Drain and lay them flat on a surface.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté minced garlic for about 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Combine the cooked garlic with spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and salt in a large bowl, mixing until well combined.
- Spoon about 1/4 cup of the spinach mixture onto each lasagna noodle. Roll the noodles tightly around the filling and place them in a baking dish. Pour the spaghetti sauce over the rolls and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake the rolls in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the rolls before serving.
Ingredients
- 8 lasagna noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 (10-ounce) package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 (14-ounce) jar of spaghetti sauce
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1616 | Total Fat: 56g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 5160mg | Total Carbohydrate: 216g | Dietary Fiber: 24g | Total Sugars: 48g | Protein: 80g | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 1616mg | Iron: 16mg | Potassium: 2744mg
FAQ
- Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
- Yes, fresh spinach can be used in this recipe. Simply sauté the fresh spinach in the garlic oil until wilted before adding it to the cheese mixture.
- Is it necessary to include an egg in the filling mixture?
- Adding an egg to the filling mixture is optional. While some lasagna recipes include eggs for added richness, this recipe works well without it.
- Can I add herbs to the filling for extra flavor?
- Certainly! Adding herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to the ricotta mixture can enhance the flavor of the roll-ups. Feel free to experiment with your preferred seasonings.
- What type of cheese can I use as a substitute for ricotta?
- If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese can be a suitable substitute. Just ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the roll-ups and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just ensure they’re covered well to maintain freshness.
Tips
- Consider adding fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to the ricotta mixture for enhanced flavor. Lemon zest can also provide a fresh, zesty twist.
- For a richer filling, try mixing an egg into the ricotta and mozzarella blend, which can help bind the ingredients together.
- Experiment with using fresh spinach instead of frozen. Sauté it in garlic oil for added flavor before mixing it with the cheeses.
- If you’re up for a challenge, make homemade ricotta for a fresher, creamier texture in your roll-ups.
Equipment
- Large Pot – For boiling the lasagna noodles.
- Small Skillet – For cooking garlic.
- Baking Dish – To arrange and bake the lasagna roll-ups.
- Aluminum Foil – To cover the baking dish while baking.
