Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Lasagna Roll Ups offer the classic flavors of lasagna in individual portions that bake faster and are easy to serve. This dish combines ricotta cheese, spinach, mozzarella, and marinara sauce rolled up in lasagna noodles for a fun twist on the traditional lasagna. Perfect for portion control, these roll ups are both delicious and convenient. After cooking the lasagna noodles, they are filled with a mixture of ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, garlic, and seasonings. The rolls are then topped with marinara sauce and more mozzarella before being baked to perfection. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of lasagna in a fun, individual portion.

Lasagna Roll Ups offer the classic flavors of lasagna in individual portions that bake faster and are easy to serve. These rolls are perfect for portion control and are a delightful twist on the traditional dish.

INGREDIENTS

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Used to drizzle over cooked noodles to prevent sticking.
• Lasagna Noodles: 9 dry lasagna noodles cooked until al dente.
• Marinara Sauce: 3 cups, divided. You can use homemade or store-bought sauce for convenience.
• Part-Skim Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces (1 3/4 cups) for a creamy filling.
• Large Egg: 1, to help bind the filling ingredients together.
• Shredded Mozzarella: 1 cup, divided. Adds gooey, melted cheese to the filling and topping.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, for added flavor in the filling.
• Frozen Spinach: 10 ounces, thawed and squeezed dry to remove excess moisture.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced for a burst of flavor.
• Dried Italian Seasoning: 1/2 teaspoon, for an herby flavor.
• Salt: 3/4 teaspoon, to enhance all the flavors.
• Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, for a bit of heat.
• Ground Nutmeg: 1/8 teaspoon, adds a subtle warmth to the filling.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and the 9 dry lasagna noodles. Cook the noodles until al dente, following the package directions. After draining, drizzle them with a bit of extra virgin olive oil to prevent sticking. Drape them over the colander or lay them flat on a baking sheet.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish to prevent the lasagna rolls from sticking and to add extra flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine 15 ounces of part-skim ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 10 ounces of thawed and squeezed dry spinach, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Roll Ups

Spread about 1/3 cup of the ricotta mixture onto the length of each lasagna noodle. Roll each noodle up in a jelly-roll fashion. Arrange the rolls, seam side down, in the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Top the lasagna rolls with the remaining 2 cups of marinara sauce and the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the inside is warmed through.

Step 6: Serve

Sprinkle the lasagna roll ups with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish in a fun, individual portion.

Serving and Storage Tips

Here are some tips on how to serve and store your Lasagna Roll Ups:

• Serve the lasagna roll ups hot, straight out of the oven for the best flavor and texture.
• Pair with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, place the roll ups in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350 degrees F until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave.

Helpful Notes

Here are some helpful notes to enhance your cooking experience:

• You can use fresh spinach instead of frozen. Simply sauté it first to wilt and remove excess moisture.
• Add a layer of cooked ground beef or sausage to the filling for a meatier version.
• Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like fontina or gouda for a unique twist.

Tips from well-known chefs

Here are some tips from famous chefs around the globe:

• Chef Giada De Laurentiis: "Always season each layer of your lasagna to ensure every bite is flavorful."
• Chef Lidia Bastianich: "Don't rush the baking process. Allow the lasagna to bake until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly."
• Chef Mario Batali: "Using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes a significant difference in the final dish."