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."