If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious, and surprisingly easy dinner that feels a little fancy but comes together without any stress, you have to try this Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe. I absolutely love how these roll ups are a fresh twist on traditional lasagna — they’re perfect for busy weeknights or even serving guests when you want something impressive but totally doable. Stick around, because I’m sharing every little detail to make sure yours turn out as dreamy as mine did the first time I made them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Prep: No layering nightmare here—just spread, roll, and bake for fuss-free cooking.
- Healthy and Hearty: Spinach and part-skim cheeses make this a satisfying meal without weighing you down.
- Perfect Portions: Each roll is individually portioned, making serving and leftovers a breeze.
- Family Approved: My family goes crazy for these! They’re kid-friendly but also dinner-party worthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are — you probably already have most of them in your fridge or pantry. The combo of ricotta and Parmesan with spinach creates such a creamy filling, and the homemade marinara sauce really brings it all together. Here’s what to grab before we get rolling.
- Homemade marinara sauce: If you can, make your own for fresh flavor, or pick a good-quality jar for convenience.
- Uncooked lasagna noodles: Wheat or gluten-free, just make sure to cook them fully for easy rolling.
- Frozen chopped spinach: Thaw and squeeze out all the water — this keeps the filling from getting soggy.
- Part skim ricotta cheese: I recommend Polly-O for its creamy texture and balanced taste.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty kick that boosts the filling’s flavor.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder so your filling holds together beautifully.
- Kosher salt and fresh pepper: Simple seasoning to keep every bite balanced.
- Part skim mozzarella cheese: Shredded so it melts perfectly on top.
Variations
In my kitchen, I love mixing things up to keep this Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe feeling fresh. Don’t be afraid to customize it to match your cravings or dietary needs—you’ll find it’s a fantastic base for lots of tweaks.
- Meat Lover’s Version: I sometimes add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the ricotta mixture for an added protein punch.
- Dairy-Free Twist: Try using a plant-based ricotta substitute and vegan mozzarella to keep it allergen-friendly and still tasty.
- Extra Veggie Boost: Finely chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini folded into the spinach filling add great texture and nutrition.
- Spicier Flavor: Add red pepper flakes or swap marinara for a spicy arrabbiata sauce if you like a bit of heat.
How to Make Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Sauce and Noodles
Preheat your oven to 350°F—it’s important to get the heat just right so everything melts and bakes evenly. Pour about a cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×12 baking dish, spreading it around to prevent sticking and add a saucy base. Meanwhile, cook your lasagna noodles according to the package directions until they’re al dente. Once done, drain and lay them flat on wax paper or a clean kitchen towel to dry—this helps avoid stickiness when rolling later.
Step 2: Mix the Spinach Filling
This is where the magic starts! In a medium bowl, combine your squeezed-dry chopped spinach with ricotta, Parmesan, egg, and a pinch of kosher salt and fresh pepper. I usually start with ½ teaspoon of salt here—you can always add more later, but too much might overpower the delicate spinach flavor. Stir it up until everything is nicely blended and creamy.
Step 3: Spread, Roll, and Arrange
Lay out your noodles on wax paper again—dry noodles are key for smooth spreading. Spoon about 1/3 cup of your spinach mixture on each noodle and spread evenly, leaving a little edge so the filling doesn’t ooze out during baking. Roll each noodle carefully but snugly from one end to the other and place seam side down in the prepared baking dish. It really helps if you place them gently so they keep their shape and don’t unravel.
Step 4: Sauce, Cheese, and Bake
Ladle the rest of your marinara sauce over the rolls to soak them nicely—this keeps them moist while baking. Top each with about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with foil (this prevents the cheese from burning and keeps moisture in) and bake for 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese on top is melted and bubbly and the sauce is hot all the way through.
Pro Tips for Making Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
- Dry Your Spinach Thoroughly: I learned this trick the hard way—excess water in the spinach creates a watery filling and soggy rolls.
- Use Wax Paper for Easy Handling: Spreading and rolling on wax paper keeps noodles from sticking and helps you work quickly.
- Don’t Skip the Foil: Covering during baking keeps cheese melty but prevents burning—a must for perfect results.
- Taste the Filling Before Rolling: Give it a quick taste to adjust salt and pepper—it makes all the difference!
How to Serve Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley right before serving—it brightens up the dish and adds a lovely color pop. A little extra grated Parmesan on top never hurts either, especially if you’re sharing with guests who appreciate a cheesy finish.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with a simple mixed green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, or some garlic bread if you want to keep things indulgent. Roasted veggies like asparagus or a crisp Caesar salad round out the meal nicely, providing contrast to the creamy lasagna rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I sometimes arrange the roll ups on a large platter in a tight spiral, spoon extra sauce decoratively around, and sprinkle with microgreens or edible flowers. It looks elegant and makes it feel extra special without any extra cooking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to store the rolls and sauce together to keep things moist—and just reheat gently in the oven to avoid drying out.
Freezing
I’ve successfully frozen fully assembled but unbaked roll ups by wrapping the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual. This is a total lifesaver for busy nights!
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, I cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the cheese melty and prevents the noodles from drying out, unlike microwaving which can sometimes make the texture rubbery.
FAQs
-
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen in this Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe?
You absolutely can! If using fresh spinach, cook it down in a pan until wilted, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing it with the cheeses. This helps prevent soggy roll ups and keeps the filling firm.
-
Do I need to boil the noodles before rolling them?
Yes, cooking the noodles according to package instructions until al dente makes them flexible enough to roll without cracking. Just be sure to dry them well after draining for best results.
-
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free ones. Make sure to check the cooking time on the package since gluten-free noodles sometimes cook faster or slower.
-
How do I prevent the roll ups from falling apart when baking?
Rolling them snugly and placing them seam side down in the pan helps them hold their shape. Also, spreading the ricotta mixture evenly but not too thickly keeps the rolls intact during cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe has become one of my absolute go-to comfort meals when I want something cozy but fuss-free. It’s just one of those recipes that everyone seems to love, and I think you’ll appreciate how easy it is to customize too. The best part? They reheat beautifully, so cooking once means enjoying it twice—which is exactly the kind of thing I’m always after. Give it a try next week, and I promise it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation!
Print
Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 9 rolls
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups are a delicious and easy-to-make meal featuring tender lasagna noodles rolled with a creamy ricotta and spinach filling, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining, this recipe offers a satisfying vegetarian option that’s packed with flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients
For the Sauce and Noodles
- 2 cups homemade marinara sauce (plus more for serving)
- 9 uncooked lasagna noodles (wheat or gluten-free)
For the Filling
- 10 oz package frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed well)
- 15 oz part skim ricotta cheese (such as Polly-o)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
For the Topping
- 9 tbsp (about 3 oz) part skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ladle about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9 x 12-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Cook the noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them well and lay flat on a piece of wax paper ensuring they are dry before filling.
- Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the thawed and squeezed spinach, part skim ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, one large egg, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Assemble the roll ups: Spread about 1/3 cup of the ricotta and spinach mixture evenly over each noodle. Carefully roll up each noodle, starting from one edge, and place the rolls seam side down into the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Add sauce and cheese topping: Ladle the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the rolled noodles. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each roll for a cheesy finish.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dish is heated through.
- Serve: To serve, spoon a little extra marinara sauce onto plates and place lasagna roll ups on top. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- These EASY Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups are perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests with a delicious vegetarian entrée.
- You can use either wheat or gluten-free lasagna noodles depending on your dietary preference.
- Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the spinach to prevent soggy rolls.
- Feel free to add herbs like basil or oregano to the ricotta mixture for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 253 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 285 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14.5 g
- Cholesterol: 28 mg