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Cozy Make-Ahead Lasagna Roll-Ups with Creamy Spinach Filling

make-ahead lasagna roll-ups - featured image

These lasagna roll-ups feature a creamy spinach filling and are perfect for make-ahead meals, offering a comforting and flavorful twist on traditional lasagna.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped and sautéed
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, optional, a pinch

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 lasagna noodles and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and lay flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Toss in chopped spinach and sauté until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach and garlic, beaten egg, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  4. Lay one noodle flat and spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling evenly over the surface. Roll up tightly from one end to the other. Repeat with remaining noodles and filling.
  5. Spread 1 cup marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the roll-ups seam side down in the dish, snugly but not crowded. Spoon remaining marinara sauce over the top, then sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
  6. Cover dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Let the roll-ups sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook noodles; lay them flat on a towel after draining to prevent sticking. Drain excess moisture from spinach to avoid soggy filling. Assemble roll-ups up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add 5 extra minutes to baking time if baking from chilled. Freeze unbaked roll-ups on a baking sheet before transferring to a container for freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: lasagna roll-ups, spinach filling, make-ahead, comfort food, easy dinner, creamy ricotta, vegetarian lasagna