Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Rolls

This spinach lasagna roll-up recipe transforms traditional lasagna into individual servings that are both elegant and comforting. The creamy cheese filling wrapped in tender pasta creates the perfect bite every time, with all the flavors of classic lasagna in a fun new format.

I first made these roll-ups for a dinner party when I wanted something more impressive than regular lasagna. The presentation was such a hit that they've become my go-to for both special occasions and meal prepping for busy weeks.

Ingredients

• Lasagna noodles: crucial foundation for roll-ups, cook just until al dente to ensure they're pliable but won't fall apart
• Ricotta cheese: provides creamy texture, look for whole milk ricotta for best flavor
• Cottage cheese: adds protein and creamy texture while cutting richness, small curd works best
• Monterey jack cheese: melts beautifully for that perfect cheese pull, freshly shredded melts better than pre-shredded
• Parmesan cheese: adds savory depth, use freshly grated for best flavor and meltability
• Fresh garlic: provides aromatic flavor, mince finely for even distribution
• Fresh baby spinach: adds color, nutrition and flavor, chop well for easier rolling
• Spaghetti sauce: creates the flavorful base, use homemade or your favorite jarred variety
• Kosher salt: enhances all flavors, be generous with pasta water
• Fresh cracked pepper: adds subtle heat and depth
• Fresh parsley: brightens the finished dish with color and fresh flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This moderate temperature allows the roll-ups to heat through completely without burning the cheese on top.

Cook the Pasta:

Boil a large pot of generously salted water and cook the lasagna noodles just until al dente according to package directions. The noodles will continue cooking in the oven, so keeping them slightly firm now prevents mushy results later.

Cool the Noodles:

After draining, carefully arrange noodles in a single layer on parchment paper or foil. This critical step prevents the noodles from sticking together and tearing when you try to separate them later. Allow them to cool until comfortable to handle.

Mix the Filling:

In a large bowl, combine ricotta, cottage cheese, three-quarters of the Monterey jack, half the Parmesan, all the chopped spinach, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated for consistent flavor in every bite.

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Pour half of your spaghetti sauce into the bottom of your baking dish, spreading it evenly. This sauce layer prevents sticking and adds moisture to the finished dish.

Fill and Roll the Noodles:

Spread an even layer of the cheese and spinach mixture across each noodle, covering the entire surface. Starting at one end, gently roll each noodle up, taking care not to squeeze out the filling. Place each roll-up seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Top with Remaining Sauce and Cheese:

Drizzle the remaining sauce over the roll-ups, then sprinkle with the reserved Monterey jack and Parmesan cheeses. The sauce keeps the pasta moist while baking, and the cheese creates that irresistible golden top.

Bake Covered:

Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap moisture and heat. Bake for 30 minutes until the filling is hot and bubbling around the edges.

Broil for Color:

Remove the foil and switch to broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese becomes golden brown with some darker spots. This creates texture contrast and intensifies the cheese flavor.

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving your beautiful creation.

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The ricotta-cottage cheese combination is truly the heart of this recipe. My grandmother always used this blend in her lasagna, insisting that the cottage cheese lightens the texture while adding protein. The first time I made these for my children, they declared them "fancy lasagna bites" and now request them for their birthdays every year.

Make-Ahead Magic

These roll-ups shine as a make-ahead meal. You can assemble them completely, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking from cold, add about 10-15 minutes to your cooking time. For longer storage, freeze the assembled but unbaked roll-ups in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking according to the original directions.

Ingredient Swaps

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Swap the spinach for 2 cups of sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a different flavor profile. Not a fan of cottage cheese? Use all ricotta instead. For a meat option, add 1 pound of cooked ground Italian sausage or turkey to the sauce. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated by using gluten-free lasagna noodles and dairy-free cheese alternatives, though the texture will vary slightly.

Serving Suggestions

These roll-ups stand beautifully on their own, but they shine alongside simple accompaniments. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf makes the perfect vehicle for scooping up extra sauce. For a complete Italian feast, start with a small bowl of Italian wedding soup or a classic Caesar salad. Wines that pair wonderfully include Chianti, Sangiovese, or for white wine lovers, a crisp Pinot Grigio.

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The Story Behind Lasagna Roll-Ups

While traditional layered lasagna dates back to ancient Rome, roll-ups are a modern, Americanized variation that gained popularity in the 1980s as home cooks looked for more elegant presentations of comfort foods. This version celebrates that innovation while honoring the classic Italian flavor combinations we all love. The individual portions make this dish perfect for contemporary dining, where we often value presentation and portion control alongside traditional flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the roll ups completely, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if cooking from cold. You can also freeze the assembled dish (before baking) for up to 3 months - thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

→ What can I substitute for cottage cheese in this recipe?

If you prefer not to use cottage cheese, you can simply use an additional 16 oz of ricotta cheese instead. You could also substitute mascarpone for a creamier texture or small curd cottage cheese if you don't like the texture of regular cottage cheese.

→ Can I add meat to these roll ups?

Absolutely! Brown 1/2 pound of ground beef, Italian sausage, or ground turkey with some Italian seasonings and mix it into the sauce before adding to the baking dish. You could also add cooked and crumbled bacon or prosciutto to the cheese filling for added flavor.

→ What other vegetables can I add to the filling?

This versatile dish works well with many vegetables. Try adding finely chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts to the filling. Just be sure to sauté vegetables with higher water content first to prevent the filling from becoming too wet.

→ What should I serve with these Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups?

These roll ups pair perfectly with garlic bread, a simple green salad with vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or a light Caesar salad. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, serve with antipasto platters or bruschetta as appetizers.

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach. Use about 10 oz of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and with excess moisture squeezed out thoroughly. This equals roughly the same amount as 3 cups of fresh chopped spinach.