Creamy Spinach Ricotta Lasagna Rolls are a delightful twist on classic lasagna — perfectly portioned, elegant, and incredibly satisfying. Each roll is filled with a rich, creamy mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and Parmesan, then topped with velvety marinara and a blanket of melted mozzarella. The result? A comforting Italian-inspired meal that’s both indulgent and wholesome.

This dish offers all the traditional lasagna flavors but in a lighter, more elegant presentation. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, these lasagna rolls combine flavor, convenience, and beauty on one plate!

Why I Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because it’s the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication. The creamy ricotta filling pairs beautifully with the tender pasta and hearty tomato sauce, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Each roll is portioned individually, making it easy to serve and store.

It’s a recipe that feels like a hug in every bite — rich, cheesy, and satisfying without being overly heavy. I also love that it’s vegetarian, kid-friendly, and customizable with different sauces or vegetables!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Perfectly portioned: Easy to serve and store.
Family favorite: Even picky eaters will love it.
Freezer-friendly: Great for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.
Comfort food classic: All the cozy lasagna flavors with less mess.
Beautiful presentation: Great for parties or gatherings.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6 (makes about 12 rolls)
Calories: ~380 kcal per serving
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Filling

1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Rolls

12 lasagna noodles (cooked until al dente)
2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
¼ cup grated Parmesan (for garnish)
1 tablespoon olive oil (to prevent noodles from sticking)

Simple Cooking Directions

Cook lasagna noodles and set aside.
Mix ricotta, spinach, egg, and seasonings for the filling.
Spread filling over noodles, roll tightly, and place in a baking dish.
Cover with marinara and top with cheese.
Bake until golden and bubbly.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add lasagna noodles and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
Drain and lay noodles flat on a baking sheet with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and all seasonings.
Add chopped spinach (make sure it’s dry) and mix until creamy and well blended.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

Lay one lasagna noodle flat on a clean surface.
Spread 2–3 tablespoons of filling evenly over it.
Roll it up gently and place seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Repeat with remaining noodles.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of the dish.
Arrange lasagna rolls evenly on top.
Spoon remaining marinara sauce over the rolls.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve the lasagna rolls warm, garnished with:

Fresh basil or parsley
Extra Parmesan cheese
A drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze (optional)

Perfect pairings:

Garlic bread or focaccia
A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
A glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot

Additional Recipe Tips

Dry your spinach well to avoid watery filling.
Don’t overcook noodles — they’ll soften further during baking.
Make ahead: Assemble the rolls and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Add depth: Mix a bit of nutmeg into the filling for a warm flavor.
Layer smartly: Don’t overcrowd rolls in the baking dish for even cooking.

Variations

Chicken Lasagna Rolls: Add shredded cooked chicken to the filling.
Mushroom Spinach Rolls: Sauté mushrooms and mix them in for earthy flavor.
Pesto Version: Replace half the marinara with basil pesto.
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free ricotta and vegan mozzarella.
White Sauce Rolls: Swap marinara for Alfredo or béchamel for a creamy twist.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze (before baking): Assemble rolls, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10 extra minutes.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Special Equipment Needed

Large pot (for boiling noodles)
9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Spatula or spoon
Aluminum foil

FAQ

1. Can I use oven-ready lasagna noodles?
Not recommended for this recipe, as they can crack when rolled. Use regular noodles for best results.

2. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes! Just thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess water.

3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely — just use gluten-free lasagna noodles.

4. How can I make this extra creamy?
Add a few tablespoons of cream cheese to the ricotta mixture.

5. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, blend it for a smoother texture before mixing with other ingredients.

Conclusion

Creamy Spinach Ricotta Lasagna Rolls bring all the comfort and heartiness of traditional lasagna in an easy, elegant format. With their rich, cheesy filling and tangy marinara topping, these rolls are the perfect balance of indulgence and freshness.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner, preparing a freezer meal, or cooking for a special occasion, this dish delivers a delightful experience every time. Once you make it, it’s bound to become one of your all-time favorite Italian comfort recipes.