Spinach and Cheese Lasagna Roll-Ups

Spinach and Cheese Lasagna Roll-Ups are a delightful twist on the classic lasagna — elegant, portion-friendly, and bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness. Tender lasagna noodles are filled with a luscious spinach-ricotta mixture, rolled up neatly, then baked in a flavorful marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella.

Each roll is a perfect little bundle of Italian comfort, with layers of flavor in every bite. This dish combines everything we love about traditional lasagna — the cheesy filling, the savory sauce, and the hearty texture — but with a simpler, neater presentation.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s classic comfort food made easy. Traditional lasagna can be messy and time-consuming, but these roll-ups simplify the process without compromising flavor. They’re fun to make, easy to portion, and look absolutely beautiful when served.

The creamy ricotta-spinach filling is rich yet fresh, the marinara sauce adds tang and warmth, and the golden, melted cheese on top ties everything together.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it brings the elegance of Italian dining and the comfort of homemade cooking together in one perfect recipe.

Each roll is individually packed with flavor, making serving easy and presentation stunning. It’s also incredibly versatile — you can customize the filling, use different cheeses, or even add protein if you’d like.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Servings

• Serves 6 people (12 roll-ups total)

Calories (per serving, 2 roll-ups)

• Approximately 450–480 kcal

Cuisine

• Italian

Course

• Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Lasagna Roll-Ups:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for noodles)
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Garnish:

• Extra Parmesan and chopped parsley for serving

Simple Cooking Directions

Boil lasagna noodles, prepare a cheesy spinach filling, spread it on the noodles, roll them up, and bake in marinara sauce with melted mozzarella on top.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add lasagna noodles and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
3. Drain and lay noodles flat on parchment paper or lightly oiled foil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Spinach and Cheese Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir in chopped spinach until evenly mixed.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Roll-Ups

1. Spread 1–2 tablespoons of the spinach-ricotta filling evenly along each noodle.
2. Gently roll each noodle from one end to the other.
3. Place the roll-ups seam-side down on a baking tray.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Arrange the lasagna roll-ups on top in a single layer.
4. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the roll-ups.
5. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella on top.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
3. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve Spinach and Cheese Lasagna Roll-Ups hot, topped with:

• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil for color and aroma
• A drizzle of olive oil for richness

Perfect Pairings:

• Garlic bread or Italian focaccia
• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
• A glass of Chianti, Merlot, or sparkling water with lemon

Additional Recipe Tips

• Drain spinach well. Too much moisture will make the filling watery.
• Don’t overcook noodles. They’ll cook further in the oven.
• Use high-quality marinara sauce — it makes a big difference in flavor.
• For a creamier filling, add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or mascarpone.
• Let the roll-ups rest before serving to help them set and hold together.

Variations

1. Three-Cheese Roll-Ups: Add provolone or fontina for extra cheesy flavor.
2. Spinach & Mushroom: Add sautéed mushrooms to the filling for an earthy taste.
3. Meaty Version: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken to the sauce.
4. White Sauce Lasagna Roll-Ups: Replace marinara with Alfredo or béchamel sauce.
5. Vegan Option: Use vegan ricotta, plant-based mozzarella, and a dairy-free sauce.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions.

Freezing:

• Assemble the roll-ups but do not bake them.
• Freeze individually on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Keeps up to 3 months.
• When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling noodles
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

Q1: Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
No, traditional noodles work best for roll-ups. No-boil sheets are too brittle to roll.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the roll-ups, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q3: Can I use frozen spinach?
Absolutely — just thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before mixing.

Q4: What can I substitute for ricotta?
You can use cottage cheese or mascarpone for a similar texture and flavor.

Q5: How do I keep roll-ups from falling apart?
Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the dish so they stay secure while baking.

Conclusion

Spinach and Cheese Lasagna Roll-Ups are a heartwarming, flavorful, and beautifully simple way to enjoy lasagna — without the layering hassle! The creamy spinach-ricotta filling, the rich marinara sauce, and the golden melted cheese create a perfect balance of comfort and sophistication.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a date night, or meal prepping for the week, these roll-ups are guaranteed to impress. Each bite offers that cozy, cheesy satisfaction that makes Italian cuisine so beloved around the world.