The aroma of bubbling marinara sauce wafts through the air, mixing with the creamy scent of melted cheese. Lasagna roll ups are not just a meal; they’re a warm hug on a plate, packed with flavors that dance on your taste buds. Imagine juicy, savory fillings rolled in tender pasta, drizzled with rich sauce, and topped with gooey cheese. It’s like Italian comfort food decided to throw a party!
Last Saturday, I decided to whip up these lasagna roll ups for my family gathering. As soon as the first bite hit my sister’s mouth, she proclaimed it was “better than any restaurant.” Moments like this remind me why I love cooking—it’s about creating memories around food that warms both the heart and the stomach.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These lasagna roll ups are easy to prepare and adaptable to your taste preferences
- The rich flavors meld beautifully for an unforgettable experience
- Visually stunning and layered with color, they make any dinner table pop with excitement
- Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in!
I remember the first time I made these lasagna roll ups; my friends couldn’t stop raving about them. It was a hit at our game night!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Lasagna Noodles: Use wide noodles for easy rolling and filling; consider oven-ready ones for convenience.
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Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese provides a luscious base—opt for whole milk ricotta for richer flavor.
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Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Always go for fresh mozzarella if you can; it melts beautifully and adds that gooey factor.
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Marinara Sauce: A good-quality jarred sauce works wonders here; look for one that’s organic and packed with flavor.
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Spinach: Fresh or frozen spinach adds color and nutrients; just squeeze out excess water if using frozen.
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Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nutty depth—don’t skip it!
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Egg: This helps bind the filling together; use a large egg for best results.
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Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that elevates the flavor without overwhelming it—perfectly balanced!
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all other flavors in your dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt generously before tossing in your lasagna noodles. Cook them until al dente according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes.
Create the Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella (saving some for topping), chopped spinach, and grated Parmesan. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.
Add Flavorful Seasonings: Crack an egg into the mixture along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy—this will be your delicious filling!
Assemble Your Roll Ups: Lay each noodle flat on a clean surface. Spread a layer of your cheesy mixture evenly across each noodle, then carefully roll from one end to another like a delightful burrito.
Add Sauce and Bake!: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour some marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place each roll seam-side down and cover them with more sauce and remaining mozzarella cheese.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
And there you have it! Your homemade lasagna roll ups are ready for their grand debut at dinner time! Enjoy every cheesy bite while reminiscing over all those scrumptious moments shared around the table.
You Must Know
- Lasagna roll ups are a delightful twist on classic lasagna; they offer individual portions that are easy to serve
- The combination of creamy ricotta and savory marinara guarantees a satisfying meal
- Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the lasagna noodles until al dente. While they cool, mix the filling ingredients. Then, spread marinara sauce on a baking dish before rolling up the noodles with the filling.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ricotta for cottage cheese or add sautéed veggies for extra nutrition. You can also sprinkle in different herbs like basil or oregano for unique flavors.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover lasagna roll ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warm, about 20 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your lasagna roll ups turn out perfectly, remember to cook your noodles just right—too soft will lead to tears!
- Also, let your sauce simmer longer for richer flavor
- Lastly, top with fresh herbs right before serving for a pop of freshness!
Sharing my first experience making lasagna roll ups was hilarious; I ended up with more filling on my shirt than in the noodles! Friends loved them, though!
FAQ
Can I make lasagna roll ups ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble them a day in advance and store them covered in the fridge.
What type of cheese works best?
Ricotta is traditional, but you can also use mascarpone for creaminess or mozzarella for stretchiness.
Can I freeze lasagna roll ups?
Yes! Freeze individually wrapped roll ups for up to three months before baking.
Lasagna Roll Ups
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Lasagna roll ups combine the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna with a fun, individualized twist. Tender pasta is filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, rolled up, and topped with rich marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. These delightful bites are perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, offering a delicious experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (plus more for serving)
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil salted water and cook lasagna noodles until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and let cool.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, spinach, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Spread marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Layer each noodle with filling and roll tightly.
- Place roll ups seam-side down in the dish. Top with remaining marinara sauce and mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 roll ups (250g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
