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- 9 lasagna noodles - 2 cups ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 2 cups marinara sauce - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish When you gather your ingredients, fresh spinach shines in this dish. It adds bright flavor and a vibrant color. While frozen spinach can work, it often has more water. This makes the filling watery and less tasty. So, I recommend using fresh. For cheeses, quality matters. I suggest whole milk ricotta for a creamy texture. Use whole milk mozzarella for great melt. Aged Parmesan gives a nice sharp taste. These choices make the dish rich and satisfying. Make sure to measure your ingredients carefully. This ensures every bite is full of flavor and texture. Enjoy the process of cooking; it makes the meal even more special! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, and some spices. For the noodles, cook them in boiling water until they are al dente. This means they should be firm but not hard. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean surface. Let them cool a bit so they are easier to handle. In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Add the chopped spinach, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together until well combined. To avoid a watery filling, make sure to drain any excess moisture from the spinach before mixing. This keeps your filling creamy and thick. Now, take one lasagna noodle and spread a spoonful of the cheese and spinach mix on it. Roll the noodle tightly from one end to the other. Place the roll seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining noodles and filling. Arrange them close together for a nice presentation. Pour marinara sauce evenly over the lasagna roll-ups. Make sure every roll is covered. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it for 25 minutes at 375°F. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and golden brown when it’s done. Let the roll-ups sit for about 5 minutes before serving. To get a creamy filling, use smooth ricotta cheese. Mix it well with the spinach and egg. This helps to bind everything together. Make sure you fully chop the spinach. Big pieces can make the filling chunky and less creamy. Avoiding overcooked noodles is key. Cook the lasagna noodles until they are al dente. This means they should still have a little bite. If they are too soft, they will break when you roll them. Once cooked, cool them quickly on a flat surface to stop the cooking process. To adjust the seasoning, taste the filling before you roll it up. You can add more Italian seasoning if you like a stronger flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. Try different sauces too. While marinara is great, a white sauce can add a nice twist. You can mix marinara with pesto for a fresh flavor that pairs well with the cheeses. For serving, place the roll ups on a large platter. Drizzle extra marinara sauce on the plate for a nice touch. You can also serve them on individual plates for a fancy look. For garnishing, fresh basil leaves work wonders. They add color and a great smell. You can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top for a nice finish. This makes the dish look as good as it tastes. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: For the best flavor and nutritional value, always opt for fresh spinach instead of frozen. It adds a vibrant color and texture to your dish. Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix in other types of cheese like goat cheese or feta to add different flavors and textures to your filling. Double Your Sauce: If you love extra sauce, consider doubling the marinara sauce to pour over the roll ups. It keeps them moist and adds a rich flavor. Rest Before Serving: Let the lasagna roll ups sit for a few minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set and makes it easier to serve without falling apart. {{image_2}} For those with dietary needs, you can swap the noodles for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer delicious options that cook just like regular lasagna noodles. Look for ones made from rice or corn. If you want a vegan version, try using plant-based cheese. Brands like Daiya or Violife make great alternatives. You can also replace the egg with a mix of ground flaxseed and water for binding. Want to add more veggies? Consider mixing in chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. These add flavor and nutrients. You can also try adding cooked and crumbled sausage for a heartier dish. For cheese lovers, mix in some feta or goat cheese. They add a tangy taste that pairs well with spinach. You can also play with the ratios of the three cheeses for a richer flavor. Experimenting with herbs can really change the taste. Try adding fresh thyme or rosemary for a more fragrant dish. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a little heat. If you want to change up the sauce, consider using pesto or Alfredo. Both sauces offer a unique twist to the classic marinara. You can also layer in some creamy béchamel for added richness. After making your Three Cheese Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups, let them cool. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you have more than one serving, consider dividing them into smaller portions. To freeze the roll ups, wrap each one in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you want to eat them, take the roll ups out the night before and place them in the fridge to thaw. To reheat, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the roll ups in a baking dish with a bit of marinara sauce. Cover the dish with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm throughout. This method helps maintain flavor and texture. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy. Yes, you can prep these roll ups in advance. You can assemble them, cover, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This makes it easy to enjoy a tasty meal without much fuss. Just remember to bake them straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time. These roll ups pair well with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works great. You can also serve garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, try adding a glass of red wine or sparkling water. If you make more roll ups, you will need a larger baking dish. Adjust the bake time by checking the cheese for that golden brown color. For a bigger batch, add about 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. Just cover the dish with foil until the last few minutes to prevent burning. In this article, we explored how to make Three Cheese Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups. You learned about the key ingredients, like fresh spinach and quality cheeses. I shared step-by-step instructions, from prepping ingredients to baking. You also discovered tips for perfecting texture and adding flavor. Whether you want gluten-free options or new filling ideas, there are many ways to personalize this dish. Remember, proper storage keeps leftovers tasty. Enjoy crafting your roll ups, and happy cooking!

Three Cheese Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups

Delicious lasagna noodles rolled with a creamy cheese and spinach filling, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 9 noodles lasagna noodles
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside on a flat surface to cool.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  • Take one lasagna noodle and spread a generous spoonful of the cheese and spinach mixture evenly along the top side. Roll the noodle tightly and place it seam-side down in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles and filling.
  • Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the lasagna roll ups, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Once baked, let the roll ups sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve the roll ups on a plate drizzled with extra marinara sauce and topped with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a pop of color.
Keyword cheese, lasagna, pasta, roll ups, spinach