If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing Italian dinner that’s equal parts elegant and easy, The Best Lasagna Roll Ups are about to become your new weeknight (or weekend!) obsession. These beauties combine tender pasta, creamy ricotta, cheesy goodness, and vibrant spinach, all rolled up and baked in rich marinara until golden and bubbling. Every bite delivers all the flavors you love in classic lasagna, but with a delightful twist. Trust me, your table will be filled with smiles and requests for seconds!

The Best Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The Best Lasagna Roll Ups rely on a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that shine when brought together. Each one contributes to the luscious texture, bold flavor, and colorful presentation of this dish—so don’t skimp on quality!

Lasagna noodles: Tender pasta is essential for rolling; be sure to cook them just until al dente so they hold their shape.
Ricotta cheese: This gives the filling its creamy, rich texture and classic flavor.
Large egg: Binds the ricotta mixture, ensuring it’s silky and sliceable.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible gooey, cheesy topping and filling.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty note that elevates every bite.
Fresh spinach, chopped and sautéed: Brings color, nutrients, and a subtle earthiness to the cheesy filling.
Marinara sauce: The rich tomato sauce ties all the flavors together; homemade or your favorite jarred brand both work well.
Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs infuses the filling with classic Italian flair.
Garlic powder: Adds a mellow, savory depth that rounds out the flavors.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all the ingredients into perfect harmony.
Fresh basil or parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end brightens the whole dish and makes it pop on the plate.

How to Make The Best Lasagna Roll Ups

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles and Spinach

Start by boiling your lasagna noodles according to package directions—just until al dente. You want them flexible enough to roll, but not so soft that they tear. While the noodles cook, quickly sauté your chopped spinach in a skillet with a splash of olive oil until just wilted. Drain both the noodles and spinach well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, large egg, 1 cup of mozzarella, grated Parmesan, sautéed spinach, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is thoroughly blended and you have a creamy, herby mixture. This filling is the heart of The Best Lasagna Roll Ups—don’t be afraid to give it a little taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking!

Step 3: Layer the Baking Dish with Sauce

To keep your roll ups from sticking and to add a punch of flavor from the start, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This base layer works magic in creating that luscious, saucy finish we all crave.

Step 4: Fill and Roll the Noodles

Lay each cooked noodle flat on a clean surface. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the ricotta-spinach mixture evenly over each noodle, spreading it from end to end. Then, starting from one short end, gently roll up the noodle into a snug spiral. Place each roll seam-side down in your prepared baking dish, nestling them closely together.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Pour the remaining marinara sauce generously over the roll ups, making sure each one gets coated in that beautiful red sauce. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese over the top for maximum meltiness. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving—they’ll be piping hot!

How to Serve The Best Lasagna Roll Ups

Garnishes

For the perfect finishing touch, I love to shower The Best Lasagna Roll Ups with a handful of freshly chopped basil or parsley just before serving. The green pops against the rich red sauce and adds a burst of fresh flavor that balances the creamy richness of the cheese.

Side Dishes

Pair these roll ups with a crisp Caesar or Italian salad, some garlicky roasted vegetables, or a warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread. The combination creates a well-rounded meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual roll ups on small plates for an elegant dinner party appetizer, or stack two or three on a platter with extra sauce for a hearty main course. You can even nestle them in shallow bowls with a ladle of extra marinara and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a rustic, cozy feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover The Best Lasagna Roll Ups keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store them in an airtight container, and make sure to spoon a little extra sauce over the top to keep the noodles from drying out.

Freezing

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how freezer-friendly it is! Assemble the roll ups completely, but don’t bake—just cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. You can bake them straight from the freezer; simply add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time, keeping them covered until heated through.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer the roll ups to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F until hot and bubbly (about 20 minutes if thawed, up to 40 minutes if frozen). For a quick single serving, microwave on medium power until heated through, adding a spoonful of extra marinara if needed.

FAQs

Can I add meat to The Best Lasagna Roll Ups?

Absolutely! You can mix in browned ground beef or Italian sausage with the filling or layer it into the sauce for a heartier, meaty version. Just make sure any meat is fully cooked before adding it to the rolls or sauce.

What’s the best way to keep the noodles from sticking together?

After draining your cooked lasagna noodles, lay them out flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet or drizzle with a little olive oil. This keeps them from sticking while you prep the filling and makes rolling a breeze.

Can I use gluten-free noodles for The Best Lasagna Roll Ups?

Yes! There are plenty of great gluten-free lasagna noodles on the market. Just be sure to follow the package instructions carefully, as they may cook a bit faster or require a gentler touch when rolling.

How do I prevent the roll ups from falling apart?

Don’t overcook the noodles—al dente is best for sturdy rolls. Also, be sure to roll them snugly but not too tightly, and place them seam side down in the baking dish so they stay put during baking.

Can I make The Best Lasagna Roll Ups ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the roll ups and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes entertaining or busy weeknights a total breeze.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, The Best Lasagna Roll Ups are always a winning choice. They’re comforting, customizable, and guaranteed to impress. Give them a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this fun twist on a classic favorite!

The Best Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

4.6 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This delightful recipe for The Best Lasagna Roll Ups offers a fresh twist on traditional lasagna by rolling ricotta, spinach, and cheese-filled noodles into individual portions. Baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella, these roll ups make a hearty, comforting, and easily shareable vegetarian main dish perfect for family dinners or make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Lasagna Roll Ups Filling

12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for filling)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped and sautéed
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Topping

2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Make the Filling Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, sautéed spinach, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well blended, creating a creamy filling.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish to keep the noodles moist and add flavor.
Assemble the Roll Ups: Lay each cooked lasagna noodle flat. Spread 2 to 3 tablespoons of the ricotta-spinach mixture evenly along the length of each noodle. Carefully roll up the noodles and arrange them seam-side down in the baking dish.
Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the rolled noodles, making sure they’re well covered. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top for a bubbly, golden crust.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to heat through.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly golden brown.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, before serving warm.

Notes

For a meaty variation, add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the ricotta filling or marinara sauce.
These roll ups freeze well. Assemble them, freeze, and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Use no-boil noodles to save time, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
For a lower-fat version, substitute part of the ricotta or mozzarella with low-fat cheese options.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American