Spinach and Ricotta Cheese Roll-Ups Recipe
A delicious and comforting dish, these Spinach and Ricotta Cheese Roll-Ups combine creamy ricotta and spinach wrapped in soft lasagna noodles, baked to perfection with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Ideal for a family dinner or special gathering, this recipe is a real crowd-pleaser. The warm, gooey filling and tangy marinara sauce are sure to delight anyone at the table.
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Frozen spinach | 1 package (10 oz) |
| Butter | 1/2 cup (unsalted) |
| Ricotta cheese | 2 cups |
| Mozzarella cheese (grated) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Minced garlic clove | 1 clove |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 4 large |
| Nutmeg | 1/8 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Marinara sauce | 2 cups |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430.4 kcal |
| Total Fat | 26g |
| Saturated Fat | 15.1g |
| Cholesterol | 148.1mg |
| Sodium | 520.2mg |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fiber | 1.8g |
| Sugar | 4.9g |
| Protein | 21.4g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure it’s fully preheated before placing the roll-ups inside.
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Prepare the Spinach: Thaw the frozen spinach according to package instructions. Once thawed, squeeze out all excess moisture from the spinach using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This step is crucial to avoid a soggy mixture. Set the dry spinach aside.
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Prepare the Butter and Spinach Mixture: In a medium pan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the squeezed spinach to the pan and mix it well with the melted butter. Set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
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Make the Ricotta Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of grated mozzarella cheese, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
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Combine Spinach and Ricotta: Once the spinach mixture has cooled a little, add it to the ricotta mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spinach is evenly distributed throughout the ricotta.
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Prepare the Lasagna Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean surface to cool slightly.
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Assemble the Roll-Ups: Spread a generous amount of the spinach and ricotta mixture over each lasagna noodle. Carefully roll the noodles up with the filling inside, making sure to roll tightly to keep the filling contained. Repeat this step with the remaining noodles and filling.
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Arrange in Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Place the rolled-up noodles in the dish, seam-side down, to ensure they stay closed during baking.
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Top with Marinara Sauce and Parmesan: Spoon marinara sauce over the roll-ups, ensuring they are covered, though the rolls do not need to be fully submerged. Sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese to add flavor and richness to the dish.
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Bake the Roll-Ups: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. For an extra touch, you can add the remaining 1/2 cup of grated mozzarella cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking to create a melty, cheesy topping.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the roll-ups are baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the Spinach and Ricotta Cheese Roll-Ups hot, and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness.
Tips and Variations
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the roll-ups a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This will save you time on the day of serving.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
- Herb Variations: Add fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to the ricotta mixture for added flavor.
- Extra Cheese: Feel free to experiment with adding other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or gouda for a richer flavor profile.
Conclusion
This Spinach and Ricotta Cheese Roll-Ups recipe from Love With Recipes is a fantastic option for a satisfying, cheesy meal that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender lasagna noodles, creamy ricotta filling, and savory spinach creates a delightful bite that is both comforting and indulgent. Whether served as a main course or as part of a larger spread, these roll-ups are sure to impress family and friends alike.
