Lasagna Spirals are a delightful twist on the classic Italian favorite, offering a creative and visually appealing presentation that promises to elevate any dining experience. With a prep time of just 25 minutes and a total cook time of 1 hour and 50 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave a homemade meal but are short on time. Bursting with flavors and textures, these savory spirals are a surefire hit with both vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
To embark on this culinary adventure, gather your ingredients, including 9 lasagna noodles, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, a handful of fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 cup of frozen spinach (make sure to squeeze it dry and chop it finely), 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 onion (finely chopped), 4 cloves of garlic (minced), 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, 1 egg, 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 tablespoon of flour, 1 can of diced tomatoes, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water until they are tender yet still firm to the bite, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water. Lay them out in a single layer on clean towels to dry.
Next, prepare the flavorful filling for your lasagna spirals. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, dried basil, salt, and pepper, and sauté until the onions are translucent and the mixture is fragrant, about 15 minutes. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before incorporating the egg, ricotta cheese, and grated parmesan cheese, creating a luscious and creamy filling.
Now, let’s whip up a luscious tomato cream sauce to complement the savory filling. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized, approximately 8 minutes. Sprinkle the cooked onions with flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually pour in cream, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil. Drain the canned tomatoes, reserving the juice, and add them to the saucepan along with salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes before transferring it to a blender. Puree the sauce until it is smooth, then blend in the reserved tomato juice to achieve the desired consistency.
Now it’s time to assemble your lasagna spirals! Spread a generous layer of the tomato cream sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, reserving about 1/2 cup of the sauce for later use. Working with one lasagna noodle at a time, spread a dollop of the spinach and cheese filling evenly over the surface of each noodle, leaving a 1/4-inch border along the edges. Carefully roll up each noodle from the short end to create tight spirals.
Once rolled, cut each lasagna spiral in half lengthwise to create two equal portions. Arrange the spirals cut side down in the prepared baking dish, nestling them snugly against each other. Drizzle the reserved tomato cream sauce over the top of the spirals, ensuring that each one is generously coated. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the spirals, creating a golden and gooey topping that will bubble and melt in the oven.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and prevent the cheese from burning. Bake the lasagna spirals in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and gooey. Once cooked, remove the foil and switch the oven to broil. Broil the spirals for an additional 2 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and slightly crispy on top.
After removing the lasagna spirals from the oven, allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the spirals hold their shape when sliced. Garnish the spirals with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and a burst of herbal freshness.
With each bite, you’ll savor the creamy richness of the spinach and cheese filling, perfectly complemented by the tangy sweetness of the tomato cream sauce. The tender lasagna noodles provide the ideal vehicle for delivering these delicious flavors to your taste buds, making every mouthful a symphony of taste and texture. Whether served as a cozy weeknight dinner or showcased as the star attraction at your next dinner party, these lasagna spirals are guaranteed to delight and impress even the most discerning palates. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that is as fun to make as it is to eat!
