Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna Rolls with Tomato Sauce

Lasagna Rolls Recipe

Category: Main Course
Servings: 4

Lasagna rolls offer a unique twist on the classic lasagna, combining layers of ricotta, spinach, and mozzarella rolled up in tender pasta sheets and baked in a rich tomato sauce. A perfect dish for family dinners or a special occasion, this recipe is both comforting and delicious. Here’s how to make your own lasagna rolls from scratch:

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
   Start by preparing the tomato sauce. In a pan, heat a splash of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent. Pour in the tomato passata, season with a pinch of salt, and allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 20 minutes, partially covered. Stir occasionally to avoid burning, and let the sauce thicken and reduce.

2. Cook the Spinach:
   While the sauce is simmering, heat a little more olive oil in another pan along with the whole garlic clove (peeled). Once the oil is hot, add the fresh spinach along with a pinch of salt. Cover the pan and let the spinach cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted. Once cooked, remove the garlic clove and transfer the spinach to a large bowl.

3. Mix the Filling:
   To the cooked spinach, add the ricotta cheese and Grana Padano cheese. Season with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and freshly grated nutmeg. Stir everything together to combine into a creamy, flavorful filling.

4. Cook the Lasagna Sheets:
   In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the lasagna sheets until just al dente (firm to the bite). Since the lasagna will bake later, make sure not to overcook the pasta. Once cooked, remove the lasagna sheets and lay them out flat on a clean kitchen towel to cool.

5. Assemble the Rolls:
   Lay out the cooked lasagna sheets on a flat surface. Spoon a generous amount of the spinach and ricotta filling onto each sheet, spreading it evenly across the surface, leaving about 1 cm from the edges. Carefully roll each sheet up to form a cylinder or “roll.” Repeat this process for all the lasagna sheets.

6. Prepare the Baking Dish:
   Spread half of the tomato sauce across the bottom of a baking dish. Place the lasagna rolls upright into the dish, arranging them neatly in a single layer. Spoon the remaining tomato sauce over the top of the rolls. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up and ensure it covers the rolls well.

7. Top with Mozzarella:
   Slice the mozzarella cheese into thin strips and scatter them on top of the lasagna rolls. This will create a deliciously gooey and melty top layer when baked.

8. Bake the Lasagna Rolls:
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F), and place the baking dish in the oven on the middle rack. Bake for about 10 minutes, until the rolls are hot and the mozzarella has melted. Switch to grill (broil) mode for an additional 2-3 minutes to create a golden, bubbly crust on top.

9. Serve:
   Remove the lasagna rolls from the oven and let them rest for about a minute. This helps them set and makes them easier to serve. Just before serving, sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and a few fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.

Enjoy your homemade lasagna rolls, perfect for a family meal or special dinner! This recipe combines the heartiness of lasagna with the freshness of spinach, creating a delicious dish that everyone will love. Serve with a side salad or some crusty bread for the ultimate Italian-inspired feast. Buon Appetito!

By following this recipe, you’ll be able to craft a delightful lasagna roll that’s full of flavor, perfect for any occasion. The creamy ricotta filling complements the savory spinach and gooey mozzarella, while the rich tomato sauce ties everything together beautifully. These rolls are a twist on a classic favorite, bringing comfort and satisfaction to your table.