Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups

Name: Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz. lasagna noodles; 15 oz. whole milk ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper; 10 oz. frozen spinach, thawed and drained; 1 24 oz. jar pasta sauce

Easy, cheesy, and packed with spinach, this Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe transforms classic lasagna into fun, individual portions that everyone will love. I find these roll ups not only delicious but also super approachable to make—even if you're new to lasagna!

A white baking dish with layers of rolled pasta filled with a creamy white mixture, covered in red tomato sauce and melted white cheese. The top layer shows the pasta roll and sauce bubbling, sprinkled with small green herb pieces. A black spatula lifts one pasta roll, showing stretchy melted cheese pulling away. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, and a blurred white and gray cloth is in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this is one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it’s creamy, comforting, and just so manageable. Plus, the cheesy spinach filling makes it feel a bit healthier, which I appreciate when feeding a family or guests.

Individual Portions: Rolling the lasagna means you get neat, handheld pieces—perfect for portion control and easy serving.
Less Fuss than Traditional Lasagna: You don’t need to layer dozens of noodles and sauce; everything comes together in one casserole dish.
Spinach Sneak-In: If you’re not always a huge fan of veggies, the spinach works beautifully mixed with cheeses to add nutrition without fuss.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These roll ups hold up well if assembled ahead of time, which is a game-changer for busy weeknights.

Ingredients & Why They Work

All the ingredients combine to make a comforting, creamy filling balanced by cheesy goodness and brightened by the spinach. I always make sure to grab whole milk ricotta for a richer texture and the freshest pasta sauce I can find for flavor.

Flat lay of fresh, uncooked wide lasagna noodles neatly arranged, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy whole milk ricotta cheese, two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese spread in a gentle pile, a small mound of finely grated Parmesan cheese, one large whole brown egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl holding finely ground salt, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly cracked black pepper, a compact bundle of thawed fresh spinach leaves squeezed dry and vibrant green, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red fresh pasta sauce, all placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Lasagna noodles: Look for traditional flat noodles; cooking them al dente helps prevent tearing when rolling.
Whole milk ricotta cheese: Offers creaminess and binds the filling without overpowering the other flavors.
Mozzarella cheese: Provides that stretchy, melty cheese pull we all crave, split evenly between filling and topping.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty depth to brighten up the creamy filling.
Egg: Helps hold the filling together so it’s easier to spread and rolls up neatly without falling apart.
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Season the filling to enhance all those fresh flavors.
Frozen spinach: Make sure to thaw and squeeze out every bit of water to avoid soggy roll ups.
Jarred pasta sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade sauce—it creates the perfect juicy, saucy layer on this dish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’ve played around with this Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe a lot—you can easily tailor it to your taste or dietary preferences. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Variation: I love adding a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture for a subtle warmth, which really elevates the cheesy flavor.
Diet-Friendly Swaps: Use gluten-free noodles or dairy-free cheeses if you have dietary needs; just watch the cooking time for the noodles.
Adding Protein: Sometimes, I mix cooked Italian sausage or ground turkey into the filling for a heartier meal.
Seasonal Twist: Swap out spinach for kale or even roasted butternut squash when feeling adventurous.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

The image shows a white plate with three rolled pasta layers topped with red tomato sauce and melted white cheese scattered on top, garnished with small green herb pieces. Inside one of the pasta rolls, visible from a bite on a fork, there is a white creamy cheese filling mixed with green herbs. Next to the pasta rolls, there are two slices of garlic bread with a light golden crust, speckled with green herbs. The plate is on a white marbled surface with a white and black striped cloth napkin beside it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Boil Noodles Just Right

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the lasagna noodles and cook them until they’re just al dente. Here’s the trick: don’t overcook! They should still have a bit of firmness so they hold up when rolling without tearing. Drain and lay flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to cool and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Spinach-Cheese Filling

While noodles are cooling, squeeze every last bit of water from thawed spinach—you won’t believe how much moisture hides inside that bag. Everything looks dry and sad at first, but trust me, this step prevents a watery mess. In a bowl, mix the spinach with ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper until combined and creamy.

Step 3: Spread and Roll

Once your noodles are cool enough to handle, lay them flat and spread about ¼ cup of filling evenly on each noodle. Don’t worry about making the layer thick or perfect—it’s okay if it’s thin. Then, gently roll each noodle up, starting at one end and tucking the filling inside as you go. Place each roll seam side down into your casserole dish. If some noodles tear, no worries—they make great backup rolls or crumbled layers.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour your favorite pasta sauce evenly over the rolled noodles and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top. Cover with foil to keep everything moist during baking. Pop it in a preheated 400 degrees Fahrenheit oven and bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Then, serve up those cheesy, spinach-packed roll ups and enjoy!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned these small tricks make all the difference when making Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe, keeping the texture perfect and flavors popping.

Don’t Skip Draining Spinach: I once rushed this step and ended up with soggy roll ups—lesson learned! Squeeze tightly using a clean kitchen towel.
Cook Noodles Al Dente: Overcooked noodles will fall apart when rolling. Taste-test a noodle at 7 minutes and adjust.
Cover While Baking: Foil keeps steam in so your roll ups stay moist with melty cheese, but removing the foil in the last 5 minutes gives you a nice golden top.
Use Room Temperature Ricotta: It spreads easier and blends more smoothly with the spinach and egg.

How to Serve Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Four long, flat, yellow pasta sheets lie side by side on a white cutting board placed on a white marbled surface. Each pasta strip is evenly covered with a creamy white and green mixture that looks like ricotta cheese and chopped spinach. A pair of woman's hands is seen rolling the leftmost pasta strip into a tight cylinder, showing a smooth yellow outer pasta layer wrapping around the cheese and spinach filling inside. The light is soft and natural, highlighting the texture of the pasta and filling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with fresh basil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. A drizzle of good olive oil right before serving adds a pop of flavor and shine. Red pepper flakes can be great if you want a little heat too.

Side Dishes

Because the roll ups are pretty filling, I usually pair them with a crisp salad—maybe a Caesar or something with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also perfect to soak up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the roll ups standing vertically in a circle in a deep dish, almost like little lasagna cupcakes. It looks beautiful and makes it easy for guests to grab a piece. Adding colorful roasted veggies around the edges also brings it to life on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making it even better the next day. Just reheat gently to keep the cheese melty without drying it out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen assembled but unbaked roll ups successfully—wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat leftovers is in the oven at 350ºF, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes. This revives the melty cheese and keeps the roll ups moist, unlike the microwave which tends to dry them out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes! If you use fresh spinach, sauté it lightly first and drain any excess moisture before mixing into the filling, so your roll ups don’t turn out watery.

Can I prepare the roll ups completely ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the roll ups in your casserole dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s great for busy days or entertaining.

What’s the best sauce to use with this recipe?

I recommend a simple marinara or your favorite robust tomato-based sauce. Avoid overly chunky sauces as a slightly thick sauce works best to coat the roll ups evenly.

Can I add meat to these lasagna roll ups?

Yes! Browned ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey can be mixed into the cheese and spinach filling or layered between rolls for added protein and richness. Just be sure the meat is fully cooked before adding.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and satisfying about this Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe that makes it a standby in my kitchen. It’s straightforward but feels special, perfect for a cozy night in or feeding a crowd without stress. I’m sure once you try these, they’ll become one of your go-to family favorites too—so roll up your sleeves, and enjoy every cheesy bite!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way