Save to Pinterest The idea for these roll-ups came from a Wednesday evening when I had leftover ricotta and a craving for lasagna but zero patience for layering. I cooked the noodles, smeared them with filling, rolled them like little sleeping bags, and doused everything in garlic butter. The kitchen smelled like an Italian grandmother had moved in. My neighbor knocked on the door just to ask what I was making.
I made these for a small dinner party once, and my friend who claimed she didnt like ricotta ate three. She kept saying it was the garlic butter that converted her, but I think it was the way the spinach and basil made the filling taste bright instead of heavy. We finished the whole pan and sat around the table talking until the candles burned down. Nobody wanted to leave.
Ingredients
- Lasagna noodles: Use the regular kind, not no boil, because you want them tender enough to roll without cracking.
- Ricotta cheese: The creamy base that holds everything together and keeps the filling soft and mild.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and gives you those stretchy, gooey pulls when you serve it.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty backbone that balances the richness of the ricotta.
- Fresh spinach: Wilts into the filling and adds color, nutrition, and a subtle earthiness.
- Fresh basil: Brings a sweet, peppery brightness that makes the whole dish taste alive.
- Eggs: Bind the filling so it doesnt ooze out during baking.
- Garlic: Used twice, once in the filling and once in the butter sauce, because more is always better.
- Unsalted butter: The backbone of the sauce, rich and silky when melted with garlic and parsley.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, grassy note to finish the dish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but a tiny pinch wakes up the whole flavor profile.
Instructions
- Prep the oven and dish:
- Set your oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish lightly with butter or oil. This keeps the roll-ups from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Cook the noodles:
- Boil the lasagna noodles in salted water until theyre just tender, then drain and lay them flat on parchment so they dont stick together. If they tear, dont panic, just overlap the ends when you roll them.
- Make the filling:
- In a big bowl, mix the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, basil, eggs, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until everything is evenly distributed. It should look thick and spoonable, not runny.
- Prepare the garlic butter sauce:
- Melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat, then add the garlic and cook it gently until it smells incredible but hasnt turned brown. Stir in the parsley, salt, and pepper, then set it aside.
- Fill and roll the noodles:
- Spread about two tablespoons of filling along the length of each noodle, then roll it up snugly from one end to the other. Place each roll seam side down in the baking dish so it doesnt unravel.
- Add the first layer of sauce and cheese:
- Drizzle half the garlic butter over the roll-ups, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top. The cheese will melt into a golden, bubbly crust.
- Bake covered, then uncovered:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is browned and the edges are crispy. The foil traps steam so the roll-ups stay moist inside.
- Finish and rest:
- Drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the baked roll-ups and let them sit for five minutes before serving. This lets the filling set just enough so they dont fall apart on the plate.
Save to Pinterest The first time I served these, my kid asked if we could have them every week. I said maybe, but honestly I was thrilled because getting a ten year old to eat spinach without complaint felt like a small miracle. Now theyre one of those recipes I make when I want the house to feel cozy and full, even if its just the two of us eating at the kitchen counter.
How to Store and Reheat
These roll-ups keep well in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about a minute, or warm the whole dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes. The garlic butter might soak in as they sit, but they still taste rich and comforting. You can also freeze them before baking, just wrap the dish tightly in plastic and foil, then bake from frozen, adding an extra 15 minutes under the foil.
Ways to Make It Your Own
I sometimes stir in cooked crumbled Italian sausage or diced sun dried tomatoes to the filling when I want something heartier. You can swap the spinach for kale or even arugula if thats what you have on hand. A handful of sautéed mushrooms mixed into the ricotta adds an earthy, meaty texture without any actual meat. If youre feeling fancy, drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top right before serving for a sweet, tangy contrast.
What to Serve Alongside
A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Crusty garlic bread is always a crowd pleaser, even though youre already getting plenty of garlic. Roasted broccoli or green beans add color and a little bitterness that balances the cheesy, buttery flavors.
- Pour a crisp Pinot Grigio or a light Chianti to keep things bright and refreshing.
- If you want to go all in, serve with a side of marinara for dipping.
- A little extra grated Parmesan at the table never hurts.
Save to Pinterest These roll-ups have become one of those recipes I turn to when I want something that feels special but doesnt require me to be a hero in the kitchen. Theyre warm, cheesy, garlicky, and always disappear faster than I expect.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I make these lasagna roll-ups ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the roll-ups completely and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator. The garlic butter sauce can also be prepared ahead and stored separately.
- → What's the best way to prevent noodles from tearing?
Cook noodles until just al dente as they continue cooking in the oven. Lay them flat on parchment paper immediately after draining to prevent sticking. Handle gently when spreading filling and rolling.
- → Can I freeze lasagna roll-ups?
Assemble roll-ups in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking, or increase baking time to 45-50 minutes from frozen.
- → What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese blended until smooth works well as a substitute. For a dairy-free version, try cashew ricotta or tofu-based alternatives. The texture and binding properties remain similar.
- → How do I know when the roll-ups are done?
The cheese on top should be golden brown and bubbling. The filling should be hot throughout when you insert a knife into the center. Let them rest 5 minutes before serving so they set slightly.
- → Can I add meat to these roll-ups?
Definitely. Cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or shredded chicken can be mixed directly into the cheese filling. Ensure meat is fully cooked before incorporating, about 1/2 to 3/4 cup per batch works well.