Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Lasagna Roll Ups – Elegant Comfort Food Made Easy

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Lasagna is a timeless comfort food classic, but sometimes you want a version that’s just as satisfying while being a little more creative (and easier to serve). Enter these Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Lasagna Roll Ups—a dish that takes all the flavors of traditional lasagna and transforms them into elegant, portioned rolls.
Each noodle is filled with creamy ricotta, tender spinach, and fresh herbs, then rolled up, nestled into marinara sauce, and baked under a blanket of melty mozzarella and parmesan. The result? A pasta bake that’s hearty, cheesy, and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to entertaining guests.
They’re fun to make, easy to serve, and endlessly customizable—plus they look gorgeous on the plate.
What Makes These Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Lasagna Roll Ups Irresistible
A Fresh Spin on a Classic – Instead of layering a traditional lasagna, these roll ups bundle all the rich, cheesy flavors into neat spirals. It’s a playful twist that looks impressive on the plate yet keeps all the comfort you crave.
Vegetarian and Satisfying – Packed with creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and nutrient-rich spinach, this dish proves you don’t need meat for hearty, soul-warming flavor. Even meat-lovers will be reaching for seconds.
Perfectly Portioned Servings – Each roll is an individual portion, making it easy to serve, plate, and enjoy. Whether for family dinners, potlucks, or dinner parties, you’ll love the built-in portion control.
Convenient Make-Ahead Option – Busy week? Assemble these roll ups ahead of time and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. They hold up beautifully and let you enjoy a homemade meal without last-minute stress.
A Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food – Creamy, saucy, and bubbling with cheese, these roll ups deliver everything people love about lasagna in a fun, approachable way. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles to the table and quickly becomes a family favorite.

Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious lasagna bake:
- 15 lasagna noodles – Sturdy pasta base for rolling.
- 2 cups ricotta cheese – Creamy and mild, perfect for filling.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided – Melty and gooey, for both filling and topping.
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty punch.
- 1 large egg – Helps bind the filling.
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley – Adds freshness and herbiness.
- 8–10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained thoroughly – Nutrient-packed green for flavor and color.
- 3 cups marinara sauce, divided – Rich, tangy tomato base.
- Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper – Essential seasoning.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large casserole dish.
2. Cook the Pasta
Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and arrange flat in a single layer on a parchment-lined sheet pan to prevent sticking.
3. Make the Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta, ½ cup mozzarella, parmesan, egg, and parsley. Press excess water from spinach using paper towels or cheesecloth, then crumble it into the ricotta mixture. Season with salt and pepper and stir until smooth.

4. Assemble the Dish
Spread 1 cup marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the casserole dish. On each noodle, spread 2–3 tablespoons of the ricotta-spinach filling. Roll the noodles and place them upright in the dish so the spiral layers are visible.

5. Top with Sauce & Cheese
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the rolls. Sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella. Cover with foil.

6. Bake
Bake covered for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

7. Rest & Serve
Let cool for 10 minutes to allow the rolls to set. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Cooking Tips & Techniques
Drain Spinach Well – Excess water can make the filling soggy. Use a cheesecloth or paper towels to press out as much as possible.
Use Fresh Lasagna Sheets – If you can find them, they roll more easily than dried noodles.
Cheese Variety – Freshly grated parmesan and mozzarella melt smoother and taste better than pre-shredded.
Prevent Sticking – Lay cooked noodles flat on parchment paper to avoid clumping together.
Let Rest Before Serving – This keeps the rolls intact and makes plating easier.
Recommended Equipment
Large Pot – For boiling lasagna noodles.
Medium Mixing Bowl – For the ricotta-spinach filling.
Large Casserole Dish – To bake and serve the roll ups.
Cheese Grater – For freshly grated parmesan.
Parchment-Lined Sheet Pan – To keep noodles from sticking before rolling.
Aluminum Foil – Keeps the dish moist while baking.

How to Serve Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Lasagna Roll Ups
As a Cozy Weeknight Dinner – Serve these roll ups alongside warm garlic bread or buttery breadsticks for the ultimate comfort food experience. They’re filling enough to stand alone, but the added carbs make it feel like a true Italian-inspired feast.
For Easy Entertaining – Their spiral shape and neatly portioned presentation make these roll ups look like something straight from a restaurant. Arrange them on a platter with extra sauce spooned over the top, and you’ve got an elegant dish that will impress your guests with minimal effort.
Balanced with Fresh Salad – Since the roll ups are rich and cheesy, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds freshness and contrast. Think arugula, spinach, or a simple Caesar salad to round out the meal.
Perfect for Meal Prep – These roll ups reheat beautifully, making them a smart option for weekly meal prep. Store individual portions in containers, and you’ll have a ready-to-go lunch or dinner that tastes just as good the next day.
What To Pair With Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Lasagna Roll Ups
Here’s another set of 3 delicious pairings from your recipe collection to go with Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Lasagna Roll Ups, offering a different flavor profile:
Buttery Pistachio Rolls with Chocolate – Made with Croissant Dough
Soft, rich, and slightly sweet — these rolls add a luxurious bread side that pairs beautifully with the creamy lasagna.
Easy Blackberry Basil Iced Tea – Ready in Minutes with the Instant Pot
A cool, herbaceous drink that refreshes your palate and complements the richness of the roll ups.
Soft Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies – Buttery, Fruity, Irresistible!
A nostalgic, fruity dessert that adds a light, sweet touch to round out the meal.
This pairing brings a more elegant, slightly sweet twist to your lasagna roll-up dinner — perfect for brunches, light entertaining, or when you want something a little different.
Diet-Friendly Options
Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
Low-Fat – Swap ricotta for part-skim ricotta or cottage cheese, and use less mozzarella.
High-Protein – Add shredded chicken, ground turkey, or Italian sausage to the filling.
Extra Veggies – Mix in sautéed mushrooms, roasted zucchini, or even artichokes for variety.
Best Ways to Store
Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer – Freeze baked roll ups in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Reheat – Warm in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of marinara if needed.
Recipe Variations
Different Cheeses – Use mascarpone or cottage cheese for a creamier filling.
Protein Boost – Stir shredded chicken, turkey, or crumbled sausage into the ricotta mixture.
Veggie Lovers’ Version – Add sautéed mushrooms, roasted peppers, or spinach + kale mix.
Classic Look – Roll seam-side down instead of upright for a more traditional casserole appearance.

These Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Lasagna Roll Ups are a fresh twist on classic lasagna—elegant, portioned, and endlessly comforting. With creamy ricotta filling, nutrient-packed spinach, rich marinara, and gooey melted cheese, every bite is a little piece of Italian-inspired heaven.
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight comfort dish, a meal-prep staple, or an impressive dinner party recipe, these roll ups deliver on flavor, presentation, and ease.
So roll up your sleeves (literally) and make these spirals of cheesy goodness—you’ll be adding them to your regular rotation in no time.
Common Questions Answered
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes! Sauté fresh spinach until wilted, drain, and chop before mixing into the ricotta.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble up to a day in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Do the noodles need to be cooked first?
Yes, they need to be boiled until pliable for rolling. Oven-ready noodles won’t work for this recipe.
What’s the best marinara to use?
Homemade is ideal, but a good-quality jarred marinara works perfectly.
How do I keep the rolls from falling apart?
Don’t overfill, and let them rest for 10 minutes after baking to firm up before serving.

Cheesy Spinach & Ricotta Lasagna Roll Ups
Equipment
- Large pot for noodles
- Medium mixing bowl
- Large casserole dish
- Cheese grater
- Parchment-lined sheet pan (for noodles)
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 15 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 8–10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained thoroughly
- 3 cups marinara sauce, divided
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat OvenHeat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish.
- Cook the PastaBoil lasagna noodles in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and arrange flat in a single layer on parchment to prevent sticking.
- Make the FillingIn a medium bowl, combine ricotta, ½ cup mozzarella, parmesan, egg, and parsley. Press excess water from spinach using paper towels or cheesecloth, then crumble it into the ricotta mixture. Season with salt and pepper, mixing until smooth.
- Assemble the DishSpread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the casserole dish. On each noodle, spread 2–3 tablespoons of the ricotta-spinach filling. Roll the noodles and place them upright in the dish so the spiral layers are visible.
- Top with Sauce & CheesePour the remaining marinara sauce over the rolls and sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella. Cover the dish with foil.
- BakeBake covered for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Rest & ServeLet cool for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the rolls to set. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
Pro Tips & Variations
- Different cheeses: Substitute part of the ricotta with mascarpone or cottage cheese for a different texture.
- Add protein: Mix shredded chicken, ground turkey, or Italian sausage into the filling.
- Vegetarian boost: Add sautéed mushrooms or roasted zucchini to the spinach mixture.
- Presentation choice: Roll seam-side down for a classic look, or stand upright to showcase the spiral layers.
- Make ahead: Assemble the rolls up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.