Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked Spinach Ricotta Rotolo is a beautiful and satisfying dish that’s as delicious as it is visually appealing. The combination of creamy ricotta and earthy spinach is wrapped in pasta and topped with marinara sauce, making it a perfect balance of flavors. The baking process ensures the dish is warm, gooey, and full of cheesy goodness. Whether you’re a fan of classic Italian cuisine or looking for something new, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients
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12 sheets of lasagna noodles
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
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2 cups ricotta cheese
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1 1/2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 1/2 cups frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for extra flavor)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Prepare the pasta:
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Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, making sure they are al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the noodles and set them aside on a baking sheet, lightly greased or lined with parchment paper, to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the filling:
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In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach (or thawed and drained frozen spinach), Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg (if using). Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the rotolo:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Take one lasagna noodle at a time and place it flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous amount of the spinach-ricotta filling along the length of the noodle, then carefully roll it up tightly, starting from one end.
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Place the rolled-up noodle seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles and filling.
4. Top and bake:
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Once all the rotolos are in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle with additional shredded mozzarella cheese for a gooey, cheesy topping.
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Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the rotolos are hot throughout.
5. Serve:
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Remove from the oven and let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy the delicious layers of cheesy spinach and rich marinara sauce!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6-8
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 40 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
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Add meat: For a heartier dish, you can add cooked ground beef, or turkey to the ricotta spinach mixture.
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Use a different cheese: Swap ricotta for mascarpone or goat cheese for a different flavor. You can also add fresh mozzarella for extra creaminess.
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Make it vegetarian: The spinach-ricotta filling is already vegetarian, but you can add other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted peppers to the filling for added texture and flavor.
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Gluten-free option: If you’re avoiding gluten, you can use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Storage/Reheating
Leftover Baked Spinach Ricotta Rotolo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
This dish can also be frozen before baking. Assemble the rotolos, place them in the baking dish, and cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen spinach?
Yes, fresh spinach works perfectly in this dish. Just be sure to chop it finely and sauté it for 2-3 minutes in a pan with a bit of olive oil to wilt it down before adding it to the ricotta mixture.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ricotta-spinach filling a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the rotolos just before baking for a quicker meal.
Can I use a different type of sauce?
While marinara is traditional, you can use other sauces like béchamel (white sauce) or even a pesto for a unique twist on this dish.
Can I make this dish without rolling the noodles?
Yes, you can skip the rolling step and simply layer the noodles, filling, and sauce in the baking dish like a lasagna. This will save time and give you a similar flavor, though it won’t have the rolled presentation.
How do I make this dish vegan?
To make this dish vegan, use a dairy-free ricotta, such as one made from tofu or cashews, and a plant-based cheese substitute for mozzarella and Parmesan. Use a vegan egg replacement (like flaxseed or chia egg) in place of the egg.
Conclusion
Baked Spinach Ricotta Rotolo is a delicious, comforting, and elegant dish that combines the best of Italian flavors. The creamy spinach and ricotta filling wrapped in pasta, baked in marinara sauce, and topped with melted cheese creates a warm, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, and with its beautiful presentation, it’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit!
Baked Spinach Ricotta Rotolo
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking_
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Spinach Ricotta Rotolo is a comforting Italian dish that combines creamy ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, and tender pasta, all baked with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. This elegant, rolled-up version of lasagna is both flavorful and visually stunning, making it perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or any time you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal with an upscale twist.
Ingredients
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12 sheets of lasagna noodles
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
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2 cups ricotta cheese
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1 1/2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 1/2 cups frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Prepare the pasta:
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking. -
Prepare the filling:
In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach (or thawed and drained frozen spinach), Parmesan, mozzarella, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg (if using). Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Assemble the rotolo:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Place one lasagna noodle on a clean surface and spread a generous layer of the ricotta-spinach filling along the length of the noodle. Carefully roll up the noodle and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles and filling. -
Top and bake:
Once all the rotolos are in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with additional shredded mozzarella.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. -
Serve:
Let the rotolo rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and enjoy!
Notes
Add meat: For a heartier dish, add cooked ground beef, or turkey to the ricotta-spinach mixture.Cheese swap: Use mascarpone or goat cheese in place of ricotta for a different flavor. Fresh mozzarella can also be added for extra creaminess.Make it vegetarian: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted peppers to the spinach-ricotta filling for added texture and flavor.Gluten-free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a gluten-free version of this dish.
