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

12 sheets of lasagna noodles
1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 1/2 cups frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

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.