Save to Pinterest Experience a savory twist on an Italian classic with these Garlic Butter Lasagna Roll-Ups. This vegetarian main dish features tender pasta sheets rolled with a creamy three-cheese and spinach filling, all baked to golden perfection in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce. With a preparation time of 25 minutes and a bake time of 35 minutes, this recipe serves six and is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or an elegant weekend dinner.
Save to Pinterest These roll-ups are as visually appealing as they are delicious. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the hint of nutmeg provides that authentic Italian flavor profile. It is a hearty, satisfying dish that elevates simple ingredients into something special.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 lasagna noodles
- Filling: 2 cups (500 g) ricotta cheese, 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach (chopped) or 1 cup frozen (thawed and squeezed dry), 2 large eggs, 4 cloves garlic (finely minced), 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh parsley (chopped), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Garlic Butter: 6 tbsp (85 g) unsalted butter, 5 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Topping: 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Step 2
- Cook lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and lay noodles flat on a clean towel.
- Step 3
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, eggs, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
- Step 4
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in parsley, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Remove from heat.
- Step 5
- Spread 2 tablespoons of the filling evenly over each lasagna noodle. Roll up tightly from the short end.
- Step 6
- Pour half of the garlic butter into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Step 7
- Arrange lasagna roll-ups seam-side down in the dish. Drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the top.
- Step 8
- Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Step 9
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Step 10
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best texture, cook the noodles exactly to al dente so they remain firm enough to roll without tearing. This dish contains milk, eggs, and wheat; if you have dietary restrictions, be sure to verify the labels on your butter and cheeses. Squeezing all moisture out of the spinach is crucial to prevent the filling from becoming watery.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily customize these roll-ups by adding cooked ground chicken or Italian sausage to the filling for extra protein. For a different flavor profile, add a thin layer of marinara sauce to the dish before baking. If you prefer other greens, kale or Swiss chard make excellent substitutes for the spinach.
Serviervorschläge
For a complete meal, serve these rich and cheesy roll-ups alongside a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. The bright acidity of the salad perfectly balances the garlic butter sauce. Pair the dish with a glass of Chardonnay to complement the creamy cheese and garlic notes.
Save to Pinterest These Garlic Butter Lasagna Roll-Ups offer a satisfying and creative way to enjoy Italian flavors. Whether you are cooking for family or friends, the combination of bubbling cheese and aromatic garlic butter is sure to be a hit. Enjoy this comforting vegetarian dish while it is warm and fresh from the oven!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make lasagna roll-ups ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the roll-ups and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking cold from the refrigerator.
- → How do I prevent noodles from tearing?
Cook noodles until just al dente as they will continue cooking in the oven. Handle gently and lay them flat on a clean towel immediately after draining to prevent sticking.
- → Can I freeze these roll-ups?
Assemble and freeze unbaked roll-ups in the dish, wrapped tightly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or add 20 minutes to the covered baking time.
- → What can I use instead of ricotta?
Cottage cheese blended until smooth works well. For a dairy-free option, try cashew ricotta or firm tofu blended with nutritional yeast and herbs.
- → How do I know when they're done baking?
The cheese should be melted and golden brown, with buttery sauce bubbling around the edges. A knife inserted into the center should come out hot.