Pin Experience an irresistible twist on a classic Italian favorite with these Garlic Butter Lasagna Roll-Ups. This dish features tender lasagna noodles meticulously filled with a creamy, garlicky blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and fresh spinach. Instead of the usual tomato sauce, these rolls are baked in a rich, decadent garlic butter sauce that elevates the comfort of pasta to a gourmet level.
Pin This recipe is ideal for those who love the creamy textures of lasagna but want something a bit more sophisticated. The addition of nutmeg and fresh parsley to the filling provides a subtle depth that perfectly complements the bold garlic butter sauce.
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: Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Step 2: Prepare the Pasta
- Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until they reach an al dente texture. Drain them and lay the noodles flat on a clean towel to prevent sticking.
- Step 3: Combine the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped spinach, eggs, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Step 4: Prepare Garlic Butter
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the parsley, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using), then remove from heat.
- Step 5: Assemble the Rolls
- Spread approximately 2 tablespoons of the cheese and spinach filling evenly over each lasagna noodle. Roll them up tightly starting from the short end.
- Step 6: Dish Assembly
- Pour half of the prepared garlic butter into the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the lasagna roll-ups seam-side down in the dish, then drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the tops.
- Step 7: Top and Bake
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the rolls. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Step 8: Final Touch
- Allow the dish to cool for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
When preparing the noodles, ensure they are dried well on a towel before spreading the filling to prevent the rolls from becoming slippery. If you are using frozen spinach, it is crucial to squeeze it completely dry to maintain the creamy consistency of the filling.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For meat lovers, feel free to add cooked ground chicken or Italian sausage into the cheese mixture. You can also experiment with different greens like kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach. For those who miss the classic red sauce, adding a thin layer of marinara at the bottom of the dish before baking adds a nice acidic balance.
Serviervorschläge
These rich roll-ups pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad to cut through the buttery sauce. A glass of chilled Chardonnay or a similar white wine with good acidity also complements the garlic and cheese beautifully.
Pin With 440 calories and 22g of protein per serving, these Garlic Butter Lasagna Roll-Ups are a decadent yet filling meal choice. Whether you're hosting a dinner or looking for a special weeknight treat, this dish brings a unique and savory flair to the table.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I make these lasagna roll-ups ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the roll-ups completely, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking cold from the refrigerator.
- → What's the best way to prevent noodles from tearing?
Cook noodles just until al dente as they'll continue cooking in the oven. Handle gently when hot, and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel immediately after draining. Slightly undercooked noodles hold together better during rolling.
- → Can I freeze these for later meals?
Yes, freeze assembled unbaked roll-ups tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or bake from frozen adding 15-20 minutes to the covered baking time.
- → What vegetables work well in the filling?
Fresh spinach is classic, but you can also use chopped kale, Swiss chard, or sautéed mushrooms. For added color, try incorporating roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes into the cheese mixture.
- → How do I know when the roll-ups are done baking?
The roll-ups are finished when the cheese topping is melted and golden brown, the sauce is bubbling around the edges, and an inserted knife comes out hot to the touch. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- → Can I add protein to make these more filling?
Certainly. Mix browned and seasoned ground chicken, turkey, or Italian sausage into the cheese filling. You can also add chopped cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and protein.