Imagine twirling your fork into a perfectly crafted lasagna roll, bursting with fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, and a medley of cheeses that melt in your mouth. These Farmers Market Lasagna Rolls are not just a meal – they're a culinary adventure that transforms traditional lasagna into an elegant, easy-to-serve masterpiece. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat your family to a restaurant-quality dish, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your lasagna rolls cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the noodles are cooking, prepare the filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Once the lasagna noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to dry slightly.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the lasagna rolls from sticking.
- To assemble the lasagna rolls, take one noodle and spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the ricotta filling evenly over the noodle. Carefully roll the noodle from one end to the other, creating a roll. Place the roll seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining noodles and filling.
- Once all the rolls are in the baking dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the rolls, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn't touch the cheese to prevent sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the lasagna rolls from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the rolls set and make them easier to serve.
- Serve the lasagna rolls warm, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your delicious Farmers Market Lasagna Rolls!
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. The "farmers market" in the recipe name suggests using fresh, seasonal produce.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent soggy rolls. Test noodles a minute before package instructions suggest for perfect texture.
- Pat noodles dry after rinsing to make rolling easier and prevent excess moisture in your dish.
- Don't overfill your rolls – about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per noodle is perfect for easy rolling and even cooking.
- For a crispy top, broil the lasagna rolls for 2-3 minutes after baking if you want extra golden cheese.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to help the rolls set and make serving cleaner and easier.
- For a protein boost, consider adding cooked ground turkey or Italian sausage to the ricotta mixture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
