Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Spinach lasagna rolls have become a favorite go-to meal when we’re tired of the usual proteins, or needing a meal to make ahead. They can be completely oven ready. Imagine pulling this pan out of the oven an hour or so after finishing a busy day!

Always start with completely thawed and squeezed spinach. Break the spinach apart so it is easier to work with. Once the lasagna noodles are cooked and drained, lay them out flat on parchment paper. Combine the cheeses and herbs. Place the cheese mixture on the noodles and spread to the edges. Sprinkle with the spinach.

Ladle a thin layer of marinara sauce into a baking pan. Roll each noodle and place seam side down in the baking pan. Add the remaining sauce to the pan being sure to cover each roll. Cover the pan with parchment and foil. At this point you can place the pan in a 350° oven, chill overnight for the next day, or freeze. Thaw the frozen pan in the refrigerator for two days before baking.

The rolls are finished when the sauce is bubbling in the pan and the center roll registers 165°. We uncover and top with additional cheese for the last 10 minutes.

Keep extra warm sauce on hand to ladle around the sides of the roll when plating, and sprinkle with fresh julienned basil.

Fresh basil is the key to making homemade sauce. We look for the small herb plants that are available year round in the produce section. They are more cost effective than packaged fresh herbs and will not turn brown in a few days. These plants will last on a sunny window sill for weeks, even months, if you remember to keep them watered. The photos below show before and after being clipped. Several weeks after clipping, new leaves appear. This basil gift keeps on giving!

To julienne basil, roll the leaves tight and then slice into thin strips.

This marinara sauce is a few simple ingredients that when combined create great flavor. The brown sugar cuts the acidity. You can start with less sugar and add as you go. We always taste and add as we go. Once removed from the heat, blend the sauce with an immersion blender to make it smooth. Be sure to allow the flavors to rest and develop overnight.

Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Marinara Sauce