Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce in the bottom of a baking dish Recipe

If you love a cozy, comforting meal with a bright and zesty twist, this Creamy Lemon Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups recipe will totally steal your heart (and your appetite!). Picture creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and fresh spinach all wrapped up inside tender pasta, with a delightful pop of lemon and blanketed in rich Alfredo sauce. The secret to lusciousness? Always spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce in the bottom of a baking dish before adding those pretty roll-ups. Every creamy, citrusy bite will bring a smile to your face. Let’s get rolling!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of classic ingredients, you’ll whip up a dish that bursts with flavor and brings real elegance to your table. Each component plays a key role, from the tangy lemon to the creamy cheeses, making this lasagna roll-up truly unforgettable.

• Lasagna noodles: Go for traditional, wide pasta strips to make rolling a breeze and hold all that luscious filling.
• Fresh spinach, chopped: This brings vibrant green color and earthy flavor, making each bite feel fresh and wholesome.
• Ricotta cheese: Silky and mild, ricotta creates the creamy core that makes each roll-up irresistible.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and gives you those crave-worthy, stringy cheese moments.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: For a salty, nutty punch that really boosts flavor depth in the filling.
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon: This is the secret weapon! It cuts through the richness with irresistible citrus zing.
• Minced garlic: Just enough for a subtle savory underpinning, but not so much that it overpowers the lemony goodness.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in both the cheese and the veggies.
• Black pepper: Lends a hint of warmth, making every element sing.
• Alfredo or béchamel sauce: You can use a store-bought shortcut or go homemade, but whatever you do, spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce in the bottom of a baking dish before assembling.
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): A final shower of green for aroma and a lovely finish.

How to Make Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce in the bottom of a baking dish

Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Boil your lasagna noodles in a big pot of salted water until they’re perfectly al dente—firm but tender. Drain them carefully and lay the noodles flat on a sheet of parchment paper. This keeps them from sticking and makes assembling the roll-ups a total breeze.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling

While the noodles cool, grab a mixing bowl and stir together ricotta, chopped spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. The mixture should be creamy, with lovely flecks of green and that bright citrus aroma. Go on—give it a taste! You want just the right balance of creamy richness and lemon pop.

Step 3: Fill and Roll

Lay out the cooked noodles and, using a spoon or spatula, spread a generous layer of the filling along each one from edge to edge. Gently roll them up—tight enough to hold their shape, but not so tight the filling squishes out. Take a moment to admire those pretty spirals!

Step 4: Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce in the bottom of a baking dish

Here’s where the magic happens! Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce in the bottom of a baking dish of your choice; doing this keeps the roll-ups tender, prevents sticking, and adds that crave-worthy creamy bottom layer that soaks up all the flavors as it bakes.

Step 5: Arrange and Top

Gently nestle your lasagna roll-ups seam-side down into the prepared dish. Once they’re all snug, pour the remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the tops—making sure every noodle gets its fair share of the dreamy sauce.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your baking dish into a 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly, golden edges and a thick, creamy sauce that hugs every spiral. The kitchen will smell amazing… it’ll be hard to wait!

How to Serve Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce in the bottom of a baking dish

Garnishes

Right before serving, sprinkle a generous handful of fresh basil or parsley over the hot lasagna roll-ups. Not only does this add a burst of color and a fresh pop of flavor, but it also gives your meal that “just from the kitchen” vibe. A few extra grates of Parmesan on top never hurt, either!

Side Dishes

Enjoy your roll-ups with a crisp, lemony arugula salad for a perfect flavor contrast, or a hunk of warm, crusty garlic bread (ideal for scooping up all that extra sauce at the bottom of the dish!). Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli are also delicious partners.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the roll-ups family-style in the baking dish at the table, or plate them individually with a spoonful of sauce from the dish underneath. If you want to dress things up, try arranging two or three on a pretty platter, garnishing lavishly with herbs and lemon zest. No matter what, the way you spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce in the bottom of a baking dish ensures every helping looks luscious and inviting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got more roll-ups than you can manage? No worries! Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully as they sit, so don’t be surprised if the leftovers taste even better the next day.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze these roll-ups, assemble the entire dish as directed (don’t forget: spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce in the bottom of a baking dish!). Before baking, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When that comfort food craving strikes, let the dish thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, place them back in a baking dish, add a splash of extra Alfredo sauce if you have it, and cover with foil. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. For just one or two roll-ups, you can microwave them (covered) in short bursts, adding a spoonful of Alfredo sauce to keep things moist and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen spinach works well in a pinch. After thawing, squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing it with the other filling ingredients. The key is a filling that isn’t too wet, so your roll-ups stay creamy, not soggy.

What’s the best way to keep the noodles from sticking?

Once drained, lay your cooked noodles flat in a single layer on parchment paper or a lightly oiled baking sheet. Don’t let them sit in a tangle, or they’ll glue together as they cool!

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles and check that your Alfredo sauce is gluten-free as well. All the fillings and flavors will be just as dreamy.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead?

Definitely. You can assemble the lasagna roll-ups (don’t forget to spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce in the bottom of a baking dish first), then cover and refrigerate them up to a day ahead. Bake fresh when you’re ready to eat for maximum deliciousness.

Do I have to use Alfredo sauce, or is there a lighter option?

While Alfredo brings richness, you can swap in a light béchamel or even a homemade cauliflower cream sauce for a lighter version. Whatever sauce you choose, just be sure to spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce in the bottom of a baking dish (or your chosen alternative) to keep things moist and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

Trust me: once you try these Creamy Lemon Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups and remember to spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce in the bottom of a baking dish, you’ll want to make this cozy, tangy, crowd-pleasing meal again and again. Grab your ingredients, fire up the oven, and let some zesty comfort fill your kitchen—your taste buds will thank you!