Imagine a cozy evening with your special someone, where the aroma of bubbling cheese and savory marinara fills the air. These Lasagna Roll Ups are not just a meal; they're an experience that transforms a simple dinner into a romantic culinary adventure. Perfect for date nights or intimate dinners, this recipe proves that delicious Italian cuisine doesn't have to be complicated or require feeding an entire family.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 4 lasagna noodles, cooked
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a small baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Cook lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Lay out the cooked lasagna noodles flat on a clean work surface. Spread an even layer of the ricotta mixture along the length of each noodle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Carefully roll up each noodle from one end to the other, creating a neat spiral roll. Place the rolled noodles seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce evenly over the rolled noodles, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with slight golden brown edges.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- Noodle Preparation: Cook lasagna noodles just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking. Rinsing with cold water helps stop the cooking process.
- Ricotta Mixture: For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes to your ricotta cheese mixture.
- Cheese Melting Trick: For a perfectly golden top, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes after baking if you want more caramelization on the cheese.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare these roll-ups earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a light side salad or garlic bread to complete your romantic dinner experience.Pro Tip: The key to these roll-ups is even spreading and tight rolling to ensure each bite is packed with flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 80mg
