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Homemade Skinny Lasagna Rolls photo

Skinny Lasagna Rolls

A lighter lasagna made by rolling whole wheat noodles with a spinach-ricotta filling and baking with marinara and cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 10 whole wheat lasagna noodles cooked to al dente (about 8 minutes), well drained
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce jar, no sugar added; divided (1 1/4 cups for dish + 1 cup for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 6 cups baby spinach loosely packed and chopped
  • 1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups part-skim mozzarella shredded; divided (1 cup for filling, remaining for topping)
  • 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese small curd if possible
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • kosher or sea salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

  • 13 x 9-inch casserole dish
  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • parchment paper or clean work surface
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Aluminum Foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Pour 1 1/4 cups of the marinara sauce into a 13 x 9-inch (2-inch deep) casserole dish and spread to coat the bottom.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. In a large mixing bowl combine the cooked spinach and garlic with ricotta, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, cottage cheese, egg white, dried oregano, salt to taste, and black pepper; mix until evenly combined.
  5. Lay the cooked lasagna noodles flat on a work surface lined with parchment. Place about 1/4 cup of the cheese and spinach mixture along the end of each noodle, spreading evenly but leaving a small margin at the far edge.
  6. Starting at the end closest to you, roll each noodle tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared casserole dish, arranging rolls so they are close but not touching.
  7. Evenly pour 1 cup of the remaining marinara over the rolls, then sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and the grated Parmesan over the top.
  8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, until the cheese is hot and bubbly. Remove foil for the last 2–3 minutes if you want the top more browned.
  9. Let the rolls rest a few minutes before serving. Serve with additional warmed marinara if desired.

Notes

  • Cook noodles to al dente so they hold together when rolled.
  • Drain cooked noodles well to avoid watery filling.
  • Use part-skim cheeses to keep the dish lighter.
  • Egg white helps bind the filling without adding fat.