Lasagne Swirls
Lasagne Swirls are a delightful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender rolled noodles filled with a flavorful spinach and cheese mixture, topped with savory tomato sauce and melted Parmesan. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, these cheesy, saucy bites are a comforting, crowd-pleasing option.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the lasagne noodles; rinse with cold water.
- Mix thawed chopped spinach, 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, Ricotta cheese, salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg.
- Spread about 1/3 cup of cheese mixture on each noodle and roll up.
- Saute minced garlic and chopped onion until tender.
- Add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, basil, and oregano to the sautéed mixture.
- Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes or longer if desired.
- Place the rolled noodles upright in a 2-quart casserole dish and pour sauce over.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, or 50 to 60 minutes if cold.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For easier rolling, ensure the lasagne noodles are slightly undercooked before rinsing them in cold water. You can substitute the spinach with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard if desired. Adding a layer of ricotta and mozzarella in between the rolls can enhance the creaminess. You can also add cooked ground meat for a heartier version, similar to Baked Beef Pizzaiola.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lasagne swirls with a fresh side salad dressed in vinaigrette for a light meal. They pair beautifully with Italian Garden Saute for added veggies. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top before serving adds a nice touch. For a complete dinner, consider garlic bread or a classic Caesar salad as sides.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagne Swirls contains roughly 1496 calories, with 13g protein, 165g carbohydrates, and 93g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (114% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value), and iron (37% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2397mg per serving (104% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the lasagne swirls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagne swirls in advance. Assemble them and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, cottage cheese can be a good substitute. Blend it until smooth for a similar texture. Cream cheese can also work if you want a richer flavor.
Can I freeze lasagne swirls?
Absolutely! Freeze the assembled but unbaked lasagne swirls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).