Pasta Pinwheels
Creamy spinach and cheese-filled pasta pinwheels baked in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with comforting, cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour half of the spaghetti sauce into a 10 x 6-inch baking dish.
- Combine the thawed and drained spinach, ricotta cheese, 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg; mix well.
- Spread each cooked and drained lasagna noodle with a scant 1/2 cup of the spinach mixture.
- Roll up each noodle and cut in half crosswise to make pinwheels.
- Place the pinwheels, cut side down, in the baking dish on top of the sauce.
- Top with the remaining spaghetti sauce.
- Cover the dish and bake at 350°F for 50 minutes.
- Sprinkle with the remaining shredded mozzarella and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using whole wheat lasagna noodles or replacing half of the ricotta with cottage cheese. You can also add chopped cooked chicken or sausage for added protein. If you don't have spinach, kale or Swiss chard makes a great substitute. Experiment with spices like Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pinwheels with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a nice touch. They pair beautifully with Italian recipes like Beef And Asparagus Pasta Toss or can be enjoyed as a hearty vegetarian option. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top enhances the presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Pinwheels contains roughly 311 calories, with 14g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value) and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A.
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 use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Simply sauté it until wilted and then chop. You'll need about 4 cups of fresh spinach to replace the 10 oz. frozen package. Ensure to drain any excess moisture to keep the pinwheels from getting soggy.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pinwheels a day ahead. Just cover the baking dish and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through. This makes it a great option for meal prep.
What can I serve with Pasta Pinwheels?
These pinwheels are versatile and pair well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. Garlic bread is a classic side that complements the dish nicely, and a light red wine or sparkling water can elevate the meal. For more ideas, explore various Italian recipes.
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).