Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a fabulous dish that combines the best of Italian comfort food—the Baked Spinach Ricotta Rotolo! This delightful recipe brings together creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and a rich tomato sauce, all wrapped in tender pasta. Curious to learn how to make this cheesy masterpiece? Let’s dive in!
What is Spinach Ricotta Rotolo?
Let me introduce you to Spinach Ricotta Rotolo, a delicious Italian dish that’s a real treat! It’s like a cross between lasagna and cannelloni, but there’s something special about it that makes this dish better—those delightful crunchy bits on top! Yum!
Rotolo is a fun word that means “scroll” or “coil” in Italian. So, what we’re really talking about is a rolled-up pasta delight! The traditional way to make rotolo is a bit like a cooking exercise—where you take a big sheet of pasta, spread it with a tasty filling, roll it up, and then wrap it in a tea towel. Sounds fancy, right? But let’s be honest, who has time for all that fuss in the kitchen?
That’s why I love this baked version! Instead of poaching, we simply use fresh lasagna sheets, roll them up like a giant taco, and bake them in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. It keeps the cooking simple and the flavors bold!
With creamy ricotta, nutty parmesan, and a pop of fresh spinach, it’s a wholesome meal that makes my taste buds dance! Plus, you get to enjoy that satisfying cheese pull when you serve it! What could be better? Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll want to make it again and again! Let’s get rolling!
Ingredients for Spinach Ricotta Filling
Let’s talk about the star of the show—the spinach ricotta filling! This creamy, dreamy mixture is what makes rotolo so irresistible! I love how simple it is to whip up, and it packs in a lot of flavor too!
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious filling:
- 500g (1 lb) frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
- 500g (1 lb) ricotta cheese (not the smooth type—go for the good stuff!)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded, because cheese is life!)
- 1 egg (to bind it all together)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (shredded, for that cheesy goodness)
- 1 garlic clove (pressed or finely grated, garlic lovers rejoice!)
- 1/4 fresh nutmeg (grated, or 1/8 tsp nutmeg powder)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Mixing all these ingredients together is where the magic happens! The combination of creamy ricotta and nutty parmesan creates a filling that’s rich and delightful. And let’s not forget the spinach! It adds a lovely color and loads of nutrients to our dish—who says comfort food can’t be healthy?
Once everything is mixed, you’ll want to taste it. I always say, a little taste test never hurt anyone! Adjust the seasonings as you like, and get ready to roll these goodies into your lasagna sheets. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! And, don’t worry if there’s a little left; you can always use it in your next pasta dish!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Rotolo
Alright, let’s get our hands dirty and make some Spinach Ricotta Rotolo! This is the fun part, and I promise it’s easier than it sounds! Follow these steps, and soon you’ll have a warm, cheesy dish that’ll impress everyone!
- Make the Sauce First: Start by heating some olive oil in a skillet. Sauté garlic and onion until they’re golden, then add your tomato passata and seasonings. Let it simmer while you prepare the filling.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine your frozen spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, egg, and all those delicious seasonings. Mix well until everything is combined. Feel free to sneak a taste—it’s heavenly!
- Prepare the Lasagna Sheets: Lay out your fresh lasagna sheets on a clean surface. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; just make sure they’re big enough to roll up!
- Roll it Up: Place a generous amount of your filling at the end of each lasagna sheet. Roll it away from you, sealing it up tightly. If needed, dab a little water on the edge to help it stick. Cut each roll into thirds.
- Bake: Pour some of that lovely sauce into a baking dish. Arrange the rolls on top, filling side up, and drizzle with more sauce. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes at 180°C (350°F). After that, uncover and sprinkle with mozzarella, then bake until golden and bubbly!
Honestly, the smell while it’s baking is just divine! I can almost taste the crispy edges already! Enjoy the process—it’s all part of the magic!
Delicious Tomato Sauce Recipe
Now that we have our Spinach Ricotta Rotolo ready to go, let’s talk about the star of the show—the tomato sauce! This sauce is what brings everything together, adding rich flavor and moisture to our dish. Plus, it’s super easy to make! Here’s how to whip up a delicious sauce that’s perfect for your rotolo:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 onion (finely diced—any kind will do!)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 700g (24 oz) tomato passata (or tomato puree)
- 1 1/2 cups water (to adjust the consistency)
- A handful of fresh basil leaves (optional, for that Italian flair!)
Instructions:
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat those 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté: Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Cook until the onion is soft and begins to turn golden—about 5 minutes. The smell is going to get your taste buds tingling!
- Add the Passata: Pour in the tomato passata, water, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Basil Boost: If you have fresh basil, toss that in right at the end for a burst of flavor!
This sauce is smooth and delicious, perfect for soaking into your rotolo. It’s simple, quick, and oh-so-good! You can even make a big batch and freeze some for later. I often catch myself making extra just to enjoy with pasta or on pizza. Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Now that our Baked Spinach Ricotta Rotolo is out of the oven and looking absolutely scrumptious, let’s chat about how to serve it and some fun variations you can try! I love getting creative in the kitchen, and this dish is super versatile!
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish: Sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor! It makes the dish look so fancy!
- Cheese Lover: Add a little extra mozzarella on top before the last baking phase for an extra cheesy delight!
- Pairings: Serve it with a side salad, like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette! It balances out the richness of the rotolo nicely.
Variations to Try!
- Meat Filling: Want to go meaty? Swap out some of the spinach for ground beef or Italian sausage! Just cook it up with some seasoning and mix it into the filling.
- Veggie Twist: Add in other veggies like zucchini or mushrooms to the filling for even more color and texture!
- Saucy Options: Instead of the traditional tomato sauce, try a creamy Alfredo sauce or a pesto drizzle for a unique twist!
Feel free to experiment! Cooking is all about having fun and making the dish your own. I love hearing how others put their spin on recipes, so don’t hesitate to share your ideas! Enjoy every cheesy, crunchy bite—you deserve it!