Irresistible Zucchini Roll-Ups Stuffed with Spinach & Ricotta

In the world of culinary delights, few dishes can rival the charm and comfort of Zucchini Roll-Ups Stuffed with Spinach & Ricotta in Creamy Tomato Sauce. Picture this: tender zucchini ribbons, lovingly rolled up and crammed with a rich mixture of spinach and creamy ricotta, all snuggled in a blanket of vibrant tomato sauce. The aroma wafts through your kitchen like a warm hug, promising a delicious experience that never disappoints.

Imagine gathering around the dinner table on a cozy weekend evening, laughter filling the air as family members dive into these delightful roll-ups. Each bite bursts with flavor and nostalgia, whisking you back to sunlit summers spent picking fresh veggies from the garden. It’s the perfect dish for impressing guests or simply treating yourself on a quiet night in.

My friends were left speechless at my last dinner party when I served these roll-ups; their eyes widened with delight as they took their first bites.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Zucchini: Select firm zucchinis without blemishes; they should be thinly sliced for easy rolling.
• Fresh Spinach: Opt for tender baby spinach leaves; they wilt perfectly into the filling.
• Ricotta Cheese: Choose creamy ricotta for a smooth texture; it’s the heart of this delightful filling.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan for an extra flavor boost; it adds depth to the creamy sauce.
• Canned Tomato Sauce: Use high-quality tomato sauce for optimal flavor; avoid overly sweet varieties.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves offer robust flavor; finely mince them to release their aromatic oils.
• Olive Oil: A splash of extra virgin olive oil enhances richness; it’s key for sautéing.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate every ingredient’s natural flavors; don’t skip these.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare the Zucchini Ribbons: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, slice zucchini into long ribbons about 1/8-inch thick. Set them aside on paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

Sauté the Spinach Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil until shimmering. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Toss in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally.

Create the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and sautéed spinach. Stir well until everything is blended into a creamy filling.

Assemble the Roll-Ups: Place one zucchini ribbon on a clean surface. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture onto one end and roll tightly toward the other end. Secure with toothpicks if necessary. Repeat with remaining zucchini ribbons and filling.

Add Tomato Sauce and Bake: Spread half of your tomato sauce evenly across a baking dish. Arrange the zucchini roll-ups seam-side down in the dish. Pour remaining sauce over them and sprinkle with leftover Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Bake Until Bubbly and Serve: Remove foil after 20 minutes and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let cool slightly before serving; they are best enjoyed warm

Enjoy your Zucchini Roll-Ups Stuffed with Spinach & Ricotta in Creamy Tomato Sauce Each bite is sure to bring joy not just to your taste buds but also to your heart

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfect results, start by preparing the filling and sauce simultaneously. While sautéing spinach, slice zucchini into thin strips and prepare your baking dish. This multitasking ensures everything is ready to assemble quickly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ricotta for cottage cheese or add herbs like basil and oregano for an extra flavor kick. You can also sprinkle some cheese on top before baking for a golden crust that will make everyone swoon.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Zucchini Roll-Ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to keep them moist.

It was my cousin’s birthday when I first made these Zucchini Roll-Ups. Everyone raved about them—especially my uncle, who usually sticks to meat-heavy dishes

FAQ

Can I use other vegetables for stuffing?

Yes, other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers work wonderfully as fillings.

How do I prevent the zucchini from becoming soggy?

Salt the zucchini strips and let them sit to draw out excess moisture before using.

Can this recipe be frozen for later use?

Yes, these roll-ups freeze well; just bake them first and then freeze in an airtight container.

Print

Zucchini Roll-Ups Stuffed with Spinach & Ricotta in Creamy Tomato Sauce

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Indulge in the comfort of Zucchini Roll-Ups, a deliciously light dish featuring tender zucchini ribbons filled with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach, all enveloped in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Your family will love the vibrant colors and delightful taste that evoke memories of sunlit summers.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced into ribbons
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup canned tomato sauce (preferably low sugar)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice zucchini into long ribbons using a vegetable peeler or mandoline.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add spinach and cook until wilted.
3. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the Parmesan, salt, pepper, and sautéed spinach.
4. On a clean surface, place each zucchini ribbon, add 1-2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture at one end, and roll tightly.
5. Spread half of the tomato sauce in a baking dish; arrange roll-ups seam-side down. Pour remaining sauce on top and sprinkle with leftover Parmesan.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 roll-ups (approximately 200g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, consider mixing in fresh herbs like basil or oregano into the cheese filling. - To prevent sogginess, salt zucchini ribbons before rolling to draw out excess moisture.