Lasagna is one of those dishes that has a way of bringing people together. Whether it’s a family gathering, a cozy dinner party with friends, or just a comforting meal at the end of a long day, this Spinach Lasagna is sure to steal the show. With layers of creamy ricotta, earthy spinach, gooey cheese, and tender sheets of lasagna, it’s a recipe that’s not just satisfying—it’s downright heartwarming.
This particular spinach lasagna holds a special place in many hearts, as it’s a lighter, vegetarian take on a classic comfort food. It’s perfect for those looking for a meatless main dish that still delivers bold flavors and hearty textures. Imagine a steaming slice on a cold evening or the joy of reheating leftovers for lunch the next day. With every bite, you’ll experience a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and herby goodness.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or making it for yourself to enjoy throughout the week, this spinach lasagna is as practical as it is delicious. Plus, it’s packed with nutritious spinach, making it a meal you can feel good about. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich and Creamy Layers: Each bite is a symphony of flavors, with spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creating a luxurious texture.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: A hearty, meat-free option that satisfies even the biggest appetites.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepared in advance, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Nutritious and Delicious: Loaded with spinach, it’s a great way to sneak in extra greens for the family.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 9–12 sheets of lasagna pasta (depending on the size of your pan)
- 500g (about 2 cups) ricotta cheese
- 500g (about 4 cups) frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 jar (about 24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Spinach Lasagna
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spinach Mixture
Begin by thawing your frozen spinach. Once thawed, place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much water as possible. You want the spinach to be as dry as possible to avoid a watery lasagna. Transfer the spinach to a mixing bowl and combine it with the ricotta cheese, nutmeg, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
2. Cook the Lasagna Sheets (if needed)
If your lasagna sheets require pre-cooking, boil them in salted water according to the package instructions. Be careful not to overcook them, as they’ll continue to cook in the oven. Once cooked, lay them flat on a clean towel to prevent sticking.
3. Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
Start layering:
- Lay down your first layer of lasagna sheets.
- Spread a portion of the spinach and ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta.
- Sprinkle a handful of mozzarella cheese on top, followed by a light sprinkling of Parmesan.
- Spoon a layer of marinara sauce over the cheese.
Repeat this process until you’ve used all your ingredients, finishing with a final layer of marinara sauce topped with mozzarella and Parmesan.
4. Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil (to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
5. Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set and makes serving much easier. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color, and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Dry Your Spinach Well: Excess moisture can lead to a watery lasagna. Be sure to squeeze your spinach thoroughly.
- Use Fresh or Frozen Spinach: Fresh spinach can be wilted in a pan and used in place of frozen spinach. Just make sure to drain it well.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Period: Letting the lasagna rest after baking ensures clean, beautiful slices.
- Customize Your Layers: Feel free to add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze, assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 15–20 minutes to the cooking time.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Simply sauté fresh spinach in a little olive oil until wilted, then drain and chop. It works just as well as frozen spinach.
What’s the best way to prevent the lasagna from being watery?
Be sure to thoroughly drain the spinach and avoid adding too much sauce between layers. Letting the lasagna rest after baking also helps.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute regular lasagna sheets with gluten-free lasagna pasta.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Spinach Lasagna, try these other comforting dishes:
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups – Cheesy, Creamy, and Totally Irresistible!
- The Ultimate Lasagna: A Comforting Classic to Feed the Soul
Conclusion
This Spinach Lasagna is the ultimate combination of comfort and nourishment. It’s cheesy, satisfying, and packed with the wholesome goodness of spinach. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. With its hearty layers and irresistible flavors, it’s a dish that’s just as delightful to prepare as it is to eat.
So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to impress your family and friends with this deliciously cozy recipe. Enjoy!
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Spinach Lasagna
Description
Lasagna is one of those dishes that has a way of bringing people together. Whether it’s a family gathering, a cozy dinner party with friends, or just a comforting meal at the end of a long day, this Spinach Lasagna is sure to steal the show. With layers of creamy ricotta, earthy spinach, gooey cheese, and tender sheets of lasagna, it’s a recipe that’s not just satisfying—it’s downright heartwarming.
This particular spinach lasagna holds a special place in many hearts, as it’s a lighter, vegetarian take on a classic comfort food. It’s perfect for those looking for a meatless main dish that still delivers bold flavors and hearty textures. Imagine a steaming slice on a cold evening or the joy of reheating leftovers for lunch the next day. With every bite, you’ll experience a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and herby goodness.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or making it for yourself to enjoy throughout the week, this spinach lasagna is as practical as it is delicious. Plus, it’s packed with nutritious spinach, making it a meal you can feel good about. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!
Ingredients
- 9–12 sheets of lasagna pasta (depending on the size of your pan)
- 500g (about 2 cups) ricotta cheese
- 500g (about 4 cups) frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 jar (about 24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Spinach Mixture
Begin by thawing your frozen spinach. Once thawed, place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much water as possible. You want the spinach to be as dry as possible to avoid a watery lasagna. Transfer the spinach to a mixing bowl and combine it with the ricotta cheese, nutmeg, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
2. Cook the Lasagna Sheets (if needed)
If your lasagna sheets require pre-cooking, boil them in salted water according to the package instructions. Be careful not to overcook them, as they’ll continue to cook in the oven. Once cooked, lay them flat on a clean towel to prevent sticking.
3. Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
Start layering:
- Lay down your first layer of lasagna sheets.
- Spread a portion of the spinach and ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta.
- Sprinkle a handful of mozzarella cheese on top, followed by a light sprinkling of Parmesan.
- Spoon a layer of marinara sauce over the cheese.
Repeat this process until you’ve used all your ingredients, finishing with a final layer of marinara sauce topped with mozzarella and Parmesan.
4. Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil (to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
5. Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set and makes serving much easier. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color, and enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze, assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 15–20 minutes to the cooking time.
