There’s something truly special about a warm, cheesy lasagna straight from the oven – layers of savory flavor, creamy texture, and just the right amount of richness to satisfy any craving. Spinach lasagna brings a unique twist to this Italian favorite, showcasing the fresh, earthy flavor of spinach nestled between layers of cheese and pasta. This dish has been a favorite in homes for generations, often making its way to family gatherings and cozy dinners. If you’re searching for a lighter, veggie-focused lasagna that’s still packed with all the flavor and comfort of the original, this spinach lasagna is sure to impress.
It’s perfect for weekend family dinners, a potluck, or even meal prep for the week ahead. And the best part? This lasagna uses simple, wholesome ingredients and skips any complicated steps. The combination of creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and tender spinach is all you need to make a delightful, heartwarming meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Perfect for those looking to enjoy a meatless lasagna without sacrificing flavor.
- Family-Approved: With three types of cheese, this lasagna has that classic Italian flavor everyone loves.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Great for leftovers or meal-prepping for easy dinners during the week.
- Balanced and Nourishing: Spinach adds vitamins and minerals, making this a well-rounded dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Spinach – 5 cups fresh spinach leaves
- Ricotta cheese – 1 ½ cups
- Mozzarella cheese – 2 cups, shredded
- Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated
- Egg – 1 large
- Lasagna noodles – 9-12, oven-ready
- Marinara sauce – 3 cups
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- Nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon, optional for added warmth
How to Make Spinach Lasagna
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, cooking until it turns translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.Gradually add the spinach to the pan, stirring as it wilts. This should only take a few minutes. Once the spinach is cooked down and tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it cool slightly, then chop it roughly to ensure even distribution in the lasagna. - Mix the Ricotta Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and the egg. Add a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a dash of nutmeg if using. The nutmeg adds a subtle warmth to the filling and complements the spinach beautifully. Stir until smooth and well-combined, then fold in the chopped spinach. - Layer the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking dish (a 9×13-inch pan works well) and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.Begin layering with a single layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread a portion of the ricotta and spinach mixture over the noodles, then drizzle with marinara sauce. Repeat these layers (noodles, ricotta-spinach mixture, marinara) until you reach the top of the baking dish, finishing with a layer of noodles topped with marinara sauce. - Add the Final Cheese Layer
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the final layer of marinara, followed by a bit of Parmesan for extra flavor. - Bake the Lasagna
Cover the lasagna pan with foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese to prevent sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. - Let It Rest
Once the lasagna is out of the oven, let it sit for 10-15 minutes. This resting time allows the layers to settle and makes it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.
Helpful Tips
- Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach has a wonderful texture and flavor, but if you’re using frozen spinach, just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture to avoid a watery lasagna.
- Customize Your Layers: If you like extra veggies, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the layers.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this lasagna up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s straight from the fridge.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
This spinach lasagna can easily be adapted to include other vegetables or cheeses you enjoy. Try adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, on top just before serving for added color and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Just thaw the spinach completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the ricotta mixture. This ensures that the lasagna doesn’t turn out watery.
Do I have to use oven-ready lasagna noodles?
No, regular lasagna noodles work too! Just cook them according to the package instructions before layering.
Can I make this lasagna gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just swap regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free ones.
Can I freeze this lasagna?
Yes, spinach lasagna freezes well. Simply bake it first, let it cool completely, and then wrap tightly before freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven.
- Freeze: Freeze the entire lasagna or individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Related Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
Conclusion
This spinach lasagna is everything you could want in a comfort dish – cheesy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, a special gathering, or a satisfying weeknight meal, it’s sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy every delicious layer, and don’t forget to save a piece for yourself before it’s gone!
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Spinach Lasagna
Description
There’s something truly special about a warm, cheesy lasagna straight from the oven – layers of savory flavor, creamy texture, and just the right amount of richness to satisfy any craving. Spinach lasagna brings a unique twist to this Italian favorite, showcasing the fresh, earthy flavor of spinach nestled between layers of cheese and pasta. This dish has been a favorite in homes for generations, often making its way to family gatherings and cozy dinners. If you’re searching for a lighter, veggie-focused lasagna that’s still packed with all the flavor and comfort of the original, this spinach lasagna is sure to impress.
It’s perfect for weekend family dinners, a potluck, or even meal prep for the week ahead. And the best part? This lasagna uses simple, wholesome ingredients and skips any complicated steps. The combination of creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and tender spinach is all you need to make a delightful, heartwarming meal.
Ingredients
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Spinach – 5 cups fresh spinach leaves
- Ricotta cheese – 1 ½ cups
- Mozzarella cheese – 2 cups, shredded
- Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated
- Egg – 1 large
- Lasagna noodles – 9-12, oven-ready
- Marinara sauce – 3 cups
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- Nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon, optional for added warmth
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, cooking until it turns translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.Gradually add the spinach to the pan, stirring as it wilts. This should only take a few minutes. Once the spinach is cooked down and tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it cool slightly, then chop it roughly to ensure even distribution in the lasagna. - Mix the Ricotta Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and the egg. Add a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a dash of nutmeg if using. The nutmeg adds a subtle warmth to the filling and complements the spinach beautifully. Stir until smooth and well-combined, then fold in the chopped spinach. - Layer the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking dish (a 9×13-inch pan works well) and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.Begin layering with a single layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread a portion of the ricotta and spinach mixture over the noodles, then drizzle with marinara sauce. Repeat these layers (noodles, ricotta-spinach mixture, marinara) until you reach the top of the baking dish, finishing with a layer of noodles topped with marinara sauce. - Add the Final Cheese Layer
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the final layer of marinara, followed by a bit of Parmesan for extra flavor. - Bake the Lasagna
Cover the lasagna pan with foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese to prevent sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. - Let It Rest
Once the lasagna is out of the oven, let it sit for 10-15 minutes. This resting time allows the layers to settle and makes it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.
Notes
This spinach lasagna can easily be adapted to include other vegetables or cheeses you enjoy. Try adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, on top just before serving for added color and flavor.