Spinach Lasagna Recipe for All Occasions

Recipe By:
Lily Hartwell

The aroma of bubbling cheese and fresh basil wafts through the kitchen as our delicious spinach lasagna emerges from the oven. This dish is a comforting embrace after a long day, inviting you to dig in with its layers of rich marinara and creamy ricotta. Just imagine pulling apart those gooey layers while surrounded by family or friends—it’s a moment worth savoring.

Spinach Lasagna Dish

Now, if you’ve ever found yourself staring into your fridge wondering what to whip up for dinner that will please everyone (and maybe even impress them), look no further. This scrumptious spinach lasagna is not just a meal; it’s an experience! Perfect for family gatherings or cozy date nights at home, it’s guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds—and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good second helping?

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This spinach lasagna is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for special occasions.
  • It’s packed with flavor and colorful veggies that make it eye-catching on your table.
  • The layers of cheese create a delightful texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Plus, it’s easy to customize based on dietary needs or personal preferences.

I vividly remember the first time I served this dish at a family gathering; my cousin’s eyes lit up like Christmas lights when I pulled it from the oven. That unforgettable “Mmm!” echoed in my ears as I watched everyone dive in—it was pure joy!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

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

  • Lasagna Noodles: Opt for no-boil noodles if you’re short on time; they soak up flavors beautifully.
  • Fresh Spinach: Use bright green leaves—fresh is best for that vibrant color and taste.
  • Ricotta Cheese: Choose whole milk ricotta for creaminess; it elevates the overall flavor profile.
  • Marinara Sauce: Look for a rich tomato sauce with herbs; homemade is fantastic but store-bought works too.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella adds melty goodness—don’t skimp here!
  • Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan for garnishing; it adds a lovely salty finish.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide aromatic depth; minced is best.
  • Dried Oregano and Basil: These herbs enhance the flavor—dried works well but fresh is even better.
  • Eggs: One large egg helps bind the ricotta filling together nicely.
  • Salt and Pepper: Season to taste; don’t forget these essentials!

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

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray.

Cook Your Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes.

Sauté Spinach and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic until fragrant. Toss in the fresh spinach until wilted—about 3 minutes should do it.

Create Your Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with one beaten egg, salt, pepper, oregano, and half of your grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Layer It Up: Start with marinara sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Layer cooked noodles followed by ricotta mixture and sautéed spinach. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used up.

Add Final Touches: Top your last layer with remaining marinara sauce followed by shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

After about 25 minutes of anticipation (and maybe some sneaky bites), remove the foil! Bake an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before slicing—it’ll be worth the wait!

And there you have it—a delightful spinach lasagna that brings comfort food to new heights! Enjoy every cheesy bite with loved ones around you—it truly captures both flavor and connection!

You Must Know

  • Invest in fresh spinach; it enhances flavor and texture.
  • I learned this the hard way after using wilted leaves.
  • Use ricotta cheese for creaminess and a subtle sweetness.
  • My friends still rave about the first time I made it!
  • Layer ingredients generously; it creates a delightful melty experience.
  • Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

 

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then layer spinach, ricotta, and pasta sheets while simmering the sauce. This method ensures all flavors meld beautifully.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or add mushrooms for extra earthiness. Tweak seasonings to match your taste buds—this dish is all about personalization!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through for best results.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For perfect spinach lasagna, ensure layers are evenly spread to avoid dryness.
  • Always let it rest before serving for better slicing.
  • Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella for extra gooeyness!

My friend once declared my spinach lasagna as “life-changing,” which made me laugh because it was just a Tuesday dinner!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen spinach for this spinach lasagna?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain excess water before using.

How can I make my spinach lasagna gluten-free?

Use gluten-free lasagna noodles instead of traditional ones.

What can I substitute for ricotta in spinach lasagna?

Cottage cheese or a plant-based alternative works well as a ricotta substitute.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Spinach Lasagna Dish

Delicious Spinach Lasagna Recipe for All Occasions

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 131 reviews

Spinach lasagna is a wholesome and delicious dish that combines layers of fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, and savory marinara sauce for a comforting meal everyone will love.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 8

Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 no-boil lasagna noodles
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 large egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente; drain.
  3. In a skillet, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then add spinach and cook until wilted.
  4. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and half of the Parmesan until smooth.
  5. Spread marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer cooked noodles, ricotta mixture, sautéed spinach, and repeat until all ingredients are used.
  6. Top with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  7. Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before slicing.

Notes

  • Substitute kale for spinach or add mushrooms for extra flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days; reheat at 350°F until warmed through.
  • Author: Sophie
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (180g)
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

You might also like these recipes

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star