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Delicious Spinach Lasagna

Featured in Tasty Vegetarian Meals Made Simple.

This easy-to-assemble spinach lasagna combines soft pasta sheets, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, fresh spinach, parmesan, and rich marinara sauce in perfect harmony. In just half an hour of baking, you’ll have a golden, bubbly dish with crispy edges and a perfectly melted top. Every layer comes together to create a comforting vegetarian main course that’s perfect for any occasion.
Emily Watson
Updated on Sat, 22 Feb 2025 17:51:06 GMT
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Creamy Spinach Lasagna with Cheese Layers | thefamilycooks.com

Classic Italian comfort meets wholesome ingredients in this satisfying spinach and ricotta lasagna. The tender pasta layers embrace a creamy ricotta filling studded with perfectly wilted spinach, while rich marinara sauce and melted cheese create an irresistible golden crust. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors that makes this vegetarian dish a true family favorite.

Key Ingredients Guide

  • Spinach selection: Fresh provides vibrant flavor, while frozen offers convenience. Both work well when properly prepared.
  • Ricotta cheese: Choose whole milk varieties for the richest texture and creamiest result.
  • Marinara sauce: Select a thick, chunky sauce to prevent excess moisture.
  • Pasta sheets: Both traditional and oven-ready noodles produce excellent results.
  • Parmigiano-Reggiano: Worth the splurge for its intense flavor and superior melting qualities.
  • Mozzarella: Fresh-grated blocks melt more evenly than pre-shredded varieties.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Spinach Preparation
Clean fresh spinach thoroughly and remove stems. Cook in batches until just wilted. Drain completely and chop finely.
Step 2: Cheese Mixture
Mix ricotta with prepared spinach and grated Parmesan. Season with black pepper and nutmeg until well combined.
Step 3: Pan Preparation
Grease a 9x13 baking dish and spread a thin marinara layer on the bottom.
Step 4: Assembly
Layer pasta sheets, ricotta mixture, sauce, and cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with extra cheese for the top.
Step 5: Baking
Cover and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, then uncovered for 15-20 minutes until golden. Rest before serving.
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cheesy Ultimate Spinach Lasagna (3 Cheeses) | thefamilycooks.com

Essential Tips for Success

The foundation of perfect lasagna lies in proper preparation. Allow ingredients to reach room temperature before assembly. Take extra care with the spinach - thorough draining prevents excess moisture that could make layers slip. Pay special attention to spreading each component evenly, especially into the corners.

Achieving Perfect Texture

Temperature control is crucial for ideal texture. Room temperature ingredients spread more easily and bake more uniformly. Let assembled lasagna rest after baking to achieve clean, picture-perfect slices that hold their shape.

Serving Recommendations

Complete the meal with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon and olive oil. The bright, peppery flavors complement the rich lasagna perfectly. Crusty garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for sauce-gathering.

easy Ultimate Spinach Lasagna (3 Cheeses) Pin it
easy Ultimate Spinach Lasagna (3 Cheeses) | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute fresh spinach for frozen?
Sure! Use fresh spinach, but make sure to cook it until softened, then drain and squeeze out all the extra water before adding it in.
→ How long can I keep lasagna in my fridge?
As long as it’s stored tightly in an airtight container, it should stay good for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
→ Does spinach lasagna freeze well?
Yes, absolutely. You can freeze it for up to three months. Be sure to wrap it up really well with foil and keep it in a freezer-safe dish.
→ Why should I let lasagna sit before cutting it?
Letting it rest for about 10 minutes helps the layers firm up, making it easier to cut and serve clean slices.
→ Can I prep the lasagna in advance?
You got it! Assemble everything up to a day earlier, stash it in the fridge, and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

Cheesy Spinach Layers

A flavorful spinach lasagna packed with pasta, layers of cheese, and marinara sauce—simple and packed with Italian vibes for dinner.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes

Category: Vegetarian

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Base & Sauce

01 Soft lasagna sheets, about 250g (9 oz) - they really elevate the dish!
02 A heaping 3 cups of your go-to marinara sauce

→ The Heart of the Filling

03 17 oz frozen spinach, which gives you roughly 2 packed cups after thawing
04 24 oz of smooth and luscious ricotta
05 5 oz of parmesan cheese, freshly grated - trust me, it's worth the effort
06 About 9 oz of mozzarella cheese, shredded or fresh - both are delicious

Instructions

Step 01

Start by slicing fresh mozzarella, if that's what you're using, and lay it on paper towels to absorb the extra moisture. If the spinach is frozen, get it thawed quickly by boiling it briefly, then press out all the water with a colander.

Step 02

Combine the thawed spinach, creamy ricotta, and most of the parmesan in a big bowl, leaving some parmesan aside for later. Add salt and black pepper to taste, and don’t be shy about sampling it!

Step 03

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you're working with dry lasagna sheets, cook them just enough as per the instructions on the box. For the base, spread about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce at the bottom of your baking pan.

Step 04

Now, let the fun begin! Start with a layer of lasagna sheets, followed by 1/2 cup of marinara, a quarter of the spinach-ricotta mixture, and a sprinkle of mozzarella (roughly a fifth of your total). Keep building the layers this way, until you've completed four layers.

Step 05

For the top, lay down your last sheets, spread the rest of the marinara sauce, and finish with mozzarella and the reserved parmesan. Bake it for about 25-30 minutes until it’s bubbling and golden around the edges. After pulling it out, let it cool for 10 minutes before adding fresh basil and serving.

Notes

  1. You can swap out frozen spinach for fresh - just cook it down and drain it thoroughly!
  2. Want to save time on the day of serving? Build the layers a day in advance and store it in the fridge!
  3. Don’t miss out on those crispy golden corners. Let it bake fully!

Tools You'll Need

  • A large baking dish - glass or ceramic works best
  • A big mixing bowl for combining the filling
  • A colander to wring out spinach
  • Some paper towels, perfect for soaking up moisture from mozzarella

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy is present (ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan cheese)
  • Contains gluten due to the lasagna sheets

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 385
  • Total Fat: 19.2 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28.5 g
  • Protein: 24.8 g