Name: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-485334H17M18S
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular) 2 tbsp olive oil 1 small onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 10 oz fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained) 15 oz ricotta cheese 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 egg 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce Salt and pepper to taste Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food with a fresh and healthy spin. The creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese blend harmoniously with the spinach, creating a rich and flavorful filling. The marinara sauce ties everything together, offering a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re looking for a meatless meal or simply craving a cheesy, indulgent dish, this lasagna is sure to satisfy. It’s also a great way to sneak in some greens without compromising on flavor.

Ingredients

12 lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
10 oz fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light layer of olive oil.
Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. If using no-boil noodles, skip this step. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Add the spinach to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until wilted (if using fresh spinach). If using frozen spinach, just heat through and stir to combine.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and the spinach mixture. Season with salt and pepper, then stir until well combined.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Begin layering the lasagna: place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of the spinach and ricotta mixture. Top with a spoonful of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of marinara sauce and the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Add Protein: For those who prefer meat, you can add ground beef, turkey, or sausage to the marinara sauce for a heartier dish.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish gluten-free.
Vegan Version: Substitute the ricotta cheese with a plant-based ricotta, use dairy-free mozzarella, and opt for an egg substitute like flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer.
Extra Veggies: Add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the spinach filling for more flavor and texture.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spinach mixture or marinara sauce for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the whole lasagna in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?

Yes, frozen spinach works well in this dish. Be sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the ricotta mixture.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed.

Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil noodles?

Yes, you can use regular lasagna noodles. Just be sure to cook them according to the package instructions before layering them in the casserole.

How can I make this lasagna spicier?

For a spicier kick, you can add red pepper flakes to the spinach mixture or marinara sauce. You could also sprinkle some spicy Italian sausage into the layers for added heat.

Can I freeze Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna?

Yes, you can freeze Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. After assembling it, wrap the whole dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 1 hour or until heated through.

Can I use a different cheese instead of ricotta?

Ricotta gives this dish a creamy texture, but you can substitute it with cottage cheese, mascarpone, or a plant-based ricotta for a different flavor and texture.

How can I make this lasagna even more flavorful?

You can add fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to the ricotta mixture, or even layer in some cooked mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to enhance the flavor.

Can I skip the egg in the ricotta mixture?

Yes, you can omit the egg or replace it with a plant-based egg substitute. The lasagna will still hold together well without it.

Can I make this lasagna in a smaller baking dish?

Yes, you can adjust the recipe to fit a smaller baking dish. Simply reduce the amount of noodles and filling and layer accordingly.

How can I ensure my lasagna isn’t too watery?

Be sure to drain any excess moisture from the spinach (whether fresh or frozen) before adding it to the ricotta mixture. Additionally, use a thicker marinara sauce to avoid extra liquid.

Conclusion

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the creamy goodness of ricotta cheese with the fresh flavor of spinach, all layered with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. This vegetarian lasagna is sure to satisfy your cravings for something indulgent yet wholesome. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s a dish that everyone will enjoy. With its layers of flavor and creamy filling, this Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna is guaranteed to be a family favorite!