Rustic Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta Recipe: Cozy Comfort Food

Crafting a delectable spinach lasagna with ricotta brings comfort and joy to your kitchen adventures.

Layers of vibrant green vegetables nestled between silky pasta sheets create a symphony of flavors.

Creamy ricotta cheese adds a luxurious texture that melts perfectly with each bite.

Homemade goodness radiates from this classic Italian-inspired dish that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Seasonal spinach provides robust nutrition and a gorgeous emerald color to every slice.

Mediterranean ingredients combine seamlessly in this hearty meal that promises satisfaction.

Let your taste buds embark on a delightful journey through these irresistible pasta layers.

Why This Spinach Lasagna Is Total Comfort Food

• Craft a Nutrient-Packed Meal: Spinach lasagna delivers a powerful punch of vitamins and minerals from fresh spinach, making it a deliciously healthy dinner option for families seeking nutritious meals.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Layer ingredients quickly and bake in one dish, reducing kitchen cleanup and providing a stress-free cooking experience that suits busy households.
• Create a Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Dish: Combining creamy ricotta, melted cheeses, and hearty marinara sauce makes this lasagna a universally loved recipe that satisfies various taste preferences and ages.
• Master Versatile Vegetarian Cooking: Perfect for meatless dinners, this recipe offers a protein-rich vegetarian alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor or texture, appealing to vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Spinach Lasagna Ingredients You’ll Want on Hand

• Ricotta Cheese: A creamy, soft cheese that provides a rich and smooth base for the lasagna mixture.
• Eggs: Help bind the ricotta mixture and add structure to the lasagna layers.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a melty, golden top layer with irresistible stretch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor to enhance the overall cheese profile.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy ricotta mixture.

• Spinach: A nutrient-packed green that adds color, texture, and earthy flavor to the lasagna.

• Garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic flavor to the ricotta mixture.
• Dried Basil, Oregano: Classic Italian herbs that bring depth and traditional Mediterranean taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor.
• Lasagna Noodles: The foundational layer that holds the lasagna together and provides structure.

• Olive Oil: Used to lightly coat the baking dish and prevent sticking.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps cover the lasagna during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

How to Make Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Get your oven warmed up to 375°F and grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lightly coat the dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving later.

Step 2: Prepare Fresh Spinach

Thoroughly wash the spinach under cool running water. Shake off excess moisture and finely chop the leaves into small, uniform pieces that will blend beautifully into the cheese mixture.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Eggs
• Milk
• Minced garlic
• Dried basil
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and the herbs are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Incorporate Spinach

Gently fold the chopped spinach into the ricotta mixture. Stir carefully to ensure the green leaves are perfectly integrated throughout the creamy base.

Step 5: Cook Lasagna Noodles

Boil salted water and cook lasagna noodles until they’re just shy of fully cooked. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.

Step 6: Start Layering Foundation

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of the baking dish. This prevents noodles from sticking and adds an extra flavor boost.

Step 7: Build Lasagna Layers

Alternate layers of noodles, marinara sauce, and spinach-ricotta mixture. Each layer should be even and generous, creating a beautiful striped effect when served.

Step 8: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle a lavish layer of mozzarella and parmesan cheese across the top. This will create a golden, bubbly crust that’s irresistibly delicious.

Step 9: Initial Baking

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This helps steam the layers and meld the flavors together.

Step 10: Final Browning

Remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes. Watch for the cheese to turn a beautiful golden brown with crispy, slightly darkened edges.

Step 11: Rest and Serve

Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven. This crucial step allows the layers to set and the flavors to intensify, ensuring each slice is perfect.

Handy Tips for Easy Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta

• Drain Spinach Thoroughly: Squeeze out excess moisture from chopped spinach to prevent watery lasagna and maintain a rich, creamy texture.
• Layer with Precision: Create even, thin layers of noodles, marinara, and spinach-ricotta mixture for a perfectly balanced bite every time.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Use freshly grated parmesan and mozzarella for maximum melting and flavor enhancement.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the lasagna sit for 10-15 minutes after baking to allow layers to set and flavors to meld together.
• Make It Ahead: Prepare the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for deeper, more developed flavors.

Lasagna Twists to Try with Spinach and Ricotta

• Mediterranean Spinach Fusion: Replace marinara with tomato-olive sauce, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle fresh oregano on top for a Greek-inspired version.
• Protein Power Lasagna: Mix ground turkey or chicken into the spinach-ricotta layer, boosting protein content and adding lean meat complexity.
• Vegan Veggie Blast: Substitute ricotta with tofu-cashew cream, use plant-based mozzarella, and incorporate roasted zucchini and bell peppers for extra vegetable richness.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Include diced green chiles, swap oregano for cumin, top with pepper jack cheese, and serve with fresh cilantro garnish for a zesty southwestern kick.

The Best Pairings for Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta

• Pairing Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Light, zesty white wine complements the creamy ricotta and cuts through the rich cheese layers with refreshing acidity.
• Serve Mediterranean Salad: Create a tangy side dish with mixed greens, cucumber, tomatoes, and a lemon-olive oil dressing to balance the lasagna's hearty texture.
• Match Garlic Herb Focaccia: Soft, aromatic bread provides a perfect accompaniment, helping to soak up extra marinara sauce and adding complementary herbal notes.
• Enhance with Pinot Noir: Elegant red wine with subtle earthiness pairs beautifully with spinach and provides a smooth counterpoint to the lasagna's robust flavors.

Spinach Lasagna Storage and Reheating Help

• Store the lasagna in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the container sealed to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Wrap the cooled lasagna securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Cut the lasagna into individual servings before storing, making it easier to reheat only the amount you need without disturbing the entire dish.
• Thaw frozen lasagna overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive drying and maintain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spinach Lasagna

• How do I prevent my lasagna from becoming watery?

Drain the spinach thoroughly and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing with ricotta. Pat the lasagna noodles dry and ensure your marinara sauce isn’t too thin to prevent excess liquid.

• Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian. Just ensure your marinara sauce doesn’t contain meat and use vegetable-based cheeses if desired.

• Is it necessary to pre-cook the lasagna noodles?

Pre-cooking helps ensure even cooking and prevents a dry or undercooked texture. Slightly undercook them so they continue absorbing moisture during baking.

• How can I tell if the lasagna is fully cooked?

Look for golden, bubbling cheese on top, crispy edges, and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 60-65 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent spinach lasagna with ricotta weaves layers of creamy cheese and earthy greens into a comforting Italian classic. Warm, cheesy slices promise a delightful journey through Mediterranean flavors you’ll savor with each hearty bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 450 g / 1 lb fresh spinach
• 500 g / 16 oz ricotta cheese
• 250 g / 8 oz mozzarella cheese

Cheese and Dairy:

• 100 g / 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 60 ml / 1/4 cup milk

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Sauce and Binding:

• 500 ml / 2 cups marinara sauce
• 30 ml / 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light olive oil coating.
2. Thoroughly wash spinach and drain excess water, then chop into fine pieces.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, milk, minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper, creating a smooth, herb-infused mixture.
4. Fold the chopped spinach into the ricotta blend, ensuring even distribution of greens throughout the cheese mixture.
5. Briefly cook lasagna noodles in boiling salted water until slightly undercooked, then drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
6. Layer the baking dish starting with a thin spread of marinara sauce, followed by a layer of noodles, then the spinach-ricotta mixture.
7. Continue layering noodles, marinara sauce, and spinach-ricotta mixture, ensuring each layer is evenly distributed.
8. Top the final layer with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, creating a golden, bubbling cheese crown.
9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese turns golden and edges become crispy.
11. Allow lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, which helps set the layers and intensify flavors.

Notes

• Maximize moisture by squeezing excess water from spinach using a clean kitchen towel to prevent watery lasagna layers.
• Elevate nutrition by using whole wheat lasagna noodles for added fiber and a heartier texture without compromising taste.
• Create a dairy-free version by substituting ricotta with silken tofu and using plant-based mozzarella and parmesan alternatives.
• Enhance meal prep efficiency by assembling the lasagna a day ahead and refrigerating, allowing flavors to meld and making dinner time stress-free.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg