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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light olive oil coating.
- Thoroughly wash spinach and drain excess water, then chop into fine pieces.
- 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.
- Fold the chopped spinach into the ricotta blend, ensuring even distribution of greens throughout the cheese mixture.
- Briefly cook lasagna noodles in boiling salted water until slightly undercooked, then drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
- Layer the baking dish starting with a thin spread of marinara sauce, followed by a layer of noodles, then the spinach-ricotta mixture.
- Continue layering noodles, marinara sauce, and spinach-ricotta mixture, ensuring each layer is evenly distributed.
- Top the final layer with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, creating a golden, bubbling cheese crown.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese turns golden and edges become crispy.
- 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