Description
This Ultimate Spinach Lasagna is a deliciously creamy and cheesy baked Italian dish featuring layers of tender lasagna sheets, rich ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, savory marinara sauce, and nutrient-packed spinach. Perfect for a hearty family meal, this vegetarian lasagna combines three types of cheese with spinach, creating a comforting and flavorful casserole that bakes to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Lasagna and Sauce
- 9oz / 250g lasagna sheets (fresh or dry)
- 3 cups marinara sauce
Spinach Mixture
- 17 ounces frozen spinach (approx 2 cups thawed; fresh spinach can be used as per notes)
- 24 ounces ricotta cheese
- 5 ounces freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cheese Topping
- 9 ounces mozzarella cheese (fresh mozzarella sliced and drained or shredded mozzarella)
Instructions
- Prepare Marinara Sauce: Make your own marinara sauce if desired, or use store-bought. Set aside.
- Drain Mozzarella: If using fresh mozzarella, slice and place on paper towels to release excess water. If shredded, no prep needed.
- Thaw and Drain Spinach: Thaw frozen spinach or boil it briefly to defrost. Drain thoroughly using a colander and squeeze out excess liquid to avoid sogginess.
- Mix Spinach with Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the drained spinach, ricotta cheese, and ¾ of the grated parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper. Mix well and taste to adjust seasoning.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Noodles: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). If using dry lasagna noodles, boil them according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- Layer Lasagna: Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish. Lay down a layer of lasagna noodles on top.
- Add Spinach Mixture and Cheese: Spoon and evenly spread another ½ cup marinara sauce over noodles. Next, add a quarter of the spinach-ricotta mixture, spreading it gently and evenly. Sprinkle with approximately one-fifth of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of noodles, then repeat the layering step (sauce, spinach mixture, mozzarella) three more times to build 4 even layers total.
- Top and Finish: Finish with a final layer of noodles and pour the remaining marinara sauce over them. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake and Serve: Bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown on the edges. Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve.
Notes
- If using fresh spinach, blanch it in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then drain and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing with cheese.
- Ensure spinach is well drained to prevent a watery lasagna.
- You can prepare marinara sauce ahead of time or substitute with your favorite store-bought version.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking helps it set and makes slicing easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: spinach lasagna, three cheese lasagna, vegetarian lasagna, baked pasta, Italian casserole, ricotta lasagna, mozzarella lasagna
