If you’re looking for a simple and delicious spinach lasagna recipe, you’ve come to the right place! I absolutely love this dish because it’s not only a comforting classic, but it’s also perfect for beginners. Trust me, even if you’ve never made lasagna before, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and incredibly rewarding. The combination of creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and gooey mozzarella layered between tender noodles creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some veggies into your meal! Let’s dive right into making this delightful dish that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Ingredients List
Before we get started, let’s gather everything you’ll need for this spinach lasagna recipe. I promise, it’s all pretty straightforward! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade—your choice!)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking. It makes the process so much smoother! Trust me, you don’t want to be scrambling around looking for ingredients halfway through. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare the Spinach Lasagna Recipe
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get down to the fun part—making this tasty spinach lasagna! Don’t worry; I’ll walk you through every step to ensure it comes out perfect.
Step 1: Preheat and Cook Noodles
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your lasagna cooks evenly. While that’s heating up, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions—usually about 8-10 minutes in boiling water. Don’t forget to stir them occasionally! Once they’re done, drain them well and set them aside to cool a bit.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a medium bowl, it’s time to mix our creamy filling! Combine the ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. I love to give it a good mix until it’s smooth and well-blended. This is your chance to season it to your taste, so don’t be shy with the salt and pepper—this mixture is the heart of your lasagna!
Step 3: Layering the Ingredients
Now, let’s build this beautiful lasagna! Start by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of your baking dish—this prevents sticking and adds flavor. Next, place three lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Now, spread half of your ricotta mixture over those noodles, followed by half of the chopped spinach and a third of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Oh, the cheesy goodness! Repeat this layering process: another layer of sauce, noodles, ricotta, spinach, and mozzarella. Finally, top it all off with the last three noodles, pour on the remaining marinara sauce, and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese on top. This layering is where the magic happens, so take your time with it!
Step 4: Baking the Lasagna
Cover your lasagna with aluminum foil—this helps keep it moist while baking. Pop it in the preheated oven and let it bake for 25 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. It’s going to smell heavenly!
Step 5: Serving the Dish
Once it’s out of the oven, let your lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This little wait will help it hold its shape when you cut into it. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of fresh basil or a side salad for a complete meal. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional information for a slice of this delightful spinach lasagna. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy this hearty meal knowing you’re treating yourself right!
Tips for Success
To ensure your spinach lasagna turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, use fresh spinach for the best flavor and vibrant color. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water ruining your layers. Also, don’t skip the seasoning in your ricotta mixture—this is where a lot of the flavor comes from! Another common mistake is overcooking the noodles; they should be al dente since they’ll continue to cook in the oven. Lastly, letting the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes after baking is key—it helps it set and makes serving so much easier. Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Variations
If you want to switch things up with your spinach lasagna recipe, there are plenty of delicious options to explore! For starters, you can add in other veggies like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini slices, or bell peppers for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition. Roasted eggplant is also a fantastic addition if you’re feeling adventurous! If you’re a cheese lover like me, try mixing in some ricotta with feta for a tangy twist, or go for a blend of provolone and mozzarella for a different cheesy experience. You could even experiment with different sauces—pesto or alfredo can really elevate the dish. The possibilities are endless, so have fun and make this lasagna your own!
FAQs
Here are some common questions I get about this spinach lasagna recipe—let’s clear things up!
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Absolutely! No-boil noodles can save you some time. Just be sure to add a bit more marinara sauce to keep everything moist while baking.
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the spinach lasagna a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll go in cold.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can use cottage cheese or even a blend of cream cheese and sour cream for a different texture and flavor. Just season it well!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last about 3-4 days, but trust me, it’s so good you might not have any left!
Can I freeze the spinach lasagna?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just wrap individual portions tightly with plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating, and enjoy all over again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Layers of cheesy goodness with fresh spinach for a healthy twist.
- Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies and cheeses.
- Comfort food that’s sure to please both kids and adults.
You’ll find this spinach lasagna recipe to be a delightful addition to your kitchen repertoire!
Check out more pasta recipes!
Explore healthy vegetable side dishes.
Learn about the health benefits of spinach.
Spinach Lasagna Recipe: 5 Simple Steps to Success
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious spinach lasagna recipe for beginners.
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom.
- Place three lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Add half of the spinach and a third of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers: sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, spinach, and mozzarella.
- Top with the last three noodles, remaining marinara sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for better flavor.
- Make sure to drain the noodles well to avoid excess water.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade marinara sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: spinach lasagna recipe, easy lasagna, vegetarian lasagna
