Luscious Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Homemade Spinach Lasagna: A Comforting Dish Everyone Will Love

Spinach lasagna stands as a vibrant vegetarian delight that transforms traditional pasta dishes into a nutritious culinary experience.

Green leafy layers nestled between delicate pasta sheets create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Italian-inspired comfort food embraces the earthy richness of spinach, elevating the classic lasagna recipe with its verdant goodness.

Home cooks and professional chefs alike appreciate the versatility and wholesome nature of this hearty vegetable-packed dish.

Creamy cheeses and robust seasonings complement the tender spinach, making every forkful a satisfying gastronomic journey.

Nutritional benefits merge seamlessly with culinary creativity, presenting a meal that delights both the palate and the health-conscious diner.

Spinach Lasagna And Why It Hits The Spot

  • Effortless Weeknight Winner: Spin a delicious dinner in under an hour with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor satisfaction.
  • Quick Nutrition Powerhouse: Pack a healthy punch with spinach, delivering iron, vitamins, and protein through a comforting lasagna format that kids and adults will devour.
  • Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Create a versatile meal that appeals to different taste preferences, easily customizable for vegetarian diets and perfect for feeding multiple generations at family gatherings.
  • Stress-Free Preparation: Streamline cooking with oven-ready pasta sheets, reducing complex steps and cutting down total preparation time, making this recipe ideal for busy home cooks seeking delicious results.

Spinach Lasagna Must-Have Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

Pasta and Sauce:
  • Lasagna Sheets: Thin, flat pasta that creates the classic layered structure of the dish. Oven-ready sheets save time and effort.
  • Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and rich flavor to the lasagna.
Cheese and Spinach Mixture:
  • Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella, Parmesan: Creamy cheeses that provide rich texture and delicious savory taste. Choose high-quality, fresh cheeses for best results.
  • Fresh Spinach: Nutrient-dense green vegetable that adds color, flavor, and healthy elements to the lasagna.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Garlic: Adds deep, aromatic flavor to the cheese mixture. Fresh garlic provides the most intense taste.
  • Oregano, Basil: Classic Italian herbs that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish. Fresh herbs are preferable but dried work well.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste of the lasagna.
Cooking Basics:
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for sautéing spinach and preventing sticking during cooking. Neutral oils work best.

Simple Steps To Make Spinach Lasagna

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375°F. This will ensure your lasagna bakes perfectly golden and bubbly.

Step 2: Transform Spinach

In a spacious skillet, drizzle some vegetable oil and gently cook spinach until it wilts and becomes tender. Work in small batches if needed. Once done, set aside.

Step 3: Create Creamy Spinach Blend

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach with:
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Minced garlic
  • Dried oregano
  • Fresh basil
  • Shredded mozzarella
  • Grated parmesan
  • Salt
  • Cracked black pepper

Stir everything together until beautifully mixed.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Canvas

Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour a layer of marinara sauce across the bottom, creating a vibrant foundation.

Step 5: Build Layers of Deliciousness

Start layering with oven-ready pasta sheets. Spread half the spinach mixture, then drizzle marinara sauce. Repeat the process, making sure the top layer is covered with sauce.

Step 6: Crown with Cheese

Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella and parmesan across the top, creating a tempting cheesy landscape.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the lasagna into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes until the edges turn golden and the cheese melts into a gorgeous blanket.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the lasagna to cool for 10-15 minutes. This helps it set and makes cutting easier. Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy!

Smart Tricks For Better Spinach Lasagna

  • Prevent Soggy Layers: Pat cooked spinach dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring your lasagna stays perfectly layered and doesn't become watery.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the spinach and cheese mixture for an unexpected, subtle warmth that complements the herbs and cheese beautifully.
  • Customize Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella with provolone or add some crumbled feta for a tangy twist that elevates the traditional spinach lasagna flavor profile.
  • Make Ahead Magic: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making meal prep easier for busy households or entertaining.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace traditional pasta sheets with gluten-free lasagna noodles or use thinly sliced zucchini as a low-carb alternative for dietary restrictions.

Spinach Lasagna Storage Tips That Help

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover spinach lasagna in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months to maintain best quality and taste.
  • Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover lasagna with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through, removing foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
  • Microwave Option: Cut desired portion and place on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed. Let stand for 1-2 minutes before serving to distribute heat evenly.

Great Sides For Spinach Lasagna

  • Pair Fresh Sangria: A light, fruity Spanish wine cocktail complements the rich, cheesy spinach lasagna perfectly, cutting through the dish's heaviness with bright citrus and wine notes.
  • Enhance with Crisp Salad: Create a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the lasagna's creamy texture, adding a refreshing and zesty counterpoint to the meal.
  • Match with Pinot Grigio: Select a crisp, acidic white wine that harmonizes with the spinach and cheese, providing a clean palate cleanser between bites of the hearty lasagna.
  • Serve Garlic Bread: Prepare toasted garlic bread with herbs to add a crunchy texture that complements the soft lasagna layers, creating a delightful Italian-inspired dining experience.

Fun Twists To Try On Spinach Lasagna

  • Vegan Spinach Lasagna: Replace ricotta with tofu or cashew ricotta, use vegan mozzarella and parmesan alternatives, and ensure marinara sauce is plant-based.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap traditional pasta sheets with gluten-free lasagna noodles or use zucchini slices as a low-carb replacement.
  • Protein-Packed Option: Add ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat crumbles between layers to increase protein content and create a heartier dish.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Incorporate feta cheese, add roasted red peppers, and include fresh herbs like oregano and thyme for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

Spinach Lasagna Questions Made Simple

  • Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw it completely and squeeze out excess water before adding to the cheese mixture to prevent a watery lasagna.

  • Is this lasagna vegetarian?

Absolutely! This spinach lasagna recipe is completely vegetarian, using only vegetables, cheese, and marinara sauce without any meat ingredients.

  • How do I know when the lasagna is fully cooked?

The lasagna is done when it’s bubbling around the edges, the cheese is melted and golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a food thermometer.

  • Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.

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Luscious Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Luscious Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets elegance in this classic Spinach Lasagna, layering rich cheeses and tender spinach between delicate pasta sheets. Creamy, herbaceous flavors dance through each carefully crafted bite, inviting you to savor a slice of Italian-inspired culinary comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Cheeses:

  • 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups (226 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1.5 cups (170 grams) parmesan cheese, grated

Vegetables and Herbs:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) fresh spinach
  • 46 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

Other Ingredients:

  • 12 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 6 sheets oven-ready lasagna pasta
  • 2.5 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring a consistent cooking temperature for the lasagna.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, gently wilt the spinach until tender and vibrant green, working in small batches to prevent overcrowding.
  3. Create a rich filling by blending the sautéed spinach with ricotta, minced garlic, fragrant herbs, and a mix of melty cheeses, stirring until uniformly combined.
  4. Prepare the baking dish by lightly greasing it and spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom to prevent sticking.
  5. Construct the first lasagna layer by carefully laying pasta sheets over the sauce, then generously distribute half the spinach-cheese mixture, followed by a hearty drizzle of marinara.
  6. Repeat the layering process, building a second identical layer to create depth and complexity of flavor.
  7. Crown the lasagna with a luxurious blanket of shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan, ensuring complete surface coverage.
  8. Transfer the assembled dish to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and edges to become golden and crispy.
  9. After removing from the oven, let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling the layers to set and making clean, precise slicing easier.
  10. Slice, serve, and savor the harmonious blend of Italian-inspired flavors.

Notes

  • Enhance the flavor by sautéing garlic with spinach for a more robust taste profile.
  • Drain excess liquid from spinach thoroughly to prevent a watery lasagna texture.
  • Substitute regular pasta sheets with gluten-free or whole wheat options for dietary preferences.
  • Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking to develop deeper flavors and save preparation time.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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