Craving a cozy and satisfying dish that’s both hearty and wholesome?
Say hello to Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta – a classic comfort food with a healthy twist!
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this lasagna checks all the boxes.
Let’s dive into how to layer up the perfect lasagna that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Spinach Lasagna Recipe
- A perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors.
- Packed with healthy spinach and satisfying ricotta layers.
- Simple ingredients and customizable to your taste preferences.
- Freezer-friendly for meal prep and busy weeknights.
Ingredients Needed
To create this delicious lasagna, you’ll need:
- Lasagna noodles: Use oven-ready or boiled noodles, depending on your preference.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, the base of your filling.
- Spinach: Fresh or frozen; both work great.
- Mozzarella cheese: For that melty, cheesy top layer.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick.
- Marinara sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce.
- Eggs: To bind the ricotta mixture.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Optional Add-Ons:
- Ground beef, turkey, or chicken for a protein boost.
- Sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach:
- If using fresh spinach, sauté it in a pan until wilted, then drain and chop.
- For frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out excess water.
- Make the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in the prepared spinach.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer lasagna noodles, ricotta-spinach mixture, mozzarella cheese, and marinara sauce.
- Repeat layers, finishing with noodles, sauce, and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips for the Best Spinach Lasagna
- Avoid Watery Lasagna: Ensure spinach is fully drained before mixing with ricotta.
- Perfectly Cooked Noodles: If boiling, cook noodles until al dente.
- Cheese Selection: Use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and texture.
Variations and Add-Ons
- Protein-Packed: Add cooked ground beef, turkey, or sausage to the marinara sauce.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for extra veggies.
- Vegan Option: Substitute dairy-free ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Storage, Reheating, and Freezing Tips
- Storing Leftovers: Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
- Freezing: Assemble the lasagna, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15-20 extra minutes to the baking time.
FAQ’s
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh spinach works wonderfully. Just sauté and drain it before use.
What’s the best ricotta cheese for lasagna?
Look for whole-milk ricotta for the creamiest texture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Easy Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta
Spinach lasagna with ricotta is the ultimate Italian comfort food that combines creamy ricotta, nutrient-rich spinach, and layers of marinara and melted cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or entertaining.With simple ingredients and endless customization options, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles oven-ready or boiled
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach sautéed and drained or 1 cup frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Optional Add-Ons:
- ½ pound ground beef turkey, or chicken (cooked)
- 1 cup sautéed mushrooms or zucchini optional
Instructions
Prepare the Spinach:
- If using fresh spinach, sauté it in a pan until wilted, then drain and chop.
- For frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out excess water.
Make the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in the prepared spinach.
Assemble the Lasagna:
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer lasagna noodles, ricotta-spinach mixture, mozzarella cheese, and marinara sauce.
- Repeat layers, finishing with noodles, sauce, and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing.