Creamiest Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta Recipe Ever Made

Crafting a delectable spinach lasagna with ricotta brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Layers of vibrant green spinach nestle between soft pasta sheets and creamy cheese.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each carefully assembled bite.

Rich textures merge perfectly in this classic Italian-inspired dish.

Melted cheese creates golden crispy edges that promise deliciousness.

Nutritious ingredients combine into a hearty meal everyone will adore.

Let’s make something special that celebrates fresh, wholesome cooking.

Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta Recipe Breakdown

• Layer ingredients effortlessly without complicated cooking techniques, making this recipe perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks.
• Customize the lasagna with additional vegetables or swap ingredients to suit dietary preferences while maintaining a delicious, nutritious meal.
• Enjoy a hearty, satisfying dish that provides warmth and comfort, ideal for weeknight dinners or casual weekend gatherings with loved ones.

Shopping List for Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta Recipe

• Lasagna Noodles, Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles: Classic pasta for layering, with options for traditional or no-boil varieties. Regular noodles need pre-cooking, while oven-ready saves time and simplifies preparation.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy and rich base for lasagna that provides smooth texture and classic Italian flavor. Full-fat ricotta offers best consistency and richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth and enhances overall cheese profile. Freshly grated provides superior taste compared to pre-packaged.

• Fresh Spinach: Main vegetable filling that brings nutrition and earthy flavor. Young, tender leaves work best for softer texture.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and traditional Italian seasoning. Fresh cloves provide more intense flavor than pre-minced.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance overall dish flavor. Freshly ground pepper recommended for best taste.

Cooking Instructions for Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta

Step 1: Prepare Lasagna Noodles

If using traditional lasagna noodles, boil them in salted water following the package guidelines until they reach al dente perfection. Carefully drain the noodles and set them aside. For oven-ready lasagna noodles, simply skip this step and move forward.

Step 2: Whip Up the Ricotta Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Chopped fresh spinach
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Minced garlic
• Beaten eggs
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir the ingredients until they form a smooth, well-integrated mixture.

Step 3: Layer the Lasagna Base

Grab a baking dish and start creating delicious layers. Begin with a thin spread of marinara sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Build the Lasagna Layers

• Lasagna noodles
• Ricotta spinach mixture
• Marinara sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Repeat these layers until you’ve used all ingredients, finishing with a generous topping of mozzarella.

Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier. Slice, serve, and enjoy your homemade spinach lasagna!

Helpful Cooking Tips for Cheesy Spinach Lasagna

• Choose Fresh Spinach: Select vibrant, crisp spinach leaves for the most robust flavor and maximum nutritional benefits.
• Drain Excess Moisture: After cooking spinach, squeeze out extra water to prevent a watery lasagna and maintain a perfect layered texture.
• Enhance Ricotta Flavor: Mix herbs like basil or oregano into ricotta cheese to add depth and complexity to the overall dish.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding mozzarella or parmesan for a richer, more complex cheese profile.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the lasagna in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together before baking for an even more delicious result.

Store and Reheat Spinach Lasagna Like a Pro

• Store leftover spinach lasagna in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Frozen lasagna maintains quality for up to 3 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover lasagna with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through, removing foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring halfway to ensure even warming. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Best Pairings for Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta

• The buttery, oak-infused white wine cuts through the rich ricotta and spinach, balancing the lasagna's creamy texture with its bright acidity.
• A light, zesty mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty, warm lasagna, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Toasted, herb-infused garlic bread offers a crunchy side that soaks up the lasagna's savory sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• A crisp, citrusy sparkling water helps cleanse the palate and provides a light, effervescent counterpoint to the dense, cheesy layers of the lasagna.

Alternate Versions of Spinach Lasagna Recipe

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free rice or corn-based pasta sheets for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap ricotta with tofu-based ricotta alternative, using nutritional yeast and silken tofu blended with herbs for creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute lasagna noodles with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant layers to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra vegetable nutrition.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Incorporate ground turkey or lean chicken between spinach and cheese layers to increase protein content for athletes or fitness enthusiasts.

Common Questions for Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta

• What type of spinach works best for this lasagna?

Fresh baby spinach or mature spinach leaves are both excellent. Just make sure to thoroughly wash and drain them before chopping and incorporating into the ricotta mixture.

• Can I substitute ricotta cheese?

Yes, you can use cottage cheese as a direct replacement. It will provide a similar creamy texture and protein content to the dish.

• Is this lasagna vegetarian-friendly?

Absolutely! This spinach lasagna recipe is completely vegetarian, containing no meat ingredients. It’s packed with protein from the ricotta and provides a nutritious, hearty meal.

• How can I make this lasagna more protein-rich?

Consider adding extra protein by mixing in some crumbled tofu, using a plant-based protein like quinoa, or incorporating additional cheeses like mozzarella or parmesan into the layers.

Spinach Lasagna With Ricotta Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy spinach lasagna with ricotta brings layers of comfort and Italian-inspired deliciousness to your dinner table. Rich pasta sheets nestled with herbed cheese and fresh greens promise a satisfying meal you’ll savor with every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
• 10 ounces (280 grams) fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese
• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Cheese and Seasoning:

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Aromatics and Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare lasagna noodles according to package directions, ensuring they reach a perfect al dente texture. Carefully drain and set aside on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet, sauté fresh spinach until wilted and vibrant green. Transfer to a colander and press out excess moisture to prevent watery layers.
3. Combine ricotta cheese with minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, and a pinch of nutmeg, mixing until smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Create a flavorful tomato sauce by simmering crushed tomatoes with aromatic herbs and a touch of olive oil, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
5. Layer the lasagna in a deep baking dish, starting with a thin spread of tomato sauce to prevent sticking. Arrange the first layer of noodles to cover the bottom completely.
6. Spread a generous portion of the herbed ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by the wilted spinach and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Repeat the layering process, alternating noodles, ricotta, spinach, and cheese, ensuring each layer is evenly distributed.
8. Complete the final layer with a topping of tomato sauce and a hearty sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese.
9. Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil, creating a tent to prevent direct contact with the cheese.
10. Bake in a preheated oven until the lasagna is bubbling and golden, with crispy edges and a perfectly melted cheese top.
11. Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps set the layers and makes cutting easier.

Notes

• Always salt the pasta water generously to enhance the noodles’ flavor before cooking, ensuring they taste great from the start.
• Pat spinach completely dry after thawing to prevent excess moisture from making the lasagna watery and compromising the dish’s texture.
• Layer lasagna ingredients carefully and evenly, creating consistent thickness for uniform cooking and a beautiful presentation when serving.
• Consider using part-skim ricotta for a lighter version without sacrificing the creamy, rich taste of the traditional recipe.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg