This spinach lasagna brings together layers of rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted mozzarella to create the ultimate comfort food. It’s a hearty meal that is perfect for any dinner table, whether you’re cooking for a family or hosting a special occasion. The spinach adds a healthy touch, balancing out the indulgent cheeses with a burst of freshness.
This dish also makes great leftovers, as the flavors deepen and meld together overnight. It’s a great way to meal prep for the week ahead. Customize your lasagna with additional vegetables, spices, or a meat layer for extra variety, but this classic vegetarian version will never go out of style. Whether served with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad, this spinach lasagna will always be a crowd-pleaser.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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9 lasagna noodles
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
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1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
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1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 (8 ounce) package shredded Parmesan cheese
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1 egg
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1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
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1 tablespoon dried basil
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
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Add spinach, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, and egg to the skillet. Stir until combined. Season with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
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Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
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Spread half of the spinach mixture on top of the noodles. Add another layer of sauce, followed by 3 more noodles.
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Spread the remaining spinach mixture, top with another layer of sauce, and finish with the last 3 noodles.
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Pour remaining marinara sauce over the top, and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
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Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
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Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
About the Recipe
Spinach lasagna is a wholesome, comforting dish that brings together layers of creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and a savory marinara sauce, all wrapped around tender lasagna noodles. This simple and easy-to-make version offers a vegetarian twist on the classic lasagna, making it a perfect option for both meat-lovers and those who prefer plant-based meals. The addition of spinach provides a healthy balance, adding both flavor and nutrients to the dish.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying, but also a great choice for special occasions and family gatherings. It can be prepared ahead of time, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping or for hosting dinner parties. The best part? It’s a crowd-pleaser, with its cheesy layers and rich flavors that everyone will love.
Variations & Customization Tips
While this simple spinach lasagna recipe is delicious as is, you can easily make it your own. Here are some ideas for customization:
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Add more veggies: You can boost the nutritional value by adding other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Simply sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding to the ricotta mixture.
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Meat options: If you’re craving a meaty version, feel free to add cooked ground beef, turkey, or sausage to the marinara sauce. This adds extra richness and flavor to the dish.
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Vegan adaptation: To make this recipe vegan, swap out the ricotta and mozzarella for plant-based cheese alternatives, and use egg replacer in place of the egg.
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Spices & Herbs: You can play around with different spices and herbs. Fresh basil, thyme, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor of your lasagna, giving it a personalized touch.
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Make it saucier: If you love your lasagna with extra sauce, feel free to add an additional jar of marinara or homemade tomato sauce for more moisture and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This spinach lasagna is a one-dish meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is satisfying to eat. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating yourself to a comforting meal, this recipe will never disappoint. Plus, it’s great for leftovers, as the flavors develop even further the next day.
Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals from the spinach and cheeses, it’s a perfect way to sneak in some veggies while indulging in a rich, cheesy comfort food. It’s versatile enough to be made in advance and even frozen for a future meal.
Tips for the Best Lasagna
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Pre-cook your noodles properly: To avoid a soggy lasagna, make sure you cook your noodles al dente (firm to the bite). Overcooking the noodles can cause them to break apart during layering and make your lasagna watery.
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Let it rest: After baking, let the lasagna sit for about 10-15 minutes before cutting. This allows the layers to set and helps prevent the filling from spilling out when you slice it.
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Use quality marinara sauce: A great marinara sauce can make all the difference in the flavor of your lasagna. Look for one with simple, fresh ingredients for the best taste.
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Layering tip: When layering, be sure to start with a thin layer of sauce at the bottom of the baking dish to prevent the noodles from sticking. Then alternate between noodles, sauce, spinach mixture, and cheese for the perfect balance of flavor in each bite.
Nutritional Benefits
This Simple Spinach Lasagna is not only delicious but also packed with a variety of nutrients that make it a balanced meal. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key ingredients and their nutritional benefits:
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Spinach: This leafy green is rich in iron, calcium, vitamins A and C, and folate. It’s a great addition to the dish, providing essential nutrients while enhancing the flavor with its earthy taste.
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Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta is a high-protein, low-fat cheese that helps create a creamy texture for the lasagna. It’s also a good source of calcium, which is essential for bone health.
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Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella is known for its melty, stretchy qualities that give lasagna its signature gooey texture. It’s also lower in fat compared to some other cheeses, making it a better option for those who want to enjoy a cheesy dish without the guilt.
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Egg: The egg in this recipe binds the ingredients together, adding protein and helping to set the lasagna as it bakes. It’s a small ingredient with big impact, both in terms of flavor and texture.
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Marinara Sauce: Packed with tomatoes, marinara sauce offers a dose of antioxidants like lycopene, which has been linked to heart health and cancer prevention. Using a high-quality marinara sauce will enhance the flavor of your lasagna, making it even more nutritious.
This spinach lasagna provides a hearty serving of protein, vitamins, and minerals while still being a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking to eat more plant-based meals without sacrificing flavor.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This spinach lasagna is also fantastic for meal prepping! You can make the entire dish ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it later when you’re ready to eat. Alternatively, this lasagna freezes beautifully. You can prepare it up to the point of baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
Making this lasagna in advance not only saves time but also allows the flavors to develop further, making it even tastier the next day. It’s perfect for busy weeks when you need a quick meal that’s ready to go!
Serving Suggestions
While this spinach lasagna is delicious on its own, you can take it to the next level with some tasty sides. Here are a few serving suggestions that pair beautifully with this dish:
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Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery side of garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to lasagna. The rich flavors of garlic and butter complement the cheesy lasagna and provide an extra indulgence.
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Fresh Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the lasagna. Consider adding some sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion for a refreshing contrast.
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Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies such as broccoli, zucchini, or carrots make a colorful and healthy side dish that pairs well with the savory flavors of lasagna.
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Wine Pairing: A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of spinach lasagna. The acidity of the wine helps cut through the richness of the cheese and complements the tomato-based sauce.
How to Store Leftovers
Lasagna makes fantastic leftovers! After your meal, store any remaining lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy again.
To reheat in the oven, cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer to microwave, simply place a serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Simple Spinach Lasagna is a delicious and versatile dish that combines the richness of cheese, the heartiness of spinach, and the comfort of a classic lasagna. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, prepping meals for the week, or hosting a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s easy to make, customizable to your tastes, and provides a wholesome balance of nutrients.
With the option to add extra vegetables, meats, or even adapt it to a vegan diet, this lasagna is as flexible as it is flavorful. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers, ensuring that you can enjoy it again the next day or even freeze it for a future meal.
Give this simple yet satisfying dish a try, and enjoy the warm, cheesy comfort it brings to your table. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your own spin on it, spinach lasagna is sure to become a new favorite in your home. Happy cooking!