Imagine a warm, bubbling Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta, fresh from the oven, its cheesy layers oozing deliciousness and inviting you to indulge. Just picture that moment—the rich aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen, each layer of pasta lovingly cradling vibrant spinach and creamy ricotta. breakfast lasagna option It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a culinary genius, even if your only previous cooking experience was boiling water for instant noodles.
This recipe holds a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I made it for friends during a cozy dinner party. Their delighted faces as they took their first bites were priceless—one friend even declared it “life-changing.” Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta is sure to impress everyone at the table. stuffed salmon with spinach.
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This Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta is easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy nights. The balance of flavors combines creamy, savory, and herby notes that will satisfy any palate. grilled halloumi skewers Its colorful layers create an eye-catching centerpiece for any meal. Plus, it’s versatile enough for meat lovers or vegetarians alike.
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I once served this dish at a family gathering where my grandmother tried to steal the last piece—she said it reminded her of her own Italian grandmother’s cooking!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Lasagna Noodles: Opt for no-boil noodles if you’re short on time; they cook perfectly in the oven.
Fresh Spinach: Use baby spinach for tenderness and vibrant color; wash thoroughly to remove grit.
Ricotta Cheese: Whole milk ricotta provides creaminess; drain excess liquid for a thicker consistency.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella creates that stretchy cheese pull; choose part-skim for less grease.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds a nutty flavor; avoid pre-packaged versions for best results.
Marinara Sauce: Homemade or store-bought works; look for one without added sugar for a healthier option.
Garlic: Fresh cloves amplify flavor; sauté until fragrant before adding spinach.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing garlic and spinach; it enhances richness.
Herbs (Basil and Oregano): Fresh herbs elevate flavors significantly; dried herbs are fine but use less.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute before adding fresh spinach. Cook until wilted.
Mix Cheeses: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with herbs, salt, pepper, and half the Parmesan. Stir well until fully blended; it should be creamy but not too runny.
Layer the Lasagna: Spread marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Layer noodles over sauce, followed by half of the spinach mixture and half of the mozzarella cheese. For more inspiration, check out this mushroom chicken alfredo lasagna recipe.
Add Final Layers: Repeat layering process with another layer of noodles, remaining spinach mixture, marinara sauce, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Bake Until Golden: Cover the dish with aluminum foil (shiny side down) and bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Let your Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta cool slightly before slicing into generous portions. The anticipation builds as you plate it up—trust me, no one will be able to resist! This comforting pasta bake is perfect alongside a simple salad or some crusty bread. Mediterranean pickled veggies Enjoy every cheesy bite!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Spinach lasagna with ricotta is a delightful dish that’s both hearty and healthy. The layers of creamy ricotta, vibrant spinach, and melted mozzarella create a flavor explosion that is sure to impress. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those greens. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing the spinach until wilted, then prepare the ricotta mixture while the noodles cook. Layer everything carefully for even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or add mushrooms for an earthy twist. Experiment with spices like nutmeg for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Use fresh spinach for the best flavor; frozen can be watery. Ensure noodles are al dente to prevent sogginess. Allow lasagna to rest before slicing for perfect layers every time. [/info_box]
Memories of my first spinach lasagna flood back—friends gathered around, forks poised, and their smiles were worth every layer made.
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat noodles in spinach lasagna with ricotta?
For more inspiration, check out this Cajun lasagna recipe recipe.
Absolutely! Whole wheat noodles add a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply substitute regular noodles with gluten-free lasagna sheets available at most grocery stores.
Can I prepare spinach lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it a day in advance; just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta
Savor the warmth of homemade Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta, a deliciously cheesy dish that combines tender layers of pasta, vibrant spinach, and creamy ricotta. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a festive gathering, this lasagna is sure to impress your family and friends. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s a delightful way to enjoy healthy greens without sacrificing taste.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
Ingredients
- 12 no-boil lasagna noodles
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach (washed)
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese (drained)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups marinara sauce (no added sugar)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with herbs, salt, pepper, and half of the Parmesan. Mix until creamy.
- Spread marinara sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Layer with noodles, half of the spinach mix, and half of the mozzarella.
- Repeat layers: noodles, remaining spinach mix, marinara sauce, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow lasagna to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in mushrooms or using kale instead of spinach. To enhance richness, add nutmeg to the ricotta mixture. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days; reheat at 350°F until warm.
