Comforting Spinach & Ricotta Lasagna Recipe for Cozy Nights

Layered with love and packed with mouthwatering spinach lasagna ricotta goodness, this classic Italian dish promises to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Creamy ricotta cheese nestles between perfectly cooked pasta sheets, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.

Each bite reveals tender spinach and rich, melted cheese that dance across your taste buds.

The secret lies in selecting fresh ingredients and combining them with care and precision.

Herbs and spices elevate this comfort food from ordinary to extraordinary.

Home cooks can master this restaurant-worthy recipe with simple techniques and a dash of culinary passion.

Prepare to impress your dinner companions with this irresistible, hearty lasagna that turns an everyday meal into a celebration of flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 8

What Goes into the Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta

• Lasagna Noodles: Choose fresh or oven-ready noodles that provide a sturdy foundation for layering rich flavors and textures in the dish.

• Ricotta Cheese, Spinach: Bring a velvety smooth texture and vibrant green nutrition that transforms the lasagna into a luxurious vegetarian masterpiece.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers that irresistible melty, stretchy layer that creates golden-brown crispy edges.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty depth that elevates the entire dish with its nutty complexity.

• Eggs: Help bind the ricotta mixture and provide structure to the layers.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the lasagna.
• Garlic: Infuses a robust, aromatic essence that complements the creamy cheese and earthy spinach.
• Olive Oil: Creates a silky base for sautéing and adding richness to the dish.

Tools to Build Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta Layers

• Large Pot: Perfect for cooking lasagna noodles to al dente perfection.
• Colander: Essential for draining those tender pasta sheets.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: The classic vessel for layering your lasagna masterpiece.
• Mixing Bowls: Needed for combining ricotta and mixing ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: Helpful for chopping spinach and preparing layers.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts.

Step-by-Step for Making Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta

• Boil Noodles

Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until they reach perfect tenderness. Drain and set aside for layering.

• Prepare Spinach Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese with chopped spinach, creating a vibrant green filling packed with nutrients and flavor. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.

• Create Cheese Layer

Blend together mozzarella and parmesan cheese, creating a rich and creamy base that will add depth to your lasagna’s texture and taste.

• Build Lasagna Layers

Start by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange noodles to cover the sauce, then generously spread the spinach-ricotta mixture. Top with cheese blend and repeat layering process until ingredients are used.

• Bake to Perfection

Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven. After initial baking time, remove foil to allow the top to become golden and slightly crispy. Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes after removing from oven to help it set and make serving easier.

• Serve and Enjoy

Slice the lasagna into hearty portions, ensuring each serving has multiple delicious layers. Garnish with fresh basil or additional parmesan cheese if desired.

Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta: Pro Tips & Variations

• No-Boil Noodle Hack: Save time by using oven-ready lasagna noodles, which eliminate the need for pre-cooking and reduce kitchen cleanup.
• Cheese Flexibility: Swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter texture or mix in fresh mozzarella for extra creaminess and stretch.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Add crumbled tofu or plant-based meat alternatives to increase protein content and create a more substantial vegetarian meal.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together and making mealtime preparation easier.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Ideas for Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta

• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top of the lasagna just before serving to add a burst of color and fresh flavor.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Serve with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied red such as Chianti to complement the rich, creamy spinach lasagna.
• Side Salad Companion: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the lasagna's richness and add a refreshing contrast to the meal.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Offer warm, crusty garlic bread or focaccia on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the Italian-inspired dining experience.

Storing and Reheating Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta

• Quick Chill Strategy: Store leftover lasagna in airtight containers within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Fridge Storage Hack: Refrigerate spinach lasagna for up to 4 days, covering tightly with plastic wrap or sealed container to keep moisture and flavors intact.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Slice lasagna into individual portions before freezing, which allows easier reheating and prevents waste. Wrap each portion in freezer-safe wrap, then place in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated lasagna in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating, ensuring even temperature and maintaining original texture.

Hearty Spinach Lasagna With Ricotta Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Spinach lasagna with ricotta celebrates layers of creamy Italian comfort. Hearty vegetarian pasta delights with rich cheese and tender spinach, promising a satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
• 10 oz (280 g) fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1 large egg
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped)
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Noodle Preparation: Cook lasagna noodles until perfectly al dente, then drain and lay flat on a kitchen towel to prevent clumping.
2. Spinach Processing: Quickly sauté spinach until wilted, then thoroughly drain in a colander to remove excess moisture.
3. Ricotta Blending: Whisk ricotta with garlic, herbs, and nutmeg until smooth and fragrant, creating a rich, aromatic base.
4. Sauce Crafting: Simmer crushed tomatoes with herbs and olive oil, developing a deep, robust flavor profile.
5. Initial Layering: Spread a thin tomato sauce base in the baking dish, then carefully arrange the first noodle layer to completely cover the bottom.
6. Strategic Stacking: Build alternating layers of noodles, herbed ricotta, spinach, and mozzarella, ensuring even distribution and maximum flavor integration.
7. Final Touches: Top the lasagna with a generous layer of tomato sauce and a hearty sprinkle of parmesan cheese, creating a golden, crispy surface.
8. Baking Protocol: Tent with aluminum foil and bake until the lasagna is bubbling, golden, and the cheese is perfectly melted.
9. Resting Phase: Let the lasagna settle for 10-15 minutes after baking, allowing layers to set and making slicing more precise and clean.

Notes

• Prevent Watery Texture: Thoroughly drain spinach and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a firm and cohesive lasagna structure.
• Enhance Herb Flavor: Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of dried to boost the aromatic profile and create a more vibrant taste experience.
• Optimize Cheese Consistency: Let ricotta come to room temperature before mixing to achieve a smoother, more spreadable texture that blends seamlessly with other ingredients.
• Control Baking Temperature: Cover with foil during initial baking to prevent cheese from burning, then uncover for the last 10-15 minutes to create a golden, crispy top layer.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg