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To make this creamy spinach ricotta lasagna, gather these key ingredients: - 9 lasagna noodles - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil These ingredients blend well to create layers of flavor and texture. The spinach adds a nice green pop, while the cheeses give a rich taste. You might want to add a few more items for extra flavor: - Fresh basil for garnishing - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh ground black pepper for added spice These extras can elevate your dish and make it even more special. Each adds a unique touch. Having the right tools makes cooking easier: - A large pot for boiling noodles - A medium skillet for cooking garlic and spinach - A mixing bowl for the ricotta mixture - A 9x13-inch baking dish for layering - Aluminum foil for covering the dish while baking Using these tools will help you stay organized and make cooking fun. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water for flavor. Once it boils, add 9 lasagna noodles. Cook them for 8 to 10 minutes until they are al dente. This means they should still have a bit of firmness. After cooking, drain the noodles and let them cool for a bit. This helps them not stick together. In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced cloves of garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it smells nice. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, stir in 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts down. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat. Let this mixture cool for a few minutes before mixing it with cheese. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese with the cooled spinach mixture. Add 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is combined. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta-spinach mixture on top. Then, sprinkle 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella cheese and a little grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat this process with another set of noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, and more sauce. For the final layer, add the last 3 noodles with marinara sauce and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. To keep the cheese from sticking, spray the foil with nonstick spray. Bake in the oven at 375°F for 25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. The top should be bubbly and golden brown. Once done, let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This makes it easier to serve. To get that perfect cheese layer, start with fresh ingredients. Use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for the best flavor. When layering, spread the cheese evenly. This helps it melt nicely. I suggest adding a little extra cheese on top. It creates a golden crust that looks amazing. Avoid overcooking the noodles. They should be al dente, not mushy. If they are too soft, they will fall apart. Also, don’t skimp on seasoning. Salt and pepper make a big difference. Another mistake is not letting the lasagna cool. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier. Serve slices on warm plates for a nice touch. Garnish with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. This adds color and flavor. Pair your lasagna with a simple salad or garlic bread. These sides complement the dish well. Enjoy your meal with family or friends for a delightful experience. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: Opt for fresh spinach over frozen for a brighter flavor and better texture in your lasagna. Layering Technique: Ensure even distribution of ingredients by spreading the ricotta-spinach mixture and marinara sauce evenly across each layer. Cheesy Crust: For an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle a little more Parmesan on top before the final bake. Rest Before Serving: Allow the lasagna to rest for about 10 minutes after baking; this helps the layers set for cleaner slices. {{image_4}} You can make this dish even better with fun add-ins. Consider adding roasted vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers. They bring more color and taste. You can also mix in some artichoke hearts for a unique twist. If you want a little spice, try adding red pepper flakes for heat. You can even top with fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving. These changes give new life to the classic recipe. For those avoiding gluten, you can still enjoy this lasagna. Use gluten-free lasagna noodles instead of regular ones. There are many brands that make tasty options. You can also try zucchini or eggplant slices in place of noodles. Just slice them thin and layer them like regular noodles. This keeps the dish delicious and gluten-free. If you want to switch up the cheese, there are great options. Try using goat cheese or feta for a tangy taste. You can also mix in some smoked mozzarella for a rich flavor. If you like it creamy, consider adding mascarpone. Each cheese brings its own special twist to the dish. This makes the lasagna unique and fun to try. To keep your leftover lasagna fresh, let it cool first. Place the lasagna in an airtight container. You can also cover a baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, the flavors stay nice and tasty. If you want to save lasagna for later, freezing is a great option. First, let it cool completely. Cut it into portions for easy thawing. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date and freeze it. Your lasagna can stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat your lasagna, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices in a baking dish. Add a splash of marinara sauce on top to keep it moist. Cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual pieces for a quick meal. Just make sure to cover them to avoid splatters. Enjoy every cheesy bite! You can store Creamy Spinach Ricotta Lasagna in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Just keep it in an airtight container. For best taste, eat it within this time. Yes, you can make this lasagna ahead of time. Assemble it, then cover and refrigerate it. You can bake it later, right from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. If you need a substitute, try cottage cheese or cream cheese. Both can work well in this dish. You can also blend tofu for a dairy-free option. The lasagna is done when it is bubbly and golden brown on top. Also, check if the cheese is melted and the sauce is steaming. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Absolutely! You can add cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken. Just layer the meat between the cheese and spinach. This will add more flavor and protein to your meal. You’ve learned how to make creamy spinach ricotta lasagna with simple steps. We covered main ingredients and cooking methods for great flavor. I shared tips for the perfect cheese layer and how to avoid common mistakes. Plus, we explored tasty variations and storage tips. Now, you can impress your family and friends with this dish. Get cooking and enjoy your delicious lasagna!

Creamy Spinach Ricotta Lasagna

A delicious lasagna layered with creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and a blend of cheeses.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 9 noodles lasagna
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  • In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it's fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
  • Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until it wilts. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
  • In a mixing bowl, blend the ricotta cheese, wilted spinach, egg, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and black pepper to taste, mixing until thoroughly combined.
  • Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or nonstick spray, then spread a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom.
  • Lay 3 lasagna noodles vertically over the marinara sauce. Spread half of the ricotta-spinach mixture evenly over the noodles.
  • Sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese and a dusting of grated Parmesan over the ricotta layer for added flavor and texture.
  • Continue building layers by repeating with another set of 3 lasagna noodles, the remaining spinach-ricotta mixture, another one-third of the mozzarella cheese, and a layer of marinara sauce.
  • For the final layer, place the remaining 3 lasagna noodles on top, then generously cover with the remaining marinara sauce. Finish by adding the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top for a delicious cheesy crust.
  • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. To prevent sticking, consider spraying the foil with a nonstick spray before covering.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After this initial period, carefully remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and has turned a lovely golden brown.
  • Once baked, let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before slicing into portions, allowing the flavors to settle and making it easier to serve.

Notes

Serve with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.
Keyword cheese, lasagna, ricotta, spinach, vegetarian