Creamy Spinach Lasagna
Creamy spinach lasagna combines tender noodles with a rich spinach and cheese filling, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, offering a comforting vegetarian Italian dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/2 (16 oz.) package lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) package sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) low-fat cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 egg whites ⓘ
- 1/3 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) package shredded mozzarella ⓘ
- 3 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare the lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the onion, sliced mushrooms, and garlic until tender.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in the thawed chopped spinach, oregano, basil, and pepper; set aside.
- In a food processor, blend the cottage cheese, egg whites, flour, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella until smooth.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 13 x 9-inch pan, arrange 3 cooked lasagna noodles.
- Top with half of the spinach mixture, half of the cheese mixture, and half of the tomato sauce.
- Arrange 3 more noodles on top; repeat the layers with remaining spinach mixture, cheese mixture, and tomato sauce.
- Top with the remaining 3 noodles.
- Sprinkle with the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until bubbly and hot.
- Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spinach mixture for a little heat. If you're short on time, use no-boil lasagna noodles to skip the boiling step. For a creamier texture, substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese. Fresh spinach can also be used instead of frozen if you prefer.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy spinach lasagna pairs beautifully with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside Italian recipes like Italian Beans Parmesan for a hearty dinner. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the lasagna with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Spinach Lasagna contains roughly 476 calories, with 18g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (56% of the Daily Value), calcium (41% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 700mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Simply sauté about 10 ounces of fresh spinach until wilted, then chop and add it to the mixture. Fresh spinach will give a vibrant flavor and texture to the lasagna.
Is it possible to make this lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with foil. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply replace the lasagna noodles with gluten-free lasagna sheets. Additionally, ensure that your flour is gluten-free, or use a gluten-free flour blend in the cheese mixture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).