Florentine Lasagna
Creamy spinach lasagna layered with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, rich béchamel sauce, and tender noodles, perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 box lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onions
- 2 (10 oz) packages frozen spinach, thawed and well drained ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1 egg, slightly beaten ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp instant chicken bouillon ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup light cream or half and half ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and cool in a large bowl of ice water; set aside.
- Saute chopped onions in 2 tablespoons of butter for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Combine the thawed and well-drained spinach, sautéed onions, shredded mozzarella cheese, sour cream, and a slightly beaten egg. Mix well and set aside.
- Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in flour, instant chicken bouillon, and pepper until blended.
- Gradually stir in milk and light cream or half and half, bringing the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly.
- Boil and stir for 1 minute to thicken the sauce.
- Layer cooked noodles, spinach mixture, and sauce in a baking dish, finishing with a layer of sauce topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-45 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding ricotta cheese to the spinach mixture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked or oven-ready lasagna noodles can be a great alternative. You can also substitute fresh spinach for frozen, just sauté until wilted. To enhance flavor, try incorporating nutmeg or garlic powder into the spinach mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Florentine lasagna pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or roasted vegetables. A glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements the creamy flavors wonderfully. Explore more Italian recipes to complete your dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, individual portions can be microwaved on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Florentine Lasagna contains roughly 415 calories, with 11g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber.
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 make Florentine lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to account for the cold ingredients.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don't have sour cream, Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It offers a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. Alternatively, you can use crème fraîche or even cottage cheese blended until smooth for a different twist on the dish.
Is it necessary to drain the spinach?
Yes, draining the spinach is crucial to avoid a watery lasagna. Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible after thawing the spinach. This will help maintain the desired consistency of the filling and prevent the lasagna from becoming soggy during baking.
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).