Lasagna Florentine
Lasagna Florentine is a delicious layered Italian dish featuring a rich blend of ricotta, spinach, and melted mozzarella, all nestled between flavorful tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, it offers a hearty, cheesy, and herbaceous taste that satisfies everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 2 (26 oz.) jars pasta sauce ⓘ
- 1 (15 or 16 oz.) container Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pan, cook chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
- Add pasta sauce to the pan and simmer for 15 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, thawed and drained chopped spinach, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and eggs.
- Layer the sauce, cheese mixture, and shredded mozzarella in a baking dish.
- Bake until bubbly and golden on top, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture. If you're short on time, use pre-shredded mozzarella but note that it may not melt as smoothly. You can substitute fresh spinach for frozen; just sauté it until wilted before mixing. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta sauce and ensure your noodles are certified gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lasagna Florentine with a side of Garlic Bread for a delightful meal. A fresh green salad dressed with vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish nicely. This dish also pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Tiramisu for dessert, creating a complete Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the lasagna cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. For reheating, place a slice in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagna Florentine contains roughly 1074 calories, with 21g protein, 172g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (46% of the Daily Value), protein (43% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 821mg per serving (36% 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 prepare this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day ahead. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through completely.
What can I use instead of Ricotta cheese?
If you don't have Ricotta cheese, you can substitute with cottage cheese blended until smooth or use mascarpone for a creamier texture. Both alternatives will work well in this recipe.
Is it possible to freeze leftover lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze individual portions or the whole dish. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).