Low-Fat Cheese Lasagna
A creamy low-fat cheese lasagna layered with tomato and spaghetti sauces, cottage cheese, and mozzarella, offering a hearty, flavorful dish suitable for healthy comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix tomato sauce and spaghetti sauce; set aside.
- Mix cottage cheese and Parmesan cheese; set aside.
- Spray a 12 x 8-inch pan with cooking spray.
- Make 3 layers in the following order: 3 noodles, 1/3 of the sauce mixture, 1/3 of the cottage cheese mixture, and 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 1 hour.
- Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
- Cut into 6 pieces and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending the cottage cheese before mixing it with the Parmesan. You can substitute low-fat ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese if desired. If you prefer a stronger flavor, add some Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the sauce mixture. This lasagna also works well with whole wheat noodles for added fiber.
Serving Suggestions
This low-fat cheese lasagna pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and a side of Fabulous Italian Breadsticks for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside some roasted vegetables or garlic sautéed spinach. A light red wine can complement the flavors nicely and enhance the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, cover the lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low-Fat Cheese Lasagna contains roughly 470 calories, with 33g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (67% of the Daily Value), calcium (50% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1031mg per serving (45% 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 in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, adding extra time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of low-fat mozzarella?
If you want a different flavor, you can substitute with part-skim mozzarella or a dairy-free cheese alternative. Additionally, using a blend of cheeses like Fontina or Gouda can add a unique taste while still keeping it relatively low in fat.
Can I freeze this lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled, uncooked lasagna for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To cook from frozen, bake at 350°F for 1.5 hours or until it’s heated through. This makes it a great choice for meal prepping!
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).