Low-Fat Lasagna Florentine
A light, creamy lasagna packed with spinach and ricotta, flavored with a rich tomato sauce and savory cheeses—perfect for a healthy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 (26 oz.) jar prepared gourmet spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can whole tomatoes (with liquid) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 (15 oz.) carton Ricotta cheese (fat free) ⓘ
- 9 uncooked lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) pkg. low-fat Mozzarella cheese, grated ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 2 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen spinach, thawed and drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine spaghetti sauce, canned tomatoes with their liquid, and water in a bowl.
- Stir to blend and break up tomatoes.
- Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a small amount of low-fat cottage cheese to the ricotta mix. If you want to enhance the flavor, try incorporating some Italian herbs like basil or oregano. You can substitute the low-fat mozzarella with a part-skim version for a richer taste. Ensure the spinach is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the lasagna, which can make it soggy. Explore more vegetarian recipes for delightful variations.
Serving Suggestions
This Low-Fat Lasagna Florentine pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette. For a complete meal, serve it alongside garlic bread or a light Italian soup. You can also sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. For a different twist, consider serving it with Zeppelies for a fun side dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. If reheating a whole lasagna, cover it with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes. This will help retain moisture and ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low-Fat Lasagna Florentine contains roughly 1362 calories, with 62g protein, 189g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (178% of the Daily Value), calcium (139% of the Daily Value), and protein (125% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1901mg per serving (83% 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 make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld even more. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with low-fat cottage cheese or a blend of Greek yogurt and a bit of shredded mozzarella. This will maintain the creaminess while keeping the dish low in fat. Just remember to blend any substitutes for a smooth consistency.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftover lasagna. Make sure it is completely cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350°F until heated through.
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).