Low-Fat Spinach Lasagne
A light, hearty spinach lasagne packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and low-fat cheese, perfect for health-conscious families and vegetarians seeking comforting Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 9 lasagne noodles ⓘ
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 cans mushrooms pieces
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp oregano ⓘ
- 1 lb chopped spinach ⓘ
- 2 chopped zucchini ⓘ
- 5 crushed garlic cloves ⓘ
- 1 chopped onion ⓘ
- 16 to 24 oz nonfat cottage cheese ⓘ
- low-fat or nonfat mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/8 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook lasagne noodles according to package directions.
- Saute chopped onion and crushed garlic in a small amount of water until softened.
- Add chopped tomatoes (including liquid from one can), tomato sauce, drained mushrooms, basil, oregano, and chopped zucchini to the skillet.
- Simmer the sauce slowly for 20 minutes.
- Drain spinach between paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a bowl, combine chopped spinach and nonfat cottage cheese and mix well.
- Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray (Pam).
- Layer sauce, noodles, and the spinach-cottage cheese mixture in the dish.
- Repeat the layering until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cottage cheese mixture and sauce on top.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of heat. If you prefer a creamier texture, substitute half of the cottage cheese with ricotta cheese. For added nutrition, you can mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. You can also use whole wheat noodles for extra fiber.
Serving Suggestions
This Low-Fat Spinach Lasagne pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. For a complete meal, serve with garlic bread or a side of steamed vegetables. You can also explore other Italian recipes for more delicious options to complement your lasagne.
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 or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low-Fat Spinach Lasagne contains roughly 1758 calories, with 45g protein, 285g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (271% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2063mg per serving (90% 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 lasagne ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagne in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out. If you need to store it longer, consider freezing it before baking for up to 3 months.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While nonfat mozzarella is recommended for a low-fat option, you can substitute it with part-skim mozzarella or even a blend of cheeses like cheddar for added flavor. Just keep in mind that this will increase the fat content of the dish.
Is this lasagne suitable for freezing?
Yes, this lasagne freezes very well. Assemble it completely, cover tightly with foil, and freeze before baking. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake it as directed. This makes it a convenient meal option for busy days.
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).