Spinach Lasagna(Heart Healthy)
A hearty, heart-healthy spinach lasagna layered with fresh or frozen spinach, creamy cottage cheese, and melted mozzarella, perfect for comforting family dinners and veggie lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh spinach or 10 oz frozen chopped spinach ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock ⓘ
- 3 cups tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped basil or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil ⓘ
- pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups dry cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup plain low-fat or nonfat yogurt ⓘ
- 8 oz lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 6 oz part-skim mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash, dry, and chop fresh spinach or squeeze thawed spinach dry.
- Saute chopped onion and minced garlic in chicken or vegetable stock until fragrant.
- Add tomato sauce and seasonings, then simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Mix cottage cheese and plain low-fat or nonfat yogurt until well combined.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions, then drain well.
- Spread part of the sauce in a shallow 9-inch baking pan.
- Layer cooked noodles, spinach mixture, cottage cheese mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers, ending with a layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 40 to 50 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heart-healthy twist, consider using whole wheat lasagna noodles for added fiber. You can also substitute the cottage cheese with ricotta or silken tofu for a vegan option. If you like a bit of spice, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the spinach as possible to prevent a watery lasagna.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spinach lasagna with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light Italian vinaigrette drizzled over the salad pairs beautifully with this dish. For an extra touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. This recipe also goes well with other Italian recipes like Pesto Chicken And Pasta.
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 preheated 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, making sure to cover the dish to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Lasagna(Heart Healthy) contains roughly 547 calories, with 21g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 999mg per serving (43% 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?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated all the way through.
What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?
If you're looking for alternatives to mozzarella, you can use provolone, gouda, or even a dairy-free cheese blend. Just ensure that whatever cheese you choose melts well for the best texture.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this spinach lasagna gluten-free, simply substitute regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free varieties available in stores. Additionally, ensure that your tomato sauce and any stock used are certified gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the dish.
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).