Spinach Lasagne
A hearty and flavorful spinach lasagne layered with ricotta, mozzarella, and a savory tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, its rich flavors and tender noodles make it a comforting vegetarian option that satisfies everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 (16 oz.) box lasagne noodles ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen spinach, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 lb. Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. grated Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onions, chopped green peppers, and minced garlic in oil until golden, stirring often.
- Stir in canned tomatoes, tomato paste, minced parsley, oregano, and bay leaf.
- Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Cook lasagne noodles according to package directions and drain.
- Combine cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, egg, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Layer the cooked noodles, spinach mixture, and tomato sauce in a baking dish.
- Top with grated mozzarella cheese and remaining Parmesan.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or swapping out the spinach for sautéed kale. If you're short on time, use no-boil lasagne noodles. You can also substitute the Ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a lighter option. For added depth, mix in some sliced mushrooms or zucchini, as found in other Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spinach Lasagne with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with this dish, enhancing the rich flavors. For a heartier side, consider a serving of Fettucine With Ham And Peas. Leftovers make excellent lunches and can be enjoyed cold or reheated.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Lasagne contains roughly 602 calories, with 31g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (214% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (151% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1512mg per serving (66% 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 use fresh spinach instead of frozen for this lasagne?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Just sauté about 1 pound of fresh spinach until wilted, then drain and chop it before mixing with the ricotta. This will give your lasagne a fresher taste and a delightful texture.
What can I substitute for the Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor. Nutritional yeast is a good dairy-free alternative that adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Just adjust the amount to taste as it can be saltier than Parmesan.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free lasagne, simply use gluten-free lasagne noodles available at most grocery stores. Ensure all other ingredients, like canned tomatoes and sauces, are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
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).