There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy slice of lasagna, isn’t there? It’s one of those dishes that wraps you in a cozy hug, perfect for family dinners or a quiet night in. My spinach lasagna recipe is a delightful twist on the classic, combining layers of creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and a rich marinara sauce. Trust me, you’ll savor every bite! Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for cooks of all skill levels.
Whenever I make this dish, the aroma fills my kitchen, instantly bringing back memories of family gatherings and laughter around the table. It’s a recipe that not only nourishes the body but also warms the heart. And if you’re looking for something that’s vegetarian and packed with flavor, this spinach lasagna will definitely hit the spot. Let’s dive in and make some magic happen in the kitchen together!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is a crucial step in making my spinach lasagna recipe. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some handy tips for each item:
- 9 lasagna noodles: I like to use regular or whole wheat lasagna noodles, but feel free to substitute with gluten-free noodles if needed. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for cooking.
- 2 cups ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese is the heart of the dish. You can use part-skim ricotta for a lighter option, or even cottage cheese if you prefer a different texture.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Fresh spinach is best for this recipe, giving it a vibrant flavor. If you don’t have fresh, you can use thawed frozen spinach—just make sure to drain it well!
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: I love a good handful of gooey mozzarella for that melty goodness. You can also try using low-fat mozzarella if you’re looking to cut back on calories.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: This adds a lovely nutty flavor. If you’re out of Parmesan, you can substitute with pecorino cheese for a similar taste.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce: A store-bought marinara works perfectly, but if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade sauce can elevate this dish even more!
- 1 egg: The egg helps bind the cheese mixture together. If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can use a flax egg or silken tofu instead.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: This adds a lovely depth of flavor. Fresh minced garlic works too if you prefer that punchy taste!
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the flavors beautifully. If you don’t have this, you can mix your own with dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the preparation! You’re going to love how everything comes together so deliciously.
How to Prepare the Spinach Lasagna Recipe
Now that we have all our lovely ingredients gathered, it’s time to dive into the fun part—preparing the spinach lasagna! Don’t worry, I’ve broken it down into simple steps to make it as easy as pie. Let’s get started!
Prepping the Ingredients
The first step is all about making sure everything is ready to go. Start by boiling a pot of water and cooking the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Make sure to stir them occasionally so they don’t stick together. Once they’re al dente, drain them and lay them flat on a clean dish towel to cool.
While the noodles are cooking, let’s prepare the cheese mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, egg, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely blended together. This mixture will be the creamy heart of your lasagna, so make sure it’s well combined. If you’re using cottage cheese, just mix it in the same way! Trust me, it’ll be delicious.
Assembling the Lasagna
Now comes the fun part—layering! Grab your baking dish and start by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. This helps prevent sticking and adds flavor. Next, place three lasagna noodles on top of that sauce. Make sure they’re not overlapping too much. Then, scoop half of your ricotta mixture and spread it evenly over the noodles. Don’t be shy; you want every bite to be cheesy and delicious!
Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese over the ricotta mixture. Now, add another layer of marinara sauce, followed by another three noodles, and repeat the process. You’ll want to finish with the remaining noodles on top, a final layer of marinara sauce, and sprinkle that lovely Parmesan cheese over everything. It’s going to look so inviting!
Baking the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you haven’t already. Once your lasagna is assembled, cover it tightly with aluminum foil. This helps keep the moisture in during baking. Pop it into the oven and let it bake for 25 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil (watch out for that steam!) and bake for an additional 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and bubbly, and your kitchen smells heavenly. Don’t forget to let it sit for about 10 minutes before slicing—it helps the layers hold together better!
And there you have it, a beautiful spinach lasagna ready to be enjoyed! I can’t wait for you to taste it. It’s truly a comforting dish that brings everyone to the table.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for each serving of my spinach lasagna recipe. Keep in mind that these values are approximations and can vary based on specific ingredients used:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 550mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 20g
This spinach lasagna is not only comforting but also provides a good balance of nutrients. It’s perfect for a hearty meal that can satisfy your hunger and nourish you at the same time. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Spinach Lasagna Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels. You’ll feel like a pro in no time!
- Comfort Food Appeal: This lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home. Each bite is like a warm hug!
- Vegetarian Delight: Packed with fresh spinach and creamy cheeses, it’s a delicious vegetarian option that even meat lovers will enjoy.
- Versatile for Dietary Preferences: You can easily swap out ingredients like using gluten-free noodles or cottage cheese for a lighter version. Make it your own!
- Meal Prep Friendly: You can make it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. Perfect for busy days!
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a great choice for gatherings and family meals.
- Leftover Perfection: It keeps well in the fridge, and I find that it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Tips for Success
To make your spinach lasagna truly shine, here are some handy tips I’ve picked up along the way. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make a big difference in your cooking experience!
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: When boiling your lasagna noodles, aim for al dente. They’ll continue to cook as they bake in the oven, and if they’re too soft, your layers may get mushy. Just follow the package instructions and keep an eye on them!
- Layer Generously: Don’t be shy when spreading your cheese mixture and sauce. The more flavor you pack into each layer, the better your lasagna will taste. Each slice should be bursting with cheesy goodness!
- Let It Rest: After baking, let your lasagna sit for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. This resting time allows the layers to set and makes serving much easier without everything sliding off the plate.
- Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s great reheated in the oven or microwave, and I find it tastes even better the next day!
- Keep It Covered: When baking, cover your lasagna with aluminum foil for the first part of the baking time to retain moisture. Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes to get that beautiful golden top.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative! You can add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even some cooked ground beef or turkey if you want to change things up. Just make sure to sauté any veggies first to remove excess moisture.
These tips will help you create a spinach lasagna that not only tastes amazing but also looks beautiful on your table. Happy cooking!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
When it comes to making my spinach lasagna recipe, I believe in flexibility! Here are some clear explanations for the ingredients I used, along with simple substitutions to suit your dietary needs or preferences:
- Lasagna Noodles: You can use traditional or whole wheat lasagna noodles. If you’re going gluten-free, don’t worry! There are plenty of gluten-free options available that work just as well. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package to ensure they turn out perfectly.
- Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese brings a lovely richness to the dish. If you want a lighter option, you can use part-skim ricotta or even cottage cheese. Cottage cheese will give a slightly different texture, but it’s still delicious. For a vegan alternative, try using blended silken tofu mixed with a bit of nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
- Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach is ideal for this recipe, adding both flavor and nutrients. If you only have frozen spinach, that’s perfectly fine too! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before adding it to the cheese mixture.
- Mozzarella Cheese: I love the gooeyness of mozzarella in this dish. If you’re looking to reduce calories, consider using low-fat mozzarella. You can also experiment with other cheeses like provolone or even a vegan cheese blend if you’re dairy-free.
- Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds a nice nutty flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, pecorino cheese is a great substitute. For a dairy-free option, look for nutritional yeast, which gives a cheesy taste without the dairy.
- Marinara Sauce: A jar of store-bought marinara works wonders, but if you’re up for it, making homemade marinara can elevate the flavor even more. You can customize it to your taste by adding herbs or veggies!
- Egg: The egg helps bind the cheese mixture together. If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can replace it with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or some silken tofu blended until smooth.
- Garlic Powder & Italian Seasoning: These spices enhance the flavors beautifully. If you prefer fresh, feel free to use fresh minced garlic and a mix of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme instead. Just adjust the amounts to taste!
With these substitutions, you can easily adapt the recipe to fit your lifestyle or dietary needs. Cooking should be a joy, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!
FAQ Section
Can I make spinach lasagna in advance?
Absolutely! One of the best things about my spinach lasagna recipe is that it’s perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the entire dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge when you pop it in the oven.
Can I freeze spinach lasagna?
Yes, you can! If you want to freeze your spinach lasagna, I recommend assembling it but not baking it first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed. It’s a wonderful make-ahead meal!
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of ricotta or want to try something different, cottage cheese is a fantastic alternative! It gives a similar texture and flavor. For a dairy-free option, blended silken tofu mixed with a little nutritional yeast can mimic that creamy richness as well. Just make sure to blend it until smooth for the best results!
How do I know when my lasagna is done?
You’ll know your spinach lasagna is ready when the top is golden and bubbly, and it’s heated all the way through. If you insert a knife in the center, it should come out hot. Allowing it to rest for about 10 minutes after baking will help the layers set, making it easier to cut and serve.
Can I add other vegetables to the lasagna?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even bell peppers can be wonderful additions to this spinach lasagna recipe. Just make sure to cook any veggies first to reduce excess moisture, which can make the lasagna watery.

Comforting Spinach Lasagna Recipe to Warm Your Heart
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting spinach lasagna recipe that is easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, spinach, egg, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Add three noodles on top of the sauce.
- Layer half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Add another layer of sauce and repeat the process.
- Top with remaining noodles, sauce, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden.
Notes
- Substitute gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free option.
- Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter choice.
- Add cooked ground beef or turkey for extra protein.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: spinach lasagna recipe, easy lasagna, vegetarian lasagna