Spinach Ricotta Lasagna

Layers of silky noodles, garlicky marinara, and creamy spinach ricotta bake into the ultimate vegetarian comfort casserole.

👅Flavor: Sweet-tart tomato sauce, herbaceous basil, nutty Parmesan, and a rich ricotta filling studded with spinach.
Golden spinach ricotta lasagna slices on a white plate
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Prep Time
25 minutes
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Cook Time
55 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 20 minutes
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Servings
1 (9x13-inch) pan
medium
Cuisine
Italian, Comfort Food
Exotic level
comfort-classic
Difficulty
medium
Diet
vegetarian
Devices used
Stovetop, Oven
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Explore this recipe

Required Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • 12-inch skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Aluminum foil

Utilized Devices

StovetopOven

Cooking Techniques

  • boiling
  • sautéing
  • simmering
  • baking
  • layering
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Ingredients

  • 225 gLasagna noodlesdried
  • 30 mlExtra-virgin olive oildivided
  • 150 gYellow oniondiced
  • 12 gGarlic clovesminced
  • 960 mlMarinara sauce
  • 240 gCrushed tomatoes
  • 120 mlWater or vegetable broth
  • 150 gBaby spinach
  • 480 gWhole-milk ricotta
  • 50 gLarge egg
  • 170 gShredded mozzarellalow-moisture
  • 100 gGrated Parmesan cheese
  • 6 gItalian seasoning
  • 10 gFresh basilchopped
  • 5 gKosher salt
  • 2 gBlack pepper
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Instructions

1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook the lasagna noodles until just shy of al dente, then drain and lay them on parchment so they do not stick.

2

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion with a pinch of salt for 5 minutes until translucent; stir in the garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.

3

Pour in the marinara, crushed tomatoes, and water, bring to a simmer, and cook for 8 minutes to meld; taste and season with salt and pepper.

4

Stir the spinach into the hot sauce until wilted, then remove the pan from the heat.

5

In a bowl combine ricotta, egg, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and basil until smooth.

6

Spread 1 cup sauce in a greased 9x13-inch dish, top with 3 noodles, then alternate ricotta dollops, sauce, and noodles until used, finishing with sauce and remaining cheeses.

7

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, uncover and bake 15 minutes more until bubbling and browned; rest 15 minutes before slicing so the layers set.

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Chef Tips

  • Oil or spray the foil before covering so it never sticks to the cheese.
  • If using no-boil noodles, add an extra 1/2 cup sauce to keep the top layer moist.
  • Freeze individual slices tightly wrapped; reheat covered at 350°F (175°C).
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Nutritional Highlights

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Calories per serving
530
  • Protein from ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan keeps servings satisfying
  • Spinach adds iron, folate, and a boost of green
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully for easy lunches

Dietary Notes

Compliant With

vegetarian

Allergens

  • Contains dairy (cheese)
  • Contains gluten (pasta)

FAQ

Can I add more veggies?

Roasted zucchini, mushrooms, or thin-sliced bell peppers layer in easily between noodles and sauce.

Can I make it ahead?

Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and add 10 minutes to the covered bake time.

Nutrition

Calories530
Protein28 g
Carbs48 g
Fat26 g