Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta Recipe

This Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta is a creamy, cheesy, and delicious vegetarian dish packed with layers of tender lasagna noodles, rich ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, and a flavorful marinara sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and cheesy – Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan make it extra indulgent.
• Vegetarian-friendly – A hearty, satisfying meatless option.
• Make-ahead friendly – Tastes even better the next day and is freezer-friendly.
• Customizable – Add extra veggies, use whole wheat noodles, or make it gluten-free.
• Perfect for gatherings – A crowd-pleaser that feeds a hungry family.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the lasagna layers:

• 12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cups fresh spinach (or 1 ½ cups frozen, thawed, and drained)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the ricotta mixture:

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, enhances flavor)

For the sauce:

• 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For layering and topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (for garnish)

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat and prepare ingredients:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions if using regular noodles. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the spinach:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Stir in spinach, salt, and black pepper. Cook until wilted (2–3 minutes). Remove from heat.

3. Make the ricotta filling:

• In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, oregano, and nutmeg (if using).
• Stir in the cooked spinach.

4. Prepare the sauce:

• In a separate bowl, mix marinara sauce with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using).

5. Assemble the lasagna:

• Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Layer 3–4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
• Spread ⅓ of the ricotta-spinach mixture over the noodles.
• Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and add another layer of marinara sauce.
• Repeat layers two more times, ending with sauce and a final topping of mozzarella.

6. Bake:

• Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

7. Rest and serve:

• Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
• Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 servings
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free Lasagna: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
• Extra Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes for heat.
• Pesto Spinach Lasagna: Mix pesto into the ricotta mixture for extra flavor.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free ricotta, mozzarella, and egg substitute.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked or baked lasagna for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or microwave individual slices for 1–2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Do I need to cook the noodles before baking?

If using regular lasagna noodles, yes. If using oven-ready noodles, they will soften as they bake.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, use 1 ½ cups of frozen spinach, thawed and well-drained.

How do I prevent watery lasagna?

Drain cooked spinach well and avoid adding too much sauce between layers.

What can I serve with spinach lasagna?

Serve with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables.

Can I add meat to this lasagna?

Yes! Add cooked ground turkey, sausage, or beef to the marinara sauce.

What’s the best way to slice lasagna cleanly?

Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, but blend it for a smoother texture if desired.

How do I make this lasagna extra cheesy?

Double the mozzarella or add an extra layer of Parmesan cheese.

Can I make a single-serving version?

Yes, layer ingredients in ramekins and bake for about 20–25 minutes.

Conclusion

This Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta is a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this cheesy, veggie-packed lasagna is a delicious and comforting choice. Serve with a fresh salad or garlic bread for the ultimate Italian-inspired meal!

Print