Spinach Ricotta Lasagna Recipe – Easy Italian Comfort Food

Last Updated on 3 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spinach Ricotta Lasagna Recipe – Easy Italian Comfort Food

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, there’s just something about a warm, bubbling lasagna that feels like a big hug on a plate. This Spinach Ricotta Lasagna is a family favorite – it’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to put together. I first made this when I was craving something cozy and Italian, and it’s been a regular on our dinner rotation ever since. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your grandma’s complicated lasagna (though, let’s be real, grandma’s lasagna is always good!). It’s streamlined for weeknights, uses no-boil noodles for ultimate convenience, and is packed with fresh spinach and a creamy ricotta filling. It’s the perfect balance of comforting and achievable. Plus, who can resist layers of cheesy goodness?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

• 2 boxes (10 oz each) frozen spinach
• 5 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1 can (15 oz) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 cans (16 oz each) marinara sauce
• 12-13 no-boil lasagna noodles
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh rosemary for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients – a few little tips can make all the difference!

Frozen Spinach: Choosing & Preparing

Frozen spinach is a lifesaver! It’s convenient and just as nutritious as fresh. Make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Seriously, squeeze! This is key to preventing a watery lasagna. I usually thaw it in a colander overnight, then give it a good squeeze with my hands. About 300-400g of thawed spinach is what you’re aiming for.

Ricotta & Parmesan: The Cheese Blend

Ricotta provides the creamy base, while Parmesan adds that lovely salty, umami flavor. Whole milk ricotta is best for richness, but part-skim works in a pinch. Don’t skimp on the Parmesan – freshly grated is always best, but the pre-grated stuff will do!

No-Boil Noodles: Convenience & Texture

These are a game-changer. No need to pre-cook the noodles, saving you time and effort. They absorb moisture from the sauce as they bake, creating a perfectly tender lasagna. If you can’t find them, you can use regular lasagna noodles, but you’ll need to boil them first.

Marinara Sauce: Regional Variations & Homemade Options

I love a good quality store-bought marinara sauce to keep things simple. But if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade is always amazing! A simple tomato sauce with garlic, herbs, and a touch of sugar works beautifully. Different regions in Italy have their own variations, so feel free to experiment!

Garlic & Oregano: Aromatic Foundations

Fresh garlic is always best, but pre-minced works too. Dried oregano is a staple in Italian cooking, adding that classic herbaceous flavor.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s build this lasagna!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sauté the garlic and onion. Heat the oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Then, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, around 5 minutes.
3. Cook the spinach. Add the thawed and squeezed spinach to the pan and cook until any remaining moisture has evaporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Make the ricotta mixture. In a bowl, combine the spinach mixture, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Layer it up! Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish. Top with a layer of no-boil noodles, followed by a layer of the spinach-ricotta mixture. Repeat these layers, ending with a final layer of noodles topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake it! Cover the baking dish with greased foil and bake for 40-45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and golden brown.
7. Rest & Garnish. Let the lasagna cool for at least 20 minutes before cutting and serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice. Garnish with fresh rosemary, if desired.

Expert Tips

Want to take your lasagna to the next level? Here are a few pro tips:

Achieving the Perfect Lasagna Layers

Don’t overthink it! Just spread the sauce and ricotta mixture evenly. A little overlap with the noodles is fine.

Preventing a Watery Lasagna

This is the big one! Thoroughly squeezing the spinach is crucial. Also, don’t overdo the sauce – a thin layer is all you need between each layer.

Baking Time & Temperature Adjustments

Ovens vary, so keep an eye on it. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.

Variations

Lasagna is a blank canvas! Here are a few ideas to customize it:

Vegan Spinach Ricotta Lasagna

Substitute the ricotta cheese with a cashew-based ricotta alternative and use a vegan mozzarella.

Gluten-Free Spinach Ricotta Lasagna

Use gluten-free lasagna noodles. There are some great options available now!

Spice Level: Adding a Kick

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture or the marinara sauce for a little heat. My friend Maria loves adding a dash of cayenne pepper!

Festival Adaptations: Italian Feast Ideas

Serve this lasagna as part of a larger Italian feast with garlic bread, a fresh salad, and a glass of Chianti.

Serving Suggestions

This lasagna is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas to complete the meal:

• A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing
• Garlic bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce
• Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? Yes, please! Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave. You can also freeze individual portions for a quick and easy meal later.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What’s the best way to thaw frozen spinach for lasagna?

Thawing it in a colander overnight is the easiest. Then, squeeze out all the excess water.

Can I assemble the lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. Add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook them according to package directions before assembling the lasagna.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese (drained well) or a blend of cream cheese and sour cream can work in a pinch.

How do I prevent the lasagna from sticking to the baking dish?

Grease the baking dish well with butter or cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper.

Enjoy! I hope this Spinach Ricotta Lasagna brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Buon appetito!