The Ultimate Creamy Spinach Lasagna Noboil
Recipe Introduction: Let's Talk Lasagna!
Ever crave a hug in the form of food? I sure do. And a good spinach lasagna ? Oh my gosh, it hits the spot every time. Comfort food at its finest!
Quick Hook
So, have you ever thought about making your own spinach lasagna ? It's easier than you think! The key to this recipe is the creamy ricotta and the rich tomato sauce.
This is a vegetarian lasagna recipe the whole family will love.
Brief Overview
Our spinach lasagna , a take on the classic Italian American comfort food. It's simpler than you might think. We're talking about a medium difficulty recipe that takes about an hour and fifteen minutes from start to finish.
This spinach and cheese lasagna recipe serves about eight hungry people.
Main Benefits
One of the best things about this ricotta spinach lasagna ? The spinach, of course! It's packed with vitamins and nutrients.
Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. What makes this recipe special is the no-boil noodles. They cut down the prep time without sacrificing flavor! What is better than an easy lasagna recipe ?
This spinach lasagna is more than just a recipe; it's about creating memories. I made my first one for my friend’s birthday, and honestly, it wasn’t pretty.
But everyone loved it, proving that the taste trumps all! We’ll make sure yours looks amazing too. So you can easily make-ahead spinach lasagna .
Now, before we get cooking, let's gather our ingredients.
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Dreamy Spinach Lasagna
Right then, fancy making the best spinach lasagna recipe ever? Honestly, this creamy spinach lasagna is something else. It's easier than you think! First, let's gather our bits and bobs.
A little prep goes a long way.
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Dish
For the tomato sauce, you'll need 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil . A decent olive oil makes a difference. Also, grab 1 medium onion (about 1 cup/150g), finely chopped.
Mince 2 cloves of garlic . Then there's 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes (794g) and 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce (425g) .
Essential spices: 1 teaspoon dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon dried basil . Add a pinch of heat with 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes .
Then season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Also, 1 tablespoon sugar (12g) is also necessary to balance acidity.
For the ricotta spinach lasagna filling, melt 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter . Sauté 1 clove of garlic , minced. Most importantly, you need 1 (10 ounce) package of frozen chopped spinach (283g) .
Important: Squeeze it dry! That is essential. A little 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper goes in there too.
Then, the stars: 1 (15 ounce) container of ricotta cheese (425g) and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g) . Finish with 1 large egg , lightly beaten.
Finally, for the lasagna itself, you’ll need 9 no-boil lasagna noodles and 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (200g) . These no-boil noodles are a game changer. Trust me!
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Power!
Oregano and basil are the backbone of this sauce. Don't skip them! For a bit of extra oomph, a bay leaf simmered in the sauce then removed adds depth.
If you're short on fresh garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder will do in a pinch. Just don't tell my Nonna!
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You’ll need a large skillet or saucepan for the sauce. A 9x13 inch baking dish (about 23x33 cm) is perfect for baking.
Grab a large bowl for the spinach filling, and a cheese grater . If you don't have a grater, pre-shredded cheese will work, but freshly grated is always better! A decent spatula will help too.
You could even make this a make-ahead spinach lasagna , preparing it the day before.
Cooking Method: Building Your Best Spinach Lasagna
Alright, let's dive into the heart of making a really good spinach lasagna . Honestly, it's easier than you might think.
We'll break it down step-by-step so you can impress your friends and family. Trust me, even if you're not a natural cook, you can nail this easy lasagna recipe .
Prep Like a Pro for Your Spinach Lasagna
First, we need our mise en place , which is just a fancy way of saying "everything in its place.
" Chop your onion, mince that garlic, and squeeze all the moisture out of that spinach. Seriously, squeeze it dry! This stops watery lasagna, you know? Grate the cheese too! If you are making make-ahead spinach lasagna , you should do this the night before for convenience.
This also saves so much time when you start layering.
Layering Magic: step-by-step
Here's the lowdown on layering this creamy spinach lasagna :
- Sauce the pan. Thin layer, remember.
- Add 3 no-boil noodles. Don't let them overlap too much.
- Spread half the spinach filling. Get that ricotta goodness in there. This ricotta spinach lasagna is super creamy, honestly!
- Sprinkle 1/3 of the mozzarella. Mmm, cheese.
- Drizzle 1/3 of the tomato sauce. This lasagna with spinach and tomato sauce is so good.
- Repeat layers. Same as above, get layering!
- Top with noodles, sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella. Cover with foil.
- Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for 25 minutes . Remove the foil, then bake for another 20- 25 minutes , until golden brown.
- Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing. Super important!
Pro Tips for an Amazing Lasagna
Here's a secret ingredient for your sauce: honey! Seriously, just a tablespoon gives it a lovely depth. I've experimented, and it works! Don't skip seasoning the spinach mixture.
Salt and pepper are your friends. Taste as you go! You can tweak your best spinach lasagna recipe and adjust it to your personal taste.
Recipe Notes for the Best Spinach Lasagna Recipe
Okay, so you're ready to make this creamy spinach lasagna . Awesome! Before you dive in, let's chat about a few things that’ll make your life easier, and your lasagna even tastier.
Honestly, these are the things I wish I knew the first time I made spinach and cheese lasagna . It was a learning experience, to say the least!
Level Up Your Serving Game!
Presentation is key, right? I like to let my spinach lasagna cool slightly before slicing. This helps the pieces stay together better.
A sprinkle of fresh basil on top adds a pop of color. For sides, think simple. Garlic bread is always a winner.
A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances out the richness. As for drinks, a light bodied red wine or even a sparkling Italian soda works wonders.
It's all about them good vibes, right?
Storage Secrets
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This make-ahead spinach lasagna is delicious the next day (or even the day after that, if it lasts!).
To refrigerate, just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It'll keep for up to 3 days. Freezing works too.
Cut the lasagna into individual portions, wrap them well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheating is easy. Just bake it in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through, usually about 20- 30 minutes.
Or microwave it, if you're impatient like me!
Remixing Your Lasagna: Variations on a Theme
Want to mix things up? No problem! For a vegetarian lasagna recipe , this recipe is already a hit! But if you are trying to stay a little more healthy you can swap the regular lasagna sheets for whole wheat.
If you need a gluten-free spinach lasagna , simply use gluten-free noodles. It's that easy! Got summer on your mind? Add some grilled zucchini or bell peppers.
Winter? Butternut squash puree in the ricotta layer is divine. See what's in season and get creative!
Nutrition 101
Okay, let's be real. This spinach lasagna is a treat. But it's got some goodness in it too! Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals.
Ricotta cheese provides protein and calcium. Tomatoes have antioxidants. Now, I'm not saying this is a health food. But it's a balanced meal, especially when paired with a salad.
Just be mindful of portion sizes, you know? Estimated per serving: Calories: 450-550 , Protein: 25-30g , Fat: 25-35g , Carbohydrates: 35-45g .
Honestly, making lasagna can seem intimidating. But trust me, this easy lasagna recipe is totally doable. With a few simple tweaks, you can make it your own.
So get in the kitchen, crank up the music, and have some fun! You got this. Enjoy your homemade ricotta spinach lasagna !
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil for this spinach lasagna recipe?
You can, but you'll need to pre-cook them according to the package directions until they are al dente. Slightly undercook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Make sure to drain them well and pat them dry before layering to avoid a soggy lasagna!
My spinach lasagna is always watery. What am I doing wrong?
The most common culprit is excess moisture in the spinach. Ensure you squeeze out as much water as possible from the thawed spinach really give it a good going over! Also, avoid adding too much liquid to the tomato sauce. Letting the lasagna rest after baking is key, too.
This allows it to set properly, so try to hold back like you're on the Great British Bake Off!
How long does leftover spinach lasagna last, and how should I store it?
Leftover spinach lasagna will typically last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Allow it to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or transferring it to an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices for up to 2-3 months.
Just make sure they're properly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
What are some good substitutions if I don't have all the ingredients for this spinach lasagna recipe?
Don't fret if you're missing something! You can swap cottage cheese for ricotta (puree it first for a smoother texture). If you don't have fresh garlic, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder is a fine substitute. For the tomato sauce, feel free to use your favorite jarred sauce in a pinch we won't tell anyone.
It's all about making it work!
Can I add meat to this spinach lasagna?
Absolutely! Ground beef or Italian sausage would be a great addition. Brown the meat before layering it into the lasagna, typically between the spinach and cheese layers. Pre-cooking the meat will ensure that it reaches a safe temperature and adds a delicious savory element to the dish.
The Ultimate Creamy Spinach Lasagna Noboil
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 500 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 5g |
