Sunday Spinach Lasagna
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
I love whipping up my Sunday Spinach Lasagna for family gatherings — it’s always a crowd-pleaser! The vibrant layers of fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, and tangy marinara create a dish that truly elevates our weekend meals. With its rich flavors and cheesy goodness, this lasagna is comfort food at its finest. Plus, I enjoy how simple it is to prepare, making it even more satisfying when it comes out of the oven bubbling and golden. It’s perfect for meal prep or an impressive dinner party dish!
Making Sunday Spinach Lasagna is one of my weekend rituals, and each time I prepare it, I discover small ways to enhance the recipe. For instance, experimenting with different cheese blends has really taken the flavor to new heights! Using a mixture of mozzarella and provolone gives the dish a delightful stretch and depth of taste that my family can’t resist.
I’ve found that allowing the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing not only helps with presentation but also intensifies the flavor as the layers meld together. Trust me, this step makes all the difference when serving!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy ricotta and fresh spinach create a deliciously rich filling
- Layers of gooey cheese and zesty marinara for maximum flavor
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers!
Perfecting Your Layers
The layering process in lasagna can make or break the dish. When assembling, ensure each layer is evenly spread to prevent any dry bites. Start with a thin layer of marinara on the bottom to keep the noodles from sticking. I recommend using a spatula or the back of a spoon to help spread the ricotta mixture evenly and gently press down each layer for better adhesion as the lasagna bakes.
As you build your lasagna, consider the importance of the order of ingredients. The richness of the ricotta filling pairs beautifully with the fresh spinach, which also adds moisture. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add cooked mushrooms or even sautéed zucchini for extra flavor and texture. These ingredients will blend nicely while baking, contributing to a vibrant and hearty meal.
Baking Tips
Baking your lasagna just right is crucial to achieving a gooey texture with a slightly crispy top. After covering it with foil to trap moisture, bake it at 375°F for the first 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld without drying out the cheese. When you remove the foil, keep an eye on it—it should turn golden with bubbly edges, which takes about another 15 minutes.
If you find your lasagna bubbling over, it may be due to overfilling or the ingredients releasing too much moisture. To prevent this, be sure to drain excess liquid from your marinara sauce before layering. Additionally, letting the dish rest for at least 10 minutes after baking will help stabilize the layers, making it easier to slice while enhancing the overall flavor.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to make a delightful Sunday Spinach Lasagna:
Lasagna Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Have everything ready? Let's put it together!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious lasagna:
Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and place them on a greased baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, minced garlic, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Assemble the Lasagna
Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Layer three lasagna noodles, then half the ricotta mixture, a third of the mozzarella, and some marinara sauce. Repeat the layers, ending with noodles and topping with marinara and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake the Lasagna
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serve
Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with fresh salad or garlic bread.
Enjoy your homemade Sunday Spinach Lasagna!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider sprinkling some fresh basil or Italian seasoning over the top before serving. This adds a lovely aroma and enhances the taste even further.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you're looking to lighten up the dish, you can swap the ricotta cheese for cottage cheese. It maintains a similar texture but offers a lower fat option. You might want to blend it briefly in a food processor to achieve a creamier consistency before using it as a filling. Additionally, using whole wheat lasagna noodles adds more fiber and can make this dish feel a bit heartier.
For a dairy-free version, look for vegan ricotta alternatives made from nuts or tofu. Be sure to check the flavor profile, as some may be sweeter than traditional ricotta. You can also experiment with almond or cashew mozzarella as a substitute for the shredded cheese; just remember that melting characteristics may vary.
Storage and Reheating
Lasagna is an excellent make-ahead meal. You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap to retain moisture. If you're freezing it, assemble the lasagna but avoid baking. Wrap it well and store it in an airtight container; it can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to cook, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
To reheat leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the lasagna with foil to keep moisture in. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through, checking for bubbling edges. If you want a crispier top, uncover it for the last few minutes of baking. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious to not overheat, as it can dry out the cheese.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, just make sure to adjust the amount of sauce to ensure the noodles cook properly.
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers can be great additions.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
→ Can I freeze this lasagna?
Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. Ensure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Sunday Spinach Lasagna
I love whipping up my Sunday Spinach Lasagna for family gatherings — it’s always a crowd-pleaser! The vibrant layers of fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, and tangy marinara create a dish that truly elevates our weekend meals. With its rich flavors and cheesy goodness, this lasagna is comfort food at its finest. Plus, I enjoy how simple it is to prepare, making it even more satisfying when it comes out of the oven bubbling and golden. It’s perfect for meal prep or an impressive dinner party dish!
Created by: Morgan Reeves
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
Lasagna Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
How-To Steps
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and place them on a greased baking sheet to prevent sticking.
In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, minced garlic, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Layer three lasagna noodles, then half the ricotta mixture, a third of the mozzarella, and some marinara sauce. Repeat the layers, ending with noodles and topping with marinara and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with fresh salad or garlic bread.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider sprinkling some fresh basil or Italian seasoning over the top before serving. This adds a lovely aroma and enhances the taste even further.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g