
Effortless Spinach Lasagna: A Simple Recipe for Weeknight Dinners
Spinach lasagna is a classic comfort food, but the thought of making it from scratch can feel daunting. This recipe simplifies the process, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. It’s packed with flavor, uses readily available ingredients, and doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Say goodbye to complicated lasagna recipes and hello to this easy and delicious spinach lasagna!
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe focuses on streamlining the lasagna-making process without sacrificing flavor. Here’s why it’s so successful:
* **No-boil noodles:** Using no-boil lasagna noodles cuts down on prep time significantly. Simply layer them directly into the dish; they’ll cook perfectly in the oven as they absorb the sauce and cheese.
* **Simplified sauce:** Instead of a long-simmered ragu, we’re using a flavorful and quick tomato sauce base enhanced with garlic, herbs, and a touch of sweetness.
* **Creamy ricotta filling:** The ricotta filling is lightened with spinach and seasoned with nutmeg and Parmesan cheese for a classic Italian flavor.
* **Easy layering:** The layering process is straightforward and forgiving, making this recipe approachable for even beginner cooks.
* **Freezer-friendly:** This lasagna freezes beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping or batch cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
* **Lasagna Noodles:** 1 box (about 12-16) no-boil lasagna noodles
* **Spinach:** 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
* **Ricotta Cheese:** 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* **Tomato Sauce:** 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce or your favorite tomato sauce
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced
* **Onion:** 1 medium onion, chopped
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons olive oil
* **Egg:** 1 large egg
* **Dried Oregano:** 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* **Dried Basil:** 1 teaspoon dried basil
* **Nutmeg:** 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **(Optional) Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (or more to taste), for a little heat
Equipment
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large skillet or saucepan
* Large bowl
* Cheese grater
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Mixing spoon or spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious spinach lasagna:
**1. Prepare the Spinach:**
* Thaw the frozen spinach completely. Place the thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Twist and squeeze firmly to remove as much excess water as possible. This is crucial to prevent a watery lasagna.
* Roughly chop the squeezed spinach and set aside.
**2. Make the Tomato Sauce:**
* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
* Pour in the tomato sauce. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
* Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
* Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If the sauce is too acidic, add a pinch of sugar.
**3. Prepare the Ricotta Filling:**
* In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
* Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
* Add the squeezed and chopped spinach to the ricotta mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
**4. Assemble the Lasagna:**
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce (about 1 cup) evenly across the bottom of the 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking.
* Arrange a layer of no-boil lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping them slightly if necessary to cover the entire bottom of the dish. You may need to break some noodles to fit.
* Spread half of the ricotta-spinach mixture evenly over the noodles.
* Sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta mixture.
* Spoon another layer of tomato sauce (about 1 1/2 cups) over the mozzarella cheese.
* Repeat layers: noodles, remaining ricotta-spinach mixture, another one-third of the mozzarella cheese, and another layer of tomato sauce (about 1 1/2 cups).
* Top with a final layer of noodles, the remaining tomato sauce, and the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
**5. Bake the Lasagna:**
* Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to trap moisture and prevent the top from browning too quickly.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
* Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
* If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
**6. Rest Before Serving:**
* Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the lasagna to set properly, making it easier to cut and serve.
Tips for Success
* **Squeeze the spinach thoroughly:** This is the most important step for preventing a watery lasagna. Don’t skip it!
* **Don’t overcook the lasagna:** Overcooked lasagna can become dry and rubbery. Watch it carefully during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
* **Let it rest:** Resting the lasagna is crucial for a clean cut. Be patient and let it set before serving.
* **Use good-quality ingredients:** While this recipe is simple, using high-quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in the final flavor.
* **Adjust the seasonings to your liking:** Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Add more garlic, herbs, or red pepper flakes as desired.
* **Customize your lasagna:** Feel free to add other vegetables to your lasagna, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also substitute different cheeses, such as provolone or fontina.
* **Prevent sticking**: Ensure you generously sauce the bottom of the pan to prevent the pasta from sticking. Also, lightly spray the foil that covers the lasagna before baking to prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil.
Variations
* **Meat Lovers:** Add a layer of cooked ground beef, sausage, or Italian sausage to the lasagna for a heartier meal.
* **Vegetarian:** Add other vegetables, such as sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers, to the ricotta filling or between the layers.
* **White Sauce Lasagna:** Substitute the tomato sauce with a creamy béchamel sauce.
* **Spicy Lasagna:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta filling and the tomato sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Chicken Lasagna:** Add shredded cooked chicken to the ricotta mixture or between the layers.
Serving Suggestions
This spinach lasagna is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with the following:
* **Garlic Bread:** A classic accompaniment to lasagna.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lasagna.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Wine:** A light-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Pinot Noir, pairs well with lasagna.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
* **Make-Ahead:** You can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Add about 15 minutes to the baking time.
* **Storage:** Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
* **Freezing:** To freeze lasagna, let it cool completely. Cut it into individual portions or freeze the whole lasagna in a freezer-safe dish. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – approximate)
(Please note that these values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 25-30g
* Fat: 20-25g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
Conclusion
This simple spinach lasagna recipe is a winner because it delivers all the comfort and flavor of a classic lasagna without the fuss. With easy-to-find ingredients, straightforward instructions, and the convenience of no-boil noodles, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in no time. Enjoy!