Best 14 Spinach Lasagna I Recipes

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Spinach lasagna is a classic Italian dish that combines the flavors of spinach, cheese, and pasta into a delicious and hearty meal. Whether you're looking for a vegetarian main course or a side dish to serve with your favorite protein, spinach lasagna is a great choice. With its creamy filling, crispy edges, and cheesy topping, it's sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. In this article, we'll provide you with the best spinach lasagna recipe, so you can enjoy this classic dish in the comfort of your own home. We'll also offer some tips and tricks for making the perfect lasagna, so you can impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SPINACH LASAGNA



Spinach Lasagna image

Traditional lasagna goes vegetarian when you substitute the meat for vegetables like spinach and zucchini. Layer this spinach lasagna with 3 types of cheese and bechamel sauce. You won't even miss the meat.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Healthy Recipes     Vegetarian Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/4 cup olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons coarse salt
2 pounds baby spinach
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 quart milk
1 packed cup grated Parmesan (3 ounces)
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 medium zucchini (about 1 pound), sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick planks
8 ounces no-boil lasagna noodles
6 ounces mozzarella, shredded
1/3 packed cup (1 ounce) grated Pecorino Romano

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees with rack in middle position.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. When oil shimmers, add onions and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, 3 minutes. Add spinach, a few handfuls at a time, and cook, stirring frequently, until all spinach is wilted, 3-5 minutes. Transfer to a mesh strainer and press against spinach to remove as much liquid as possible.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt butter over high heat. Add flour and cook, whisking constantly, until roux is golden brown, 1 minute. Add milk and continue whisking until milk begins to boil and thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan, nutmeg, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Cover surface with plastic wrap.
  • Heat remaining 3 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry zucchini, turning once, until golden brown on both sides, 2 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  • Spread 1 cup bechamel along the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Place one-third of noodles over bechamel in a single, overlapping layer. Top with 1 cup bechamel and half of spinach. Repeat with a second layer of noodles, bechamel, and spinach. Top with remaining noodles, remaining bechamel, zucchini, mozzarella, and Pecorino Romano. Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until cheese is golden in places and lasagna is bubbling along the edges, about 15 minutes.
  • Remove lasagna from oven and let stand 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

SPINACH LASAGNA



Spinach Lasagna image

Due to an injury, I'm not as active as I used to be and can't burn off the calories. Because I love Italian food, one of the first things I looked for was a low-fat lasagna. This meatless recipe is not only good, it's good for you. -E. Marie Goetz, Morgantown, Kentucky

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h10m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

12 uncooked lasagna noodles
2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
2 cartons (15 ounces each) fat-free ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1 large egg white
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce

Steps:

  • Cook noodles according to package directions. Rinse in cold water; drain well., In a large bowl, combine the spinach, ricotta cheese, egg, egg white, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, garlic, basil, pepper and nutmeg. Combine mozzarella cheese and remaining Parmesan cheese., In a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray, layer three noodles, 3/4 cup tomato sauce, 1 cup spinach mixture and 3/4 cup cheese mixture. Repeat layers three times., Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 45-50 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand for 10-15 minutes before cutting.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 300 calories, Fat 8g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 53mg cholesterol, Sodium 753mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

PERFECT SPINACH LASAGNA



Perfect Spinach Lasagna image

This is a classic tried-and-true spinach lasagna recipe, simple and delicious. Whether you are a vegetarian or not, you will love this lasagna.

Provided by Diana Rattray

Categories     Dinner     Entree

Time 1h40m

Number Of Ingredients 9

16 ounces ricotta cheese
2 (10-ounce) packages frozen spinach , thawed, drained well, and divided
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
32 to 48 ounces spaghetti sauce, or marinara, store-bought or homemade
8 to 10 ounces lasagna noodles, cooked, cooled enough to handle
16 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • Gather the ingredients.
  • Heat the oven to 350 F. Lightly grease a 9-by-13-by-2-inch baking dish or lasagna pan .
  • In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the drained and squeezed spinach, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, the egg, garlic powder, and salt. Mix to blend well.
  • Mix the remaining half of the drained spinach with the marinara sauce .
  • Spread about 1/2 to 1 cup of the marinara-spinach mixture over the bottom of the baking dish, just enough to coat the bottom.
  • Top with a layer of noodles.
  • Top the noodle layer with about 3/4 cup of the marinara; spread over the noodles.
  • With a small spoon, put about one-third of the ricotta mixture over the sauce layer, spacing evenly in small dollops, then sprinkle with about one-quarter of the mozzarella cheese.
  • Repeat, making two more layers of the noodles, sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella.
  • Top with another layer of noodles, the rest of the sauce, shredded mozzarella, and the remaining half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Grease a sheet of foil large enough to fit over the lasagna. Cover the lasagna tightly with the foil, greased side down. If your baking pan is very full, place a foil-lined baking sheet on a lower rack to catch spills.
  • Bake the lasagna for about 45 minutes, or until very hot and you can see it is beginning to bubble.
  • Remove the foil and bake for 20 to 30 minutes longer, until very hot and the cheese has melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 326 kcal, Carbohydrate 23 g, Cholesterol 67 mg, Fiber 5 g, Protein 21 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, Sodium 1106 mg, Sugar 7 g, Fat 17 g, ServingSize 12 Portions (12 Servings), UnsaturatedFat 0 g

SPINACH LASAGNA



Spinach Lasagna image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h45m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 tablespoons EVOO
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, chopped
Two 28-ounce cans San Marzano tomatoes
2 cups passata or tomato sauce
A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
1 small onion, peeled and halved
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 boxes or bags frozen chopped organic spinach, defrosted and wrung dry
1 1/2 pounds mozzarella, thinly sliced, thickly shredded or diced
3 cups fresh ricotta (cow or sheep's milk), drained
2 cups grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (cow's milk) or pecorino (tangy sheep's milk)
2 egg yolks, lightly beaten
Freshly grated nutmeg, as needed
1 box no-boil flat lasagna noodles, such as Barilla, or 12 curly regular dried lasagna noodles

Steps:

  • Heat the EVOO in a saucepot and add the butter. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and crush them up a bit. Add the passata, a fat handful of torn basil leaves, the onion and some salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and simmer for 40 to 45 minutes. Remove the onion and set the sauce aside.
  • Separate the spinach while adding it to a mixing bowl. Add half of the mozzarella, the ricotta, 1 1/2 cups of the Parmigiano-Reggiano and the eggs yolks and mix to combine. Season with grated nutmeg, salt and pepper.
  • Layer a little sauce into a lasagna pan and top with three flat lasagna sheets or four curly. Top with a little more sauce, and then half of the spinach and cheese mixture. Repeat with another layer, and end on top with lasagna sheets. Top with some sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
  • The lasagna can be stored before or after baking for a make-ahead meal, or baked to serve immediately. When baking the first time, bake at 375 degrees F, uncovered, from room temperature until cooked through and brown and bubbling on top, 60 to 70 minutes. If reheating, bake at 375 degrees F, covered, for 40 to 45 minutes.
  • Let the lasagna rest 20 minutes before cutting. Serve with extra sauce on the side.

SPINACH AND MUSHROOM LASAGNA



Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 4h35m

Yield SERVES: 6 to 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 15-ounce containers part-skim ricotta cheese
1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 pounds part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 6 cups)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (about 1 ounce)
1 32-ounce jar marinara sauce
12 to 18 lasagna noodles (not no-boil)

Steps:

  • Stir the ricotta, spinach, mushrooms, parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl. In a medium bowl, combine the mozzarella and parmesan.
  • Spread about 1/2 cup marinara sauce in a thin layer in a 6-quart slow cooker. Cover with a single layer of uncooked lasagna noodles (4 to 6 noodles), breaking them as needed to fit. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Top with about one-third of the remaining sauce, then sprinkle with about one-third of the mozzarella mixture. Repeat the layers (noodles, ricotta, sauce, mozzarella mixture). Top with the remaining noodles, then the remaining sauce and mozzarella mixture.
  • Cover and cook on low, 4 hours. Uncover and let rest 15 minutes so the excess liquid is absorbed.

SPINACH LASAGNA III



Spinach Lasagna III image

Fresh spinach and plenty of ricotta, Romano and mozzarella make this a cheesy and hearty dish. This lasagna can also be made without the spinach.

Provided by Robbie Rice

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h50m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 16

20 lasagna noodles
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
1 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 cups fresh spinach
3 cups ricotta cheese
⅔ cup grated Romano cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 egg
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
3 cups tomato pasta sauce
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook mushrooms, onions, and garlic in olive oil until onions are tender. Drain excess liquid and cool. Boil spinach for 5 minutes. Drain, then squeeze out excess liquid. Chop spinach.
  • Combine ricotta cheese, Romano cheese, spinach, salt, oregano, basil, pepper, and egg in a bowl. Add cooled mushroom mixture. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute. Lay 5 lasagna noodles in bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread one third of the cheese/spinach mixture over noodles. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese on top. Spread 1 cup pasta sauce over cheese. Repeat layering 2 times.
  • Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven for 1 hour. Cool 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 360 calories, Carbohydrate 41.2 g, Cholesterol 47.6 mg, Fat 13.5 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 19 g, SaturatedFat 6.2 g, Sodium 875.4 mg, Sugar 8.1 g

SPINACH LASAGNA



Spinach Lasagna image

Equal parts indulgent and virtuous, this meatless lasagna from Mark Bittman will please everyone at the table. Serve it with a green salad on a weeknight, or alongside a platter of meatballs for Sunday dinner. And listen: We won't tell anyone if you use no-boil noodles or frozen spinach. It's all good either way.

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories     dinner, casseroles, main course

Time 1h

Yield 6 servings or more

Number Of Ingredients 8

12 to 16 dried or fresh lasagna noodles
3 to 4 cups good tomato sauce
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 cups cooked spinach, squeezed dry and chopped (about 1 1/2 pounds fresh)
1 1/2 cups ricotta
1 1/2 cups coarsely grated mozzarella
2 cups grated Parmesan
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • If you're using dried pasta, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. If you're using fresh pasta sheets, cut them into long wide noodles approximately 3 inches by 13 inches, or a size that will fit into your lasagna dish. Cook the noodles (6 at a time for dried noodles) until they are tender but still underdone (they will finish cooking as the lasagna bakes); fresh pasta will take only a minute. Drain and then lay the noodles flat on a towel so they won't stick.
  • Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Grease a rectangular baking dish with the olive oil, add a large dollop of tomato sauce and spread it around. Put a layer of noodles (use four) in the dish, trimming any overhanging edges; top with a layer of tomato sauce, one-third of the spinach, and one-fourth of the ricotta (use your fingers to spread it evenly), the mozzarella and the Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
  • Repeat the layers twice, and top with the remaining noodles, tomato sauce, ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan; the top should be covered with cheese; add more ricotta and Parmesan as needed. (The lasagna may be made ahead to this point, wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to a day or frozen. Bring to room temperature before proceeding.)
  • Bake until the lasagna is bubbling and the cheese is melted and lightly browned on top, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest a few minutes before serving, or cool completely, cover well, and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 588, UnsaturatedFat 12 grams, Carbohydrate 44 grams, Fat 30 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 36 grams, SaturatedFat 16 grams, Sodium 1451 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams

SPINACH LASAGNA



Spinach Lasagna image

My husbands favorite food. My mother-in-law gave me the recipe when we got married so that my husband wouldn't be without it. You can really put things in any order. Sometimes I put in a layer of the mozzarella in the middle. Sometimes I add sliced mushrooms or soy fake meat. The real secret is the more sauce and cheese, the better.

Provided by SweetAsHoney

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 1h35m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 (8 ounce) box lasagna noodles
2 (26 ounce) jars pasta sauce
ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
1/2-1 lb mozzarella cheese
1 (32 ounce) bag spinach

Steps:

  • Cover the bottom of a rectangle pan with sauce (just enough to cover.) I use the large deep foil pan. It is best to use a pan deep enough to leave room at the top, so that foil doesn't touch the lasagne and get stuck on the cheese.
  • Put a layer of lasagna noodles (uncooked)--kind of overlap them. I usually overlap 4 to fit across the pan.
  • Now put a layer of ricotta cheese. Spread thinly across the noodles.
  • Pour on sauce.
  • Then spinach and more sauce.
  • Repeat: Noodles, ricotta, sauce, spinach, sauce. Noodles, ricotta, sauce, spinach, sauce.
  • End with noodles.
  • Pour sauce over.
  • Then really end with grated mozzarella.
  • Cover pan tightly with foil, put in oven at 350 degrees and cook about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • Serve with a salad and some french bread (whole wheat is best!) and you have a great meal.

SPINACH LASAGNA



Spinach Lasagna image

Provided by Joan Lang

Categories     Cheese     Pasta     Bake     Dinner     Parmesan     Spinach     Healthy     Self     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 tablespoons olive oil
6 large onions (2 white, 2 red, 2 yellow), halved and thinly sliced
6 cloves garlic, chopped
1 1/2 cups lowfat chicken or vegetable stock, divided
6 scallions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons salt (preferably sea salt), plus more to season
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to season
9 whole-wheat lasagna noodles
2 packages (9 ounces each) frozen spinach
1 tablespoon salted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 egg
2 cups part-skim ricotta
Grated zest of 1/2 lemon
Olive oil cooking spray
1 cup grated Parmesan, divided

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375°F. In a large sauté pan over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions and garlic; toss to coat. Add 1 cup stock; cover and reduce heat; simmer until onions are soft, 20 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup liquid. Add scallions, oregano, salt and pepper to onion mixture; increase heat to medium and cook, stirring, until liquid evaporates, 20 minutes. Cook noodles as directed on package; drain and blot dry. Cook spinach as directed on package; drain, squeeze dry, and season with salt and pepper. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour; stir until roux is brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Add remaining 1/2 cup stock to reserved liquid; whisk into roux until thick, 5 minutes. In a bowl, beat egg; stir in ricotta and zest. Coat a 9" x 13" pan with cooking spray; spread half of stock-roux mixture on bottom. Line pan with 3 noodles; layer on half of onion and ricotta mixtures, half of spinach and 1/3 cup Parmesan. Repeat layer with 3 noodles, remaining onion and ricotta mixtures and spinach, and 1/3 cup Parmesan. Top with remaining 3 noodles, half of stock-roux mixture and 1/3 cup grated Parmesan. Cover with foil; bake until light brown, 50 minutes. Reduce heat to 325°F; remove foil and bake 15 minutes more. Let lasagna sit 15 minutes; serve.

BEEF AND SPINACH LASAGNA



Beef and Spinach Lasagna image

Using no-cook noodles gives you a jump start on assembling this hearty beef and spinach lasagna. It cuts nicely after standing a few minutes, revealing flavorful layers. -Carolyn Schmeling, Brookfield, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h20m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 jars (24 ounces each) spaghetti sauce
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
9 no-cook lasagna noodles
Minced fresh basil, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; crumble beef drain. Stir in the spaghetti sauce, garlic, basil and oregano. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. In a large bowl, mix together the spinach, ricotta and 1 cup mozzarella cheese., Spread 1-1/2 cups meat sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Top with 3 noodles. Spread 1-1/2 cups sauce to edges of noodles. Top with half of the spinach mixture. Repeat layers. Top with the remaining noodles, sauce and 1 cup mozzarella cheese., Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake until bubbly, 10-15 minutes longer. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting. If desired, top with minced fresh basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 281 calories, Fat 11g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 50mg cholesterol, Sodium 702mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 20g protein.

CHEESY SPINACH LASAGNA



Cheesy Spinach Lasagna image

Spinach even the kids will love! Use oven ready lasagna noodles to make this quick and easy vegetarian entree.

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 50m

Yield 12 Servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup ricotta cheese
1 package (9 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, patted dry
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Parmesan cheese
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
3 eggs
2 tablespoons Spice Islands® Italian Herb Seasoning
1 teaspoon Spice Islands® Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon Spice Islands® Fine Grind Black Pepper
2 cans (4 ounces each) sliced mushrooms, drained
4 ounces no boil lasagna noodles (8 noodles)
1 jar (26 ounces) prepared spaghetti sauce

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine spinach, ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, Italian herb seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper in medium bowl. Stir in mushrooms. Set aside. Grease a 13 x 9-inch pan. Line with a single layer of lasagna noodles. Top with half of spinach/cheese mixture. Pour half of spaghetti sauce over all. Repeat. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover with foil. Bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Let rest 10 minutes before cutting for easy serving.

SPINACH LASAGNA RECIPE



Spinach Lasagna Recipe image

Feature a new star on the table with our Spinach Lasagna Recipe. Our scene-stealing Spinach Lasagna Recipe features cheesy spinach, noodles and mozzarella.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Lasagna Recipes

Time 1h10m

Yield 9 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 eggs, beaten
1 container (16 oz.) BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN 2% Milkfat Low Fat Cottage Cheese
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, well drained
3 cups KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided
1/2 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese, divided
1 jar (24 oz.) CLASSICO Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce, divided
9 lasagna noodles, cooked

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F.
  • Mix eggs, cottage cheese, spinach, 2 cups mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan until blended.
  • Spread 1 cup pasta sauce onto bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; cover with 3 noodles and half the cottage cheese mixture. Repeat layers. Top with remaining noodles, pasta sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  • Bake 45 min. or until heated through. Remove from oven. Let stand 10 min. before cutting to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 330, Fat 12 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 75 mg, Sodium 840 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 25 g

SPINACH-ARTICHOKE LASAGNA



Spinach-Artichoke Lasagna image

Inspired by the artichoke slice at Artichoke Basille's Pizza in New York City, this white sauce lasagna is a dreamy multilayered dinner. Frizzling chopped canned artichoke hearts in olive oil reduces their water content, thereby concentrating their earthy, buttery flavor. What binds the dish together is a nutmeg-rich béchamel sauce that makes everything taste comforting and familiar. Cottage cheese in place of the more traditional ricotta nixes any potential for the grainy dryness that plagues so many lasagnas. Layering this creamy, saucy wonder in an 8-inch square pan leaves you with the perfect amount of leftovers for when you want some as a snack - a snacking lasagna, if you will.

Provided by Eric Kim

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 2h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/4 cup olive oil
1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, coarsely chopped and well drained
1 (5-ounce) package baby spinach
Salt and black pepper
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups half-and-half (or 2 cups each whole milk and heavy cream)
Freshly grated nutmeg
12 dry lasagna noodles (10 to 12 ounces)
8 ounces cottage cheese (heaping 3/4 cup)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan (2 ounces)
1 large egg
1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese (4 ounces)

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Boil a kettle of water (an electric kettle works great here).
  • Meanwhile, heat a medium saucepan over medium-high. Add the olive oil and artichoke hearts and cook, stirring occasionally, until the artichoke hearts fall apart, become jammy and start to brown at the edges, 10 to 15 minutes. Add the spinach, season with salt and pepper, and stir until considerably wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and return the saucepan to the stove (no need to wash it out).
  • Make the béchamel sauce: In the saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Still whisking constantly, slowly add the half-and-half. Raise the heat to high and bring to a simmer, whisking all the while, then immediately reduce the heat to continue simmering, now whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens to the consistency of gravy, 10 to 20 minutes. Season generously with salt, pepper and nutmeg.
  • Add half of the béchamel to the bowl with the artichokes. Stir to combine and cool slightly, for about 15 minutes. While the mixture cools, place the lasagna noodles in a large high-sided pan or dish, pour over the recently boiled water from the kettle and let soak until the noodles are softened but not soggy, about 15 minutes. Add the cottage cheese, Parmesan and egg to the artichoke mixture, season with salt and pepper and stir to combine.
  • Assemble the lasagna: In an 8-inch square baking pan or dish, add enough béchamel to thinly coat the bottom. Put down a single layer of lasagna noodles, about 3 noodles, letting the ends rise up the edges of the pan. Spread half of the artichoke mixture evenly over the noodles. Turn the pan 90 degrees and put down another layer of lasagna noodles, again pressing the ends up against the edges of the pan. Spread half of the béchamel evenly over the noodles. Repeat these layers once more with the remaining lasagna noodles, artichoke mixture and béchamel, ending with the béchamel. Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella on top. (At this point, you can cover the lasagna and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours if not baking right away.)
  • Bake the lasagna until the sauce is bubbling at the edges (especially in the corners of the pan), and the mozzarella and the exposed ends of the noodles are golden brown and crispy, 15 to 20 minutes. (Add more time if baking directly from the refrigerator.) Let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing so that slices won't collapse when transferred to plates.

TRADITIONAL ITALIAN SPINACH LASAGNA



Traditional Italian Spinach Lasagna image

This is a dish I make only once a year. We invite friends to dinner. If there are any leftovers, I freeze them in single serving size bags and put those into a large freezer bag. This is labor intensive, and an all day affair for me. I like that the crosswise sections make me think of the Italian flag.

Provided by Sweetiebarbara

Categories     Pork

Time 6h

Yield 1 Large Lasagna, 18 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

4 onions (chopped)
4 garlic cloves (mashed)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 lbs sausage
2 teaspoons fennel seeds (ground)
2 tablespoons dried basil
2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon Italian parsley
3 quarts tomatoes
15 ounces tomato sauce
6 ounces tomato paste
10 ounces fresh spinach
16 ounces ricotta cheese
4 eggs
1 cup parmesan cheese
1 lb mozzarella cheese (cut into large pieces)
3 ounces parmesan cheese or 3 ounces asiago cheese, etc

Steps:

  • Saute the onions and garlic in a heavy iron pot in olive oil, until translucent, then remove from pot, and set aside.
  • Put sausage in pot with ground fennel and brown.
  • Add basil, oregano, and parsley.
  • Stir in onions and garlic, as well as tomatoes, tomato sauce and paste.
  • Let simmer gently about 2-3 hours.
  • Boil lasagna noodles according to package directions, and hang to dry.
  • Beat together eggs, ricotta and parmesan cheese, set aside.
  • Build lasanga:.
  • Barely cover bottom of large, deep lasagna pan with sauce.
  • Place a layer of noodles lengthwise over sauce.
  • Place all of spinach over noodles.
  • Cover this with a layer of noodles shortwise.
  • Spread ricotta cheese mixture over noodles, and cover this with a lengthwise layer of noodles.
  • Put one half of remaining sauce over noodles and cover with shortwise noodles.
  • place mozzerella cheese over noodles into a somewhat solid sheet and cover with lengthwise noodles.
  • Pour remaining sauce over top.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes, or until bubbly.
  • Grate hard cheese over top as soon as you pull it from the oven.
  • Serve with Italian bread and a salad.

Tips:

  • Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess water before using.
  • For a richer lasagna, use a combination of ricotta and cottage cheese. For a lighter lasagna, use all ricotta cheese.
  • If you don't have a lasagna noodle roller, you can use pre-made lasagna noodles.
  • Be sure to layer the lasagna evenly so that each bite has a balance of flavors and textures.
  • Bake the lasagna until it is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Conclusion:

Spinach lasagna is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables, and it is also a good source of protein and calcium. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make a spinach lasagna that will impress your family and friends.

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