Heavenly Three Cheese Spinach Lasagna Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Layers of melted cheese and vibrant spinach dance together in this irresistible three cheese spinach lasagna that promises pure comfort.

Creamy ricotta, sharp parmesan, and gooey mozzarella create a luxurious backdrop for tender spinach leaves.

Every forkful brings a delightful blend of rich, earthy flavors that warm the soul.

The recipe balances delicate ingredients with robust Italian traditions.

Hearty and satisfying, this lasagna transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular meal.

cheese lovers and vegetable enthusiasts will fall in love with this classic dish that celebrates fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Prepare to savor a culinary masterpiece that elevates weeknight dining to something truly special.

FAQs

• How do I ensure the spinach is properly drained?

Squeeze spinach in a clean kitchen towel or use a fine-mesh strainer to press out excess moisture, preventing a watery pasta bake.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw frozen spinach completely and drain thoroughly by squeezing out all liquid to maintain the right consistency for the filling.

• What if I don't have ricotta cheese?

Substitute with cottage cheese or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture in the spinach mixture.

• How can I tell if the pasta bake is fully cooked?

Look for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges, which indicate the cheese is melted and the dish is heated through completely.

What Makes Three Cheese Pasta Bake a Comfort Hit

• Savor Cheesy Comfort: Indulge in a creamy, rich pasta bake that wraps you in warm, cheesy goodness with minimal effort.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Whip up a crowd-pleasing meal that brings everyone together, packed with nutritious spinach and three delicious cheeses.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this one-dish wonder transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.
• Simple Layering Magic: Create impressive results with an easy layering technique that guarantees a perfectly balanced bite every single time.

Three Cheese Pasta Bake – What Goes In

• Ricotta Cheese: A creamy, mild cheese that provides a smooth texture to the pasta bake.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard, salty cheese that adds depth and richness to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A soft cheese that melts beautifully and creates a golden, stretchy topping.

• Lasagna Sheets: Wide, flat pasta noodles that form the structure of this layered dish.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian tomato sauce that brings a tangy and fresh flavor to the pasta bake.

• Spinach: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color, texture, and earthy flavor to the filling.
• Fresh Basil: A fragrant herb that provides a bright, aromatic garnish to the finished dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the cheese and spinach mixture.

Step-By-Step for Three Cheese Pasta Bake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400F (200C) temperature, preparing it for the delicious journey ahead.

Step 2: Squeeze Out Moisture

Take your spinach and press out every drop of liquid, ensuring a perfectly dry and rich filling.

Step 3: Create Magical Filling

• Spinach
• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Season this mixture with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to elevate the flavors.

Step 4: Prepare The Baking Canvas

Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of your baking dish, creating a flavorful foundation.

Step 5: Build First Delicious Layer

• Add more marinara sauce
• Spread a portion of spinach-ricotta mix
• Sprinkle mozzarella cheese

Step 6: Continue Layer Adventure

Repeat the layering process three more times, building depth and complexity of flavor.

Step 7: Crown Your Creation

Place final pasta sheets on top, cover with remaining sauce, and generously scatter remaining cheeses.

Step 8: Transform In Oven

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly with irresistible color.

Step 9: Allow Peaceful Rest

Let the pasta bake settle and cool for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 10: Add Fresh Finale

Garnish with fresh, vibrant basil leaves for a stunning presentation.

Three Cheese Pasta Tips for Melty Goodness

• Remove excess moisture completely to prevent watery pasta bake and ensure a rich, creamy texture.
• Create even layers for consistent flavor distribution and beautiful presentation in each serving.
• Use high-quality, freshly grated mozzarella and parmesan for maximum melting and enhanced taste.
• Let ricotta and cheeses sit out briefly to blend smoothly and create a more cohesive filling.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes between layers for those who enjoy a subtle spicy kick to the dish.

Unique Variations for Cheese Pasta Bakes

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace cheese with cashew cream, nutritional yeast, and plant-based mozzarella. Use tofu instead of ricotta and add roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap lasagna sheets with zucchini slices or gluten-free pasta. Use cornstarch to thicken marinara sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Protein Power: Substitute pasta with thinly sliced eggplant or cauliflower sheets. Add ground chicken or turkey for extra protein and use lighter cheese options like part-skim mozzarella.

Creative Serving Ideas for Pasta Bakes

• Rustic Italian Feast: Serve this cheesy pasta bake with a crisp green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy dish.
• Fresh Herb Delight: Sprinkle extra fresh basil or chopped parsley on top just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the entire meal.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the three-cheese pasta bake with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio to balance the creamy flavors.
• Bread Buddy: Offer warm, crusty garlic bread or focaccia on the side to soak up the delicious marinara sauce and complete the Italian-inspired dining experience.

Pasta Bake Storage You Can Trust

• Store leftover Three Cheese Pasta Bake in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Tightly cover with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap individual portions or entire dish securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Pasta bake can be frozen for 2-3 months without compromising taste or texture.
• Thaw frozen pasta bake overnight in refrigerator. Warm in preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. Add a splash of marinara sauce to restore moisture during reheating.
• Always inspect stored pasta for signs of spoilage like unusual odors, mold, or discoloration before consuming.

Three Cheese Spinach Lasagna Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Culinary magic unfolds in this Three Cheese Spinach Lasagna, where layers of rich, creamy cheeses embrace tender spinach. Comfort meets sophistication in each forkful, inviting you to savor a classic Italian-inspired masterpiece.

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Ingredients

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Main Cheese Ingredients:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) ricotta cheese
• 9 ounces (255 grams) mozzarella cheese (fresh or shredded)
• 5 ounces (140 grams) parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Pasta and Vegetable Ingredients:

• 9 ounces (250 grams) lasagna sheets
• 17 ounces (480 grams) frozen spinach (2 cups thawed)
• 3 cups marinara sauce

Seasoning and Garnish:

• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle for even cooking.
2. Thoroughly drain the spinach, pressing out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
3. Create the creamy filling by combining spinach, ricotta, and three-quarters of the parmesan cheese, then season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
4. Prepare the baking dish by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom to prevent sticking.
5. Construct the first layer by carefully placing lasagna sheets over the marinara, then generously spread marinara sauce, distribute a quarter of the spinach-ricotta mixture, and sprinkle one-fifth of the mozzarella cheese.
6. Continue layering by repeating the previous step three more times, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
7. Complete the final layer with remaining pasta sheets, cover with sauce, and top with the remaining cheeses to create a golden, bubbling surface.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese turns golden and the edges become crispy.
9. Allow the pasta bake to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
10. Finish by garnishing with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic touch.

Notes

• Ensure spinach is completely dry to prevent excess moisture, which can make the dish watery and compromise the texture.
• Choose high-quality cheeses for richer, more complex flavor profiles that elevate the entire pasta bake.
• Use fresh basil as a final garnish to add a bright, aromatic finish that cuts through the richness of the cheeses.
• For a gluten-free version, swap traditional lasagna sheets with gluten-free pasta or zucchini slices to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 80mg