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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle for even cooking.
- Thoroughly drain the spinach, pressing out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- 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.
- Prepare the baking dish by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- Continue layering by repeating the previous step three more times, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Complete the final layer with remaining pasta sheets, cover with sauce, and top with the remaining cheeses to create a golden, bubbling surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese turns golden and the edges become crispy.
- Allow the pasta bake to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- 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