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Spinach Lasagna That’s Layered With Love

Alright, I have to admit—this spinach lasagna might just be my secret weapon for turning any weeknight into a cozy, comforting feast. The layers of tender pasta, creamy ricotta, and vibrant spinach come together like a warm hug on a plate. Plus, there’s something about the way that melted mozzarella bubbles up and browns that instantly makes the kitchen smell like home. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving some cheesy goodness, this recipe is straightforward and foolproof. Trust me, every bite feels like it was crafted with a little extra love—because it was!

Quick Facts

Yield: Serves 6
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

9 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
1 (10-ounce) package fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or 1 (16-ounce) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and thoroughly drained)
15 ounces ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

How I Make It

Step 1:

Start by prepping your spinach. If using fresh, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the spinach and sauté until wilted (or until the excess water has evaporated if frozen). Stir frequently so it doesn’t stick. Once done, set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2:

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Once the spinach has cooled, squeeze out any remaining moisture and fold it into the ricotta mixture. This creamy, seasoned filling is what makes every bite delightful!

Step 3:

If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to package directions until al dente. Drain and drizzle a little olive oil to keep them from sticking. For no-boil noodles, you can skip this step.

Step 4:

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread about a cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will keep your noodles from sticking and add flavor right from the start.

Step 5:

Now for the fun part: assembling! Layer three noodles over the sauce, then dollop and spread one-third of the ricotta-spinach mixture. Sprinkle with about one-third of the mozzarella cheese and a bit of Parmesan. Spoon some sauce on top to keep it moist. Repeat this two more times, finishing off with a generous layer of sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Step 6:

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving—this helps it set and makes slicing cleaner.

Variations & Tips

Add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini to the spinach mixture for extra veggies.
Swap out part of ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter texture.
Use no-boil noodles if you’re short on time; just add a bit more sauce to keep it moist.
For a bit of a spicy kick, stir some red pepper flakes into the marinara.
If your sauce is watery, simmer it down first to avoid a soggy lasagna.
Fresh basil sprinkled on top before serving adds a bright, herby note.

How I Like to Serve It

Spinach lasagna is a hit year-round but especially comforting on chilly nights. I love pairing it with a crisp side salad and a glass of red wine when I’m entertaining friends. For a family-friendly twist, add garlic bread or roasted veggies on the side. It’s also fantastic heated up for lunch the next day—bonus!

Notes

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Feel free to swap fresh spinach for frozen—but be sure to squeeze out as much water as possible to avoid sogginess.

Closing: This spinach lasagna is always a crowd-pleaser because of its perfectly balanced layers and comforting flavors that feel like a warm kitchen hug every time.