A classic vegetarian spinach lasagna made with layers of tender pasta, creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, baked until bubbling and golden.
3–4 cups Italian tomato saucehomemade or store-bought
2tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil
3cupsfresh spinachapproximately 1½ pounds, cooked and thoroughly drained
32ounceswhole milk ricotta cheese
1large egg
1teaspoonfreshly ground nutmegoptional
1½cupsmozzarella cheesecoarsely grated
2cupsParmesan cheesegrated
6fresh basil leavesfinely shredded
Kosher saltto taste
Freshly ground black pepperto taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach and sauté until fully wilted and tender. Remove from heat, drain thoroughly, and set aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg (if using), basil, cooled spinach, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles until just pliable but still very al dente. Drain and transfer noodles to a bowl of cold water to prevent sticking.
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Arrange a single layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, trimming as needed to fit evenly.
Spread an additional layer of tomato sauce over the noodles, followed by an even layer of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with one-third of the mozzarella cheese and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow the lasagna to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
To make this spinach lasagna gluten-free, substitute traditional lasagna noodles with certified gluten-free lasagna sheets. Ensure that the tomato sauce and cheeses used are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.