Description
This Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna is a delicious vegetarian twist on the classic Italian dish. Layers of tender lasagna noodles, sautéed mushrooms and spinach, creamy ricotta, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese are baked together with rich marinara sauce to create a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Lasagna Base
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound mushrooms (such as cremini or button), sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
Cheeses & Sauce
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook Lasagna Noodles: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until the mushrooms are tender and excess liquid has evaporated.
- Wilt Spinach: Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside the vegetable mixture.
- Start Layering: Spoon a thin layer of marinara sauce onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish to keep the lasagna moist.
- Layer Noodles: Place three cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce evenly.
- Add Ricotta and Vegetables: Spread half of the ricotta cheese over the noodles, then evenly distribute half of the mushroom and spinach mixture over the ricotta.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle one third of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the vegetables.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering with another three noodles, remaining ricotta, remaining mushroom mixture, and a third of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Finish with three noodles topped with the remaining marinara sauce on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- For easier slicing, let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking before serving.
- You can substitute fresh basil garnish with dried basil if unavailable, but fresh adds better flavor.
- Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time but increase baking time slightly.
- Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture enhances the flavor of the cheese layer.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian