Spinach Lasagna

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Spinach Lasagna

Spinach Lasagna is a delightful, hearty dish that combines layers of tender pasta with a rich, vibrant tomato sauce and deliciously creamy spinach and cheese mixture. This dish captivates the senses with its aromatic fragrances and beautiful, colorful layers. It’s a comfort food that not only satisfies the palate but also nourishes the body, making it a perfect addition to any family table or casual gathering. This recipe is especially worth making for those cozy nights when you crave a fulfilling meal that’s both healthy and indulgent. With a simple, step-by-step approach, you’ll find preparing this delicious Spinach Lasagna to be a breeze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to love this Spinach Lasagna recipe. First and foremost, its preparation is easy, making it an excellent choice for cooks of all skill levels. With a variety of vibrant ingredients, this dish is family-friendly and appealing to both adults and children alike.

Moreover, you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen; with minimal active cooking time, you can whip up this comforting meal quickly. Best of all, the love and effort you put into this recipe will shine through in every layer. Packed with nutritional benefits, Spinach Lasagna is a delicious way to sneak in those essential greens!

Ingredients for Spinach Lasagna

To create this mouthwatering Spinach Lasagna, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, rich and juicy
• ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh basil, providing a fragrant aroma
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, adding luscious richness
• 2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced for a robust flavor
• ½ teaspoon fine salt, enhancing all the tastes
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), for a hint of heat
• 2 cups (16 ounces) low-fat cottage cheese, creamy and mild
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, for sautéing
• 1 small-to-medium yellow onion, chopped, for natural sweetness
• ¼ teaspoon fine salt, for seasoning
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced, boosting the aroma
• 12 ounces baby spinach, preferably organic, vibrant and fresh
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 9 no-boil lasagna noodles, sturdy and convenient
• 8 ounces (2 cups) freshly grated low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese, melty and delicious
• A sprinkle of additional chopped fresh basil, for an elegant garnish

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures a perfectly baked lasagna.

2. Prepare the sauce: Drain the canned diced tomatoes and blend them with basil, olive oil, garlic, salt, and optional red pepper flakes until smooth and fragrant.

3. Make the spinach mixture: In a skillet, heat olive oil and add chopped onions with a pinch of salt. Sauté until translucent, then add minced garlic followed by the baby spinach. Sauté until the spinach is wilted and its vibrant color shines through.

4. Blend the cottage cheese: In a bowl, mix low-fat cottage cheese with freshly ground black pepper until smooth. Combine this mixture with the sautéed spinach for a creamy filling.

5. Layer the lasagna: In a baking dish, first spread ½ cup of tomato sauce at the bottom. Place three no-boil noodles over the sauce, and then add half of the spinach mixture and another layer of tomato sauce. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat these layers until you finalize with noodles, sauce, and the remaining cheese on top.

6. Cover and bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 18 minutes. After that, uncover and bake for an additional 12-17 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden.

7. Let cool: Take the dish out of the oven and allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil for a perfect finish.

Tips & Tricks

• Chef’s secrets: Always ensure your spinach is well-washed and dried to prevent excess water from making the lasagna soggy.
• Optional extras: Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or other vegetables for additional layers of flavor.
• Cooking hacks: To enhance flavors, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese mixture.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

To present your Spinach Lasagna beautifully, serve it in generous portions alongside a fresh garden salad drizzled with a zesty lemon vinaigrette. A side of garlic bread or a warm, crusty loaf is a perfect addition for wiping up the delicious sauce. Pair this meal with a light-bodied red wine, or for a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing sparkling water with a twist of lemon can complement it beautifully.

Nutritional Information

Spinach Lasagna is not just delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Each serving is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals from the spinach and cottage cheese. With approximately 300-350 calories per serving, it provides a satisfying meal without excessive guilt. It’s a smart choice for a balanced diet, featuring low-fat ingredients while delivering rich flavors.

Storing Tips & Variations for Spinach Lasagna

This Spinach Lasagna is perfect for meal prep! You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. For longer storage, freeze the lasagna by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. Want to mix it up? Try substituting the noodles with zucchini slices for a low-carb version, or use ricotta instead of cottage cheese for a creamier texture.

Conclusion for Spinach Lasagna

Don’t wait to experience the delightful flavors of this Spinach Lasagna! It’s a satisfying and fulfilling dish that can warm your heart and bring a smile to your face. With its simple step-by-step preparation, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Gather your ingredients and try your hand at this recipe today!

FAQs

Q: Can I use whole wheat lasagna noodles instead of no-boil?
A: Yes, you can use whole wheat noodles. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to package instructions.

Q: Is it possible to make this lasagna ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking.

Q: Can I add meat to this recipe?
A: Yes, ground beef or turkey can be added to the sauce if you prefer a meaty lasagna. Just brown the meat before combining it with the sauce ingredients.

Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños to the spinach mixture for more heat.

Q: What should I do with leftovers?
A: Leftover Spinach Lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat in the oven or microwave before enjoying!

Spinach Lasagna

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

A delightful, hearty dish that combines layers of tender pasta with a rich tomato sauce and a creamy spinach and cheese mixture.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
• ½ teaspoon fine salt
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups (16 ounces) low-fat cottage cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 small-to-medium yellow onion, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon fine salt
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
• 12 ounces baby spinach
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 9 no-boil lasagna noodles
• 8 ounces (2 cups) freshly grated low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese
• A sprinkle of additional chopped fresh basil

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare the sauce: Drain the canned diced tomatoes and blend them with basil, olive oil, garlic, salt, and optional red pepper flakes until smooth.
3. Make the spinach mixture: In a skillet, heat olive oil and add chopped onions with a pinch of salt. Sauté until translucent, then add minced garlic followed by baby spinach. Sauté until the spinach wilts.
4. Blend the cottage cheese: In a bowl, mix low-fat cottage cheese with freshly ground black pepper until smooth and combine with the sautéed spinach.
5. Layer the lasagna: In a baking dish, spread ½ cup of tomato sauce at the bottom. Place three no-boil noodles over the sauce, then add half of the spinach mixture and another layer of tomato sauce. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat these layers until finished with noodles, sauce, and remaining cheese.
6. Cover and bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 18 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 12-17 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Let cool: Take the dish out of the oven and allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.

Notes

Ensure spinach is well-washed to prevent excess water in the lasagna. Consider adding vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 325
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 470mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

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