Classic Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna
Layer upon layer of creamy béchamel, rich spinach and ricotta filling, tender lasagna sheets, and melty golden cheese. A comforting vegetarian take on the Italian classic that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
- Author: Djihane
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
- For the Spinach Filling:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed
- Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg
- For Assembly:
- 9–12 lasagna sheets (no-boil or boiled)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (extra for topping)
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
- Mix spinach with ricotta, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- For béchamel, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes. Gradually add warm milk while whisking until smooth. Simmer until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Spread a layer of béchamel on the bottom of a greased baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna sheets, followed by spinach filling, béchamel, and mozzarella. Repeat layers, ending with béchamel and a generous topping of Parmesan and mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Use no-boil lasagna sheets for quicker prep or pre-boil regular sheets.
- Make ahead and refrigerate—bake when ready to serve.
- Let the lasagna rest before slicing for cleaner portions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: spinach lasagna, ricotta lasagna, vegetarian lasagna, baked pasta, Italian comfort food