Lasagna is a classic comfort food, and it’s one of those dishes that never fails to satisfy. But what if you’re craving something a little different, a bit lighter, and full of vibrant flavors? Enter the creamy spinach and mushroom lasagna—an irresistible vegetarian twist on the traditional meat-filled favorite.
This lasagna layers fresh spinach, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce that perfectly complements the tender pasta. It’s a hearty yet lighter alternative to traditional lasagna, making it ideal for both vegetarians and anyone looking for a satisfying, veggie-packed meal.
Ingredients:
To make this creamy spinach and mushroom lasagna, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Lasagna noodles (traditional or no-boil)
- Fresh spinach (about 6-8 cups, washed and chopped)
- Mushrooms (about 2 cups, sliced—cremini or white mushrooms work well)
- Ricotta cheese (15 oz)
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups shredded)
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup grated)
- Heavy cream (1 cup)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped)
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
- Butter (2 tbsp)
- Flour (2 tbsp, to make the roux)
- Vegetable broth (1 ½ cups)
- Nutmeg (a pinch)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Lasagna Noodles: If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. For no-boil noodles, just ensure they’re ready to be layered straight from the box.
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Sauté the Mushrooms: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they release their moisture and become golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Cook the Spinach: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the fresh spinach, a handful at a time, allowing each batch to wilt down before adding the next. Once all the spinach is wilted and cooked down, season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Set aside.
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Make the Creamy Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and vegetable broth, making sure to prevent any lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens—about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese, then remove from heat.
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Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the creamy sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top, followed by half of the sautéed mushrooms and spinach mixture. Then, spread half of the ricotta cheese over the vegetables and top with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Pour over a generous amount of the creamy sauce and repeat with another layer of noodles, vegetables, ricotta, mozzarella, and sauce.
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Bake: Once the lasagna is fully layered, finish with a final layer of noodles, sauce, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and ensures each slice comes out neatly. Serve with a simple green salad and some garlic bread for a perfect meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Flavor-packed: The combination of savory mushrooms, fresh spinach, and creamy cheese makes this lasagna absolutely indulgent.
- Vegetarian-friendly: This recipe offers a delicious alternative to the meat-filled lasagna, without sacrificing any of the heartiness and comfort of the original dish.
- Creamy texture: The creamy white sauce and the richness of ricotta create a smooth, satisfying texture that complements the vegetables beautifully.
- Flexible ingredients: You can easily swap in other vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or even roasted red peppers, depending on what you have available.
Conclusion:
Creamy spinach and mushroom lasagna is the perfect dish to serve at family gatherings, dinner parties, or when you simply want a delicious, comforting meal. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, this vegetarian lasagna is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re cooking for vegetarians or meat-lovers, this dish is guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
