Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna Recipe
This Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna is a hearty, vegetarian dish that combines tender lasagna noodles layered with a savory mushroom and spinach sauté, creamy ricotta, and a rich blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, all baked to golden perfection in a flavorful marinara sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion.
- Author: Rita
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Lasagna Noodles
Vegetable Mixture
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 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
Sauces and Cheeses
- 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
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: 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 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 a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Cook the finely chopped onion until translucent and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Cook mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until mushrooms are tender and all excess moisture has evaporated.
- Wilt spinach: Add chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside the vegetable mixture.
- Assemble lasagna – first layer: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to keep the noodles moist.
- Add noodles: Place three cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce in the dish.
- Add ricotta and vegetable mixture: Spread half of the ricotta cheese evenly over the noodles. Then, evenly distribute half of the mushroom and spinach mixture on top.
- Add cheeses: Sprinkle one-third of both the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the mushroom mixture.
- Repeat layers: Repeat the layering process with remaining noodles, ricotta, mushroom mixture, and cheeses.
- Top with sauce: Finish the assembly with a final layer of marinara sauce on top.
- Bake covered: Cover the 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, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Allow the lasagna to cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh basil leaves, then serve warm.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh spinach and well-drained ricotta cheese to avoid excess moisture in the lasagna.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- You can substitute mushrooms with other vegetables like zucchini or eggplant if preferred.
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Keywords: Mushroom lasagna, spinach lasagna, vegetarian lasagna, baked pasta, Italian comfort food, mushroom spinach bake