This Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Lasagna is one of those dishes you just wanna dig into when you need something warm and filling. It’s layers of soft pasta with a cheesy, spinach-and-mushroom mix that melts in your mouth. Lots of vegetarians love it, but even folks who usually go for meat dishes have been known to come back for seconds. Its smooth texture and rich taste make it perfect for family dinners or when friends drop by.
We all need comfort food sometimes, right? Food that gives you that warm, happy feeling. Lasagna is a top pick for many because it’s got all those cheesy layers and cozy vibes. Whether you’re eating it by the fireplace on a cold night or sharing it on a busy weeknight, a big slice of lasagna makes you feel right at home.
Below you’ll find everything to make this lasagna from scratch. We’ll go over all the ingredients, show you each step, and even give you some ideas for swaps if you got different diets to think about. Plus, there’s a FAQ section to answer questions that might pop up. Let’s get started and bring a bit of comfort to your kitchen!
Ingredients
To make this tasty Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Lasagna, you’ll need some main items, seasonings, and a few basic tools. Here’s what to gather before you start.
Main Ingredients
- Spinach: You can use fresh or frozen spinach—just squeeze out extra water if it’s frozen.
- Mushrooms: Button or cremini mushrooms is good choice for that savory flavor.
- Lasagna noodles: Either the classic kind or no-boil noodles if you’re in a hurry.
- Ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese is the base of your filling.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella gives it that gooey top.
- Parmesan cheese: A little sprinkle of parmesan adds a nutty kick.
Seasonings and Other Essentials
- Garlic: Freshly minced for a strong, savory smell.
- Onion: Diced to add a bit of sweetness.
- Olive oil or butter: For sautéing your veggies.
- Salt and pepper: You gotta have these to make the flavors pop.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch can make the cheese mix taste even better.
- Optional: Some cream or milk if you want it extra creamy.
Recommended Tools
- 9x13 inch lasagna dish
- Skillet for cooking vegetables
- Mixing bowl for the cheese filling
- Spoon or spatula for layering
Directions
Follow these steps to make your Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Lasagna turn out great every time.
Preparation Steps
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). That way it’s ready when you finish putting everything together.
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach and Mushrooms
Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the garlic and onion, cook until they’re soft and fragrant. Add sliced mushrooms and cook till they’re tender. Finally, stir in your spinach until it wilts and any extra water is mostly gone. Remove from heat and let it cool a bit.
Step 2: Mixed Cheese Filling
In a bowl, mix ricotta, grated parmesan, a pinch of salt, pepper, and that tiny bit of nutmeg. Stir until it’s smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Build the Lasagna
Spread a thin layer of the veggie mix on the bottom of your 9x13 dish. Lay down noodles, then spread some cheese mix, then sprinkle mozzarella. Keep repeating layers till you’re out of stuff—finishing with mozzarella on top. Cover with foil so it doesn’t dry out.
Step 4: Bake
Put it in the oven covered and bake for about 25 minutes. Then take off the foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, till the top is golden and bubbly. Let it sit a few minutes before cutting so it doesn’t fall apart.
Cooking Tips and Advice
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Fresh spinach usually tastes better than frozen, but if you use frozen, squeeze out all the water first. Mixing different mushrooms, like shiitake or portobello, can give you more flavor depth.
Substitutions
For a dairy-free version, swap ricotta and mozzarella with vegan cheese that melts. You could also try spinach or whole-grain noodles for added nutrients.
Storage and Reheating
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. To reheat, it’s best in the oven at 350°F (175°C) till warm. Or microwave a slice on medium, but it might get a bit soggy.
Variations
Gluten-Free Lasagna
Use gluten-free noodles made from brown rice or lentils. They taste pretty good and give you that same lasagna feel.
Adding Proteins
If you want more protein, add grilled chicken or sautéed tofu into the veggie mix or layer it in. It makes the lasagna more filling but still cozy.
Flavor Twists
Fresh basil or oregano can lift the flavors. If you like spice, a few red pepper flakes will give it a little kick.
Nutrition Information
Caloric Content
A serving of this lasagna is about 350–450 calories, depending on how big your slice is and what exact ingredients you use.
Macronutrients
Each serving usually has around 20–25g carbs, 15–20g protein, and 15–25g fat. Spinach and mushrooms add fiber, so it’s a pretty balanced meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your lasagna with a simple salad of mixed greens and a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread goes great too. If you’re in the mood for wine, a Chardonnay or a light red pairs nicely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
You can blend cottage cheese until smooth or use silken tofu for a dairy-free option. Both work pretty well.
Can I make the lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just add a few more minutes to the bake time since it starts cold.
How do I make my lasagna less watery?
Don’t use veggies that are too wet. Squeeze frozen spinach well and sauté mushrooms to get rid of excess moisture. Putting a thin cheese layer on the bottom helps soak up water too.
Is it okay to freeze leftover lasagna?
Sure! Freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?
Definitely. Fresh herbs give a brighter taste. Use about 1 to 3 times the amount of fresh as you would dried, and stir them into your filling or sauce.
Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Lasagna
Equipment
- 1 9x13 inch baking dish
- 1 skillet
- 1 mixing bowls
- 1 whisk
- 1 saucepan
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 12 pieces lasagna noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 5 ounces fresh spinach or 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 cups milk
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the fresh spinach and sauté until wilted. If using frozen spinach, make sure it is thoroughly heated. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
- In a saucepan, bring the milk to a simmer. Whisk in the flour and continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
- To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of the white sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Layer 4 lasagna noodles, half of the ricotta mixture, half of the spinach and mushroom mixture, and a third of the remaining white sauce.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, spinach and mushroom mixture, and white sauce. Finally, top with the last layer of noodles, the remaining white sauce, and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Allow the lasagna to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
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