Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Lasagna
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy spinach and mushroom lasagna is a comforting and indulgent dish, filled with layers of rich Alfredo sauce, tender pasta, savory mushrooms, and fresh spinach. Perfect for vegetarians, this hearty lasagna offers a delicious balance of cheesy goodness and earthy vegetable flavors. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or special occasion, this lasagna is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for meal prep!
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked
- 10 oz fresh spinach
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cups Alfredo sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Spinach & Mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes until soft. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Layer Lasagna: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce. Add 3 lasagna noodles. Top with a layer of spinach-mushroom mixture, followed by ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of Alfredo sauce and mozzarella on top.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- Add Protein: To make this lasagna heartier, add cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef between the layers.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free ricotta, mozzarella, and Alfredo sauce for a vegan version.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the lasagna noodles with gluten-free noodles and ensure your Alfredo sauce is also gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This lasagna is rich and indulgent, with layers of tender pasta, creamy ricotta cheese, gooey mozzarella, and Parmesan. The earthy flavors of the sautéed mushrooms and spinach perfectly complement the creamy Alfredo sauce. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that is sure to please vegetarians and meat-eaters alike!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked
- 10 oz fresh spinach
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cups Alfredo sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Prep Spinach & Mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until soft, about 5-6 minutes. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Layer Lasagna: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce. Add 3 lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the spinach-mushroom mixture, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of Alfredo sauce and mozzarella on top.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the lasagna cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
- Add Protein: For a heartier lasagna, add cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef between the layers.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure your Alfredo sauce is gluten-free.
- Herb Additions: Fresh basil, thyme, or oregano can be sprinkled between layers for an extra burst of flavor.
- Vegan: Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella, and swap the Alfredo sauce for a dairy-free version.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze this lasagna?
Yes! Assemble the lasagna, but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, you can use no-boil noodles. Just be sure your Alfredo sauce is extra creamy to soften the noodles during baking.
How do I prevent watery lasagna?
Be sure to cook the spinach thoroughly and drain any excess liquid from the mushrooms before adding them to the layers.
Can I add other vegetables to this lasagna?
Absolutely! Zucchini, bell peppers, or even eggplant would make great additions.
How can I make the top layer crispy?
Uncover the lasagna in the final 10-15 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown and get crispy.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free lasagna noodles and make sure the Alfredo sauce is gluten-free as well.
How do I store leftover lasagna?
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Can I use a different sauce other than Alfredo?
Yes, you can substitute with a béchamel sauce or marinara sauce for a different flavor profile.
How do I make the lasagna more flavorful?
Consider adding fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary between the layers for an extra burst of flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy spinach and mushroom lasagna is a comforting, delicious dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With its layers of cheese, sautéed vegetables, and rich Alfredo sauce, it’s a meal that everyone will love. Whether you make it ahead of time, or enjoy it fresh from the oven, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!