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Easy Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna Recipe

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3.9 from 12 reviews

This easy spinach and ricotta lasagna recipe features layers of oven-ready noodles, basil garlic pasta sauce, creamy ricotta, shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. Baked to perfection, it is a comforting and cheesy vegetarian meal that’s simple to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Lasagna Base

  • 12 ounces package of oven-ready lasagna noodles
  • 24 ounces basil garlic pasta sauce

Cheese Mixture

  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese

Vegetables

  • 2 cups fresh spinach

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a 9×13 inch glass baking dish, line the bottom with oven-ready lasagna noodles to form the first layer.
  2. First Layer of Sauce and Cheese: Spread enough basil garlic pasta sauce to cover the noodles completely. Then add one third of the ricotta cheese and one third of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
  3. Add Spinach and Sauce: Scatter half of the fresh spinach evenly over the cheese layer. Follow by adding a few spoonfuls of pasta sauce to keep the layers moist.
  4. Repeat Layers: Add another layer of oven-ready noodles, then repeat spreading sauce, one third of ricotta, one third of mozzarella, and the remaining spinach. Top this with more pasta sauce.
  5. Final Topping: Finish the lasagna by adding the last layer of noodles if desired, then top with remaining pasta sauce, the last of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
  6. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
  7. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
  8. Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to help it set for cleaner slices. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Serving Suggestion: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese before serving for added flavor and presentation.
  • Noodle Options: Oven-ready noodles save prep time, but if using regular lasagna noodles, cook according to package instructions before layering.
  • Sauce Enhancement: To enhance plain marinara sauce, stir in 1 ½ teaspoons each of garlic powder, dried basil, and oregano.
  • Make-Ahead: Assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate covered with plastic wrap. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
  • Resting Time: Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking ensures the layers firm up and makes slicing easier.
  • Prevent Watery Lasagna: Pat spinach dry before layering and avoid excessive sauce to prevent sogginess.