Comfort Food

Hearty Italian Lasagna with Spinach and Ricotta

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Hearty Italian Lasagna with Spinach and Ricotta
Layered Italian lasagna with spinach, ricotta, and rich tomato sauce.

Embrace the warmth of Italy right from your kitchen with our Hearty Italian Lasagna featuring spinach and ricotta. This vegetarian delight brings together the richness of cheese and the freshness of greens in perfectly layered pasta, making it an irresistible comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just treating yourself, this lasagna promises to deliver both nostalgia and culinary satisfaction.

“Lasagna: A symphony of flavors where each layer sings its own unique melody.”

Ingredients

  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, packed
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook Lasagna Noodles: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and lay them flat on a sheet of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

  2. Prepare Spinach Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

  3. Mix Ricotta Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Add the cooled spinach mixture to the ricotta blend and stir well.

  4. Assemble Lasagna: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Layer half of the spinach-ricotta mixture on top, followed by another cup of marinara sauce and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat with another layer of noodles, the remaining spinach-ricotta mixture, a cup of marinara sauce, and 1/2 cup of mozzarella.

  5. Top Layer: Finish with a final layer of lasagna noodles, spread the last cup of marinara sauce over them, and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

  6. Bake Lasagna: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, about 15 more minutes. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

This Hearty Italian Lasagna with Spinach and Ricotta is a celebration of flavors and textures that will satisfy even the most discerning palates. Its comforting layers are sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete meal, or enjoy it on its own as a cozy indulgence. Buon appetito!

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