Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion. This White Spinach Lasagna elevates the classic with a rich, velvety white sauce and tender, vibrant spinach.
It is a fantastic vegetarian option for busy weeknights or a special gathering. You’ll love how this dish comes together with simple ingredients, creating a satisfying meal everyone will adore.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This White Spinach Lasagna
Making a delicious meal doesn’t have to be complicated. This creamy spinach lasagna recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly and time-saving. Here’s why it will become a new favorite in your kitchen:
- It is a truly delicious, satisfying vegetarian meal that feels gourmet.
- This dish is a crowd-pleaser and family-friendly, appealing to all ages.
- You can easily make it ahead, simplifying meal prep for busy days.
- The simple, homemade white sauce comes together quickly for rich flavor.
- It is incredibly versatile, allowing for various additions to suit your taste.
Ingredients
To create this incredible White Spinach Lasagna, gather these fresh and wholesome components. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so irresistible.
- 12 ounces lasagna noodles (oven-ready option if preferred)
- 16 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 12 ounces whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, pressed or minced
- 16 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
Notes & Substitutions
Let’s chat about your ingredient choices for the best white lasagna recipe results.
- Lasagna Noodles: You can use traditional noodles that require boiling or opt for oven-ready, no-boil noodles for convenience. Adjust the quantity according to your baking dish size; usually 10-12 noodles are sufficient for a 9×13 inch pan.
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach gives the best texture and flavor. If using frozen spinach, ensure you thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This prevents a watery lasagna.
- Butter & Milk: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. Whole milk provides the richest, creamiest white sauce, but you can use 2% milk if preferred, though the sauce might be slightly thinner.
- Garlic: Freshly pressed or minced garlic adds a robust flavor to the white sauce that garlic powder simply cannot replicate.
- Ricotta: Whole milk ricotta cheese contributes a rich, creamy texture to the cheese layers. Avoid part-skim ricotta as it can be watery.
- Cheese Blend: Feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like provolone or Fontina mixed with mozzarella for a different flavor profile in your creamy spinach lasagna.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment before you start makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. You won’t need anything fancy for this White Spinach Lasagna.
- 9×13 inch baking dish: Essential for layering and baking your lasagna evenly.
- Large saucepan: For preparing the creamy béchamel sauce.
- Large pot: If you’re using traditional lasagna noodles, you’ll need this to cook them.
- Whisk: Crucial for achieving a lump-free, smooth white sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
Instructions For The Best White Spinach Lasagna
Creating this delicious White Spinach Lasagna is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a perfectly layered and baked dish. Remember that preparation is key to making this white spinach recipe effortless.
- Preheat Oven & Cook Noodles: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the lasagna noodles to al dente according to the package directions. Drain them, rinse with cold water to prevent sticking, and lay them flat on parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel.
- Wilt Spinach: Place the baby spinach in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 30-second increments until it just begins to wilt. Squeeze out any excess water before setting it aside.
- Make the White Sauce (Béchamel): In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour constantly. Continue whisking for about 2 minutes until the paste bubbles and thickens slightly.
- Add Milk & Thicken: Slowly whisk in the whole milk, ensuring it is fully incorporated and no lumps remain. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season & Add Cheeses: Stir the pressed garlic, salt, and black pepper into the thickened sauce. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Mix in the ricotta and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Layer the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the cheese sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange a single layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- First Spinach & Mozzarella Layer: Spread another layer of sauce over the noodles. Distribute about half of the wilted spinach evenly, then top with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Second Layer: Repeat the process: add another layer of noodles, followed by sauce, the remaining wilted spinach, and more mozzarella cheese.
- Final Layer: Finish with a final layer of noodles. Top these with the remaining white sauce and a generous covering of mozzarella cheese. This creates the cheesy crust of your White Spinach Lasagna.
- Bake & Rest: Bake the lasagna at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-50 minutes, or until it is completely heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional Broil: For a beautifully golden-brown and slightly crispy top, broil the lasagna for the last 5 minutes. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it set for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period helps the layers firm up. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, then slice and serve warm.
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving a perfectly creamy and stable White Spinach Lasagna is simple with these helpful tips. These little tricks make a big difference for your homemade lasagna.
- Smooth Sauce: When making the white sauce, always whisk the milk in slowly and gradually. This prevents lumps and ensures a velvety smooth sauce.
- Spinach Prep: Do not over-wilt the spinach. Just a quick heat until it softens, then squeeze out all excess moisture. Too much water will make your lasagna soggy.
- Noodle Doneness: Cook your lasagna noodles to al dente. They will finish cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooked is better than mushy.
- Even Layers: Distribute your sauce, spinach, and cheese layers evenly. This ensures every slice of lasagna has a balanced taste and texture.
- Rest Before Slicing: Always let the lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows the cheeses to set, making for cleaner, more intact slices.
- Prevent Over-Browning: If the top cheese starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Serving, Storing & Variations
Your White Spinach Lasagna is a versatile dish, perfect for various meals and easily adaptable. Here’s how to serve, store, and even customize your creation.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your rich lasagna with a simple, crisp fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or warm breadsticks are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Roasted Italian vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus complement the flavors well.
- A side of simple steamed green beans or broccoli adds freshness to the meal.
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze a baked White Spinach Lasagna for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing.
- Thawing & Reheating: Thaw frozen lasagna overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
To ensure food safety, it’s generally recommended to consume cooked spinach within a few days when refrigerated, as outlined by food storage guidelines on cooked spinach.
Recipe Variations
- White Chicken Lasagna: Add 2 cups of shredded, cooked chicken breast to the ricotta mixture for a heartier meal.
- Roasted Vegetable Lasagna: Incorporate other roasted vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms into the layers.
- Sausage & Mushroom Lasagna: Brown mild or hot Italian sausage with sliced mushrooms and layer them with the spinach for a savory twist.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with Fontina, smoked provolone, or even a touch of goat cheese in your cheese layers for unique flavors.
- Herb Twist: Stir in a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg into the white sauce or add fresh basil to the cheese mixture.
Nutrition Information
Enjoy this delicious White Spinach Lasagna with an understanding of its nutritional content. This information is based on approximate values per serving and can vary slightly based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. It offers a good balance of macronutrients.
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 453 kcal (23%) |
| Carbohydrates | 40g (13%) |
| Protein | 21g (42%) |
| Fat | 23g (35%) |
| Saturated Fat | 14g (88%) |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g |
| Trans Fat | 0.3g |
| Cholesterol | 75mg (25%) |
| Sodium | 788mg (34%) |
| Potassium | 495mg (14%) |
| Fiber | 2g (8%) |
| Sugar | 6g (7%) |
| Vitamin A | 4306IU (86%) |
| Vitamin C | 11mg (13%) |
| Calcium | 422mg (42%) |
| Iron | 2mg (11%) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, absolutely! Follow the package directions for your specific brand, as some may require extra liquid in the sauce.
Can cottage cheese replace ricotta?
You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta, but drain it well first. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor works.
How to prevent watery lasagna?
Always squeeze all excess water from cooked spinach. Also, ensure your white sauce is properly thickened before layering.
Conclusion
This White Spinach Lasagna is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an incredibly satisfying and comforting meal. With its rich, creamy white sauce, tender spinach, and gooey cheese, it truly is the ultimate vegetarian main dish.
We encourage you to try this easy recipe and make it your own. Share your creations and feedback with us – happy cooking!
White Spinach Lasagna
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook lasagna noodles to al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Microwave spinach in 30-second bursts until wilted. Squeeze out excess water and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in garlic, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat. Mix in ricotta and Parmesan until smooth.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce in a 9×13-inch dish. Layer noodles, sauce, spinach, and mozzarella.
- Repeat layering: noodles, sauce, spinach, mozzarella. Top final layer with sauce and mozzarella.
- Bake at 350°F for 40-50 minutes until bubbly. Broil last 5 minutes if desired for golden top.
- Let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tips: Assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, or increase bake time slightly if placing directly in the oven from cold.
- Custom Sauce Enhancement: For added depth, you can infuse the milk with a bay leaf or a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg while heating, then remove before assembling.
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