If you are looking for a comforting, yet surprisingly fresh twist on classic lasagna, this Spinach Mushroom Lasagna Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine layers of tender no-boil noodles, vibrant spinach, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese blend, all smothered in luscious marinara sauce that brings everything to life. This dish isn’t just a feast for your taste buds but also a beautiful medley of colors and textures that will brighten up any dinner table. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply wanting to sneak more greens into your meals, this Spinach Mushroom Lasagna Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential to building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this Spinach Mushroom Lasagna Recipe so special. Each one plays a unique role, from the earthy mushrooms adding umami to the fresh spinach brightening up the dish with a lovely green touch.
- Olive oil: A tablespoon to sauté the veggies and bring out their natural flavors smoothly.
- Medium onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
- Cremini mushrooms, chopped (8 ounces or 2 ½ cups): Provides an earthy, meaty texture that complements the spinach perfectly.
- Garlic clove, finely grated or minced: A little punch of aroma and zest to elevate every bite.
- Fresh spinach leaves (1 pound or about 10 cups): The star green ingredient that brings freshness and nutrition.
- Ricotta cheese (15 ounces or about 2 cups): Creamy and smooth, it forms the luscious binding for the filling.
- Large eggs, beaten (2): Helps give structure to the cheese mixture and makes it wonderfully rich.
- Pasta sauce (24-ounce jar or 3 cups homemade marinara): A generous layer of flavorful tomato sauce that ties all components together.
- No-boil oven-ready lasagna sheets (12 sheets): Makes assembly easier and saves time without sacrificing texture.
- Finely grated parmesan cheese (½ cup or 1 ounce): Adds a sharp, nutty contrast to the creamy cheeses.
- Grated mozzarella cheese (1 ¼ cups or 5 ounces): Creates that irresistible melting, gooey cheese pull everyone loves.
- Fine sea salt (¾ teaspoon): Enhances all flavors subtly throughout the dish.
- Freshly ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just the right hint of spice and warmth.
How to Make Spinach Mushroom Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Filling
Start by warming olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Toss in finely diced onions and chopped mushrooms, cooking them until the onions turn translucent and the mushrooms have released their moisture and browned slightly, about 10 minutes. This slow sauté develops a rich base of flavor. Next, add minced garlic, fresh spinach leaves, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently while cooking until the spinach wilts and turns a vibrant green. This filling is the heart of our Spinach Mushroom Lasagna Recipe, bursting with fresh, earthy goodness.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Filling
While your filling cools just a bit, combine ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, and the remaining salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The eggs add structure so your cheese layer holds beautifully between the noodles, and the ricotta ensures every bite stays rich and luscious.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. Begin by spreading about a cup of pasta sauce evenly over the bottom to prevent sticking and add moisture. Next, layer three no-boil noodles lengthwise to cover the bottom. Spread half of your ricotta mixture over these noodles, then sprinkle on one-third each of the parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Add half of the spinach-mushroom mixture evenly over the cheese, followed by about half a cup of marinara sauce. Repeat this layering process once more, finishing with a final layer of noodles topped with remaining sauce and cheeses. This structure allows every mouthful to have a perfect balance of ingredients.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the assembled lasagna loosely with aluminum foil and pop it into a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C). Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown around the edges. For an irresistible, cheesy crust, place the uncovered lasagna under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, but watch it carefully to avoid burning. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set before slicing — this final step helps the layers hold together beautifully.
How to Serve Spinach Mushroom Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a fresh herbal note that brightens the dish right before serving. A light dusting of extra parmesan cheese on top can intensify the flavor while adding a sparkly finish that makes your lasagna impossible to resist.
Side Dishes
This hearty Spinach Mushroom Lasagna Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing side salads like arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad. Roasted garlic bread or warm, crusty baguette slices are also perfect for sopping up every last bit of that delicious sauce. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or roasted asparagus make thoughtful accompaniments that balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Serve individual lasagna portions in small ramekins for a charming, rustic look. Alternatively, layering the filling in a glass casserole dish allows you to showcase the colorful, distinct layers of spinach, mushrooms, cheese, and noodles — a feast that’s pleasing to both eyes and palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This spinach mushroom lasagna tastes fantastic the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to three days, ensuring you enjoy every last bit without compromising freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze this lasagna either before or after baking. For best results, assemble and freeze the unbaked dish, wrapped well with foil and plastic wrap, for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking normally. If freezing after baking, portion it into airtight containers to freeze individual servings.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, cover the dish with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 400°F until heated through, usually between 30 minutes to an hour depending on portion size. If reheating from frozen, remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight for even warming. Avoid microwaving as much as possible to preserve the texture of the noodles and cheese.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen spinach works well if you thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing it into the filling. This prevents watery layers and keeps the lasagna firm and flavorful.
Do I have to use no-boil lasagna noodles?
No boil noodles are a great time-saver and absorb sauce beautifully, but you can substitute regular cooked lasagna noodles if you prefer. Just be sure to drain and layer them carefully to avoid sogginess.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This Spinach Mushroom Lasagna Recipe is entirely vegetarian-friendly and packs plenty of flavor and texture without any meat. It’s perfect for meatless Mondays or any time you want a satisfying vegetable-forward meal.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the lasagna up to two days ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Just add a layer of parchment paper on top before sealing with foil to prevent condensation. Then bake it fresh when you’re ready.
How do I get a crispy, golden cheese topping?
For that perfect golden finish, bake uncovered for the last 10 to 15 minutes and then slide the lasagna under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning, and you’ll be rewarded with a bubbly, beautifully browned top.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Mushroom Lasagna Recipe is the kind of comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s vibrant, cheesy, and packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together in such a delightful way. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, give this lasagna a try and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll look forward to every bite!
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Spinach Mushroom Lasagna Recipe
This spinach mushroom lasagna is a hearty and comforting vegetarian dish featuring layers of sautéed mushrooms and spinach, creamy ricotta cheese, and a rich marinara sauce. Using no-boil lasagna noodles keeps the preparation simple without compromising on flavor. Perfect for family dinners, it’s delicious fresh out of the oven and even better the next day.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, chopped (about 2 ½ cups)
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated or minced
- 1 pound fresh spinach leaves (about 10 cups or 450g)
Cheese Mixture
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese (about 2 cups or 425g)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese (1 ounce or 26g)
- 1 ¼ cups grated mozzarella cheese (5 ounces or 140g)
Other
- 1 (24 ounce) jar pasta sauce or 3 cups homemade marinara sauce
- 12 no-boil oven-ready lasagna sheets (or cooked traditional lasagna noodles)
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (3-quart) baking dish with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
- Make the filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and chopped mushrooms, cooking while stirring occasionally until onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, fresh spinach, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach is bright green and wilted.
- Make the cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Mix well until smooth and fully blended.
- Assemble lasagna: Spread 1 cup of pasta sauce over the bottom of the baking dish. Lay three lasagna noodles lengthwise to cover the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle one-third of the parmesan cheese and one-third of the mozzarella cheese on top. Add half of the spinach and mushroom mixture, then spoon about ½ cup of marinara sauce over that layer. Repeat with a second noodle layer, remaining ricotta, one-third parmesan, one-third mozzarella, remaining spinach mixture, and another ½ cup of sauce. Finish with the last three noodles on top. Spread the remaining sauce, parmesan, and mozzarella evenly as the final layer.
- Bake: Cover the lasagna loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes in preheated oven. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and browned on the edges. For a golden, bubbly top, place the lasagna under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach with one 10-ounce package of frozen spinach, thawed and thoroughly drained.
- Leftover lasagna can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Assemble the lasagna ahead and store unbaked in the fridge for up to 2 days; cover with parchment paper and foil.
- To reheat, bake at 400°F for 30 to 60 minutes or until heated through. Thaw frozen leftovers overnight in the fridge before reheating if applicable.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
