The Perfect Spinach and Ricotta Lasagne Recipe for Comfort Food Fans

Crafting a delightful spinach and ricotta lasagne can turn an ordinary evening into a memorable culinary adventure.

Layers of creamy cheese and vibrant green vegetables promise pure comfort on your plate.

Rich Italian traditions inspire this classic dish that feels both sophisticated and approachable.

Soft ricotta melts between delicate pasta sheets, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Hearty ingredients combine to deliver a satisfying meal that speaks directly to your soul.

Fresh spinach adds a nutritious twist to this timeless recipe.

Come explore how simple ingredients can create extraordinary magic in your kitchen.

Highlights of Hairy Bikers Spinach and Ricotta Lasagne

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Craft a delicious lasagne with minimal prep, perfect for busy families seeking a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Blend rich ricotta, vibrant spinach, and classic Italian flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds, making it ideal for gatherings and potlucks.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add proteins like ground beef or chicken to suit different tastes, ensuring this versatile dish adapts to your family's preferences.
• Nutrition-Packed Delight: Incorporate healthy spinach and protein-rich ricotta for a balanced meal that doesn't compromise on taste or satisfaction.

What You’ll Need for Spinach Ricotta Lasagne

• Lasagne Pasta: Flat, wide noodles that form the layers of the classic Italian dish.
• Ricotta Cheese: Soft, creamy Italian cheese that provides a smooth and rich texture.
• Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and vibrant color to the lasagne.

• Tomato Sauce, Marinara Sauce: Provides moisture and classic Italian flavor to the lasagne.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a golden, crispy top layer and add depth of flavor.

• Egg, Nutmeg, Salt, Pepper: Helps bind the ricotta mixture and enhances the overall taste profile.
• Basil: Fresh herb that adds a fragrant and authentic Italian touch to the dish.

How to Cook Hairy Bikers Spinach Ricotta Lasagne

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and get ready for a delicious adventure.

Step 2: Prepare Pasta Sheets

If you’re not using no-boil lasagne sheets, cook them according to package instructions until they’re perfectly tender and ready to layer.

Step 3: Create Creamy Spinach Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Chopped fresh spinach
• Beaten egg
• A pinch of nutmeg
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Mix these ingredients until they’re beautifully blended and smooth.

Step 4: Start Layering The Lasagne

• Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom
• Add a layer of pasta sheets
• Dollop the spinach-ricotta mixture
• Sprinkle shredded mozzarella
• Scatter fresh basil leaves

Step 5: Continue Building Layers

Repeat the layering process until you’ve used all your ingredients. Make sure to finish with a generous layer of sauce and an extra handful of cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Cover the lasagne with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Allow the lasagne to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade comfort food!

Expert Tips for Spinach Ricotta Lasagne Success

• Soften Spinach Perfectly: Squeeze out excess water from thawed or blanched spinach to prevent watery lasagne and ensure a rich, creamy texture.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture for a subtle, warm undertone that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Choose Quality Cheeses: Use freshly grated parmesan and mozzarella for better melting and more intense flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Control Moisture Balance: Layer lasagne components carefully, alternating between sauce and pasta to prevent a dry or soggy final result.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the lasagne in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together before baking for an even more delicious meal.

Spinach Ricotta Lasagne With a Twist

• Vegan Veggie Lasagne: Replace ricotta with tofu, use plant-based cheese, and add roasted zucchini and eggplant for a dairy-free version.
• Gluten-Free Spinach Lasagne: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free lasagne sheets, ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Protein-Packed Chicken Spinach Lasagne: Add shredded cooked chicken to the ricotta mixture for extra protein and a heartier meal.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Lasagne: Substitute pasta sheets with thinly sliced zucchini layers, keeping the same ricotta and spinach filling.

What to Serve With Spinach Ricotta Lasagne

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to complement the creamy ricotta and earthy spinach, cutting through the rich lasagna layers.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta dish, adding brightness and refreshing contrast.
• Enhance with Herb Garlic Bread: Serve toasted crusty bread rubbed with garlic and fresh herbs to soak up extra sauce and provide a delightful crunchy texture alongside the soft lasagna.
• Introduce Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare a colorful medley of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes to add extra nutrition and vibrant flavors that echo the spinach's freshness.

Storage Tips for Spinach Ricotta Lasagne Leftovers

• Store leftover lasagne in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual portions or whole lasagne tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Cut into portions. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between cycles to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving.

Hairy Bikers Spinach Ricotta Lasagne FAQs

• Is ricotta cheese essential for this lasagne?

Yes, ricotta provides creamy texture and helps bind the spinach filling, creating a rich and smooth layer in the lasagne.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just ensure you drain frozen spinach completely to remove excess moisture, which could make the lasagne watery.

• What type of cheese works best with this recipe?

Mozzarella and parmesan are ideal. Mozzarella melts beautifully, while parmesan adds a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the ricotta and spinach.

• How do I prevent my lasagne from becoming soggy?

Layer ingredients carefully, use well-drained spinach, and avoid adding too much sauce. Also, let the lasagne rest after baking to help it set and maintain structure.

Spinach And Ricotta Lasagne Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 55 mins
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade spinach and ricotta lasagne delivers classic Italian comfort with layers of creamy ricotta, tender spinach, and rich tomato sauce nestled between delicate pasta sheets. Cheese lovers and pasta enthusiasts will savor this hearty Mediterranean-inspired dish that promises a satisfying culinary experience.

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Ingredients

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Pasta and Cheese:

• 12 lasagna pasta sheets (or no-boil)
• 32 ounces (907 grams) whole milk ricotta
• 1.5 cups (170 grams) grated mozzarella
• 2 cups (200 grams) grated Parmigiano

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 3 cups cooked, drained spinach
• 6 basil leaves

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 3/4 cups sugo al pomodoro
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for baking the lasagne.
2. If using traditional pasta sheets, gently boil them until slightly tender, then drain and set aside to cool.
3. Create a creamy filling by blending ricotta with finely chopped spinach, whisked egg, a delicate sprinkle of nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper until well combined.
4. Construct the first layer in a deep baking dish by spreading a thin base of tomato sauce to prevent sticking.
5. Carefully arrange pasta sheets over the sauce, covering the entire surface evenly.
6. Spread a generous layer of the ricotta-spinach mixture across the pasta, ensuring uniform coverage.
7. Sprinkle a handful of grated cheese and torn fresh basil leaves over the ricotta layer.
8. Repeat the layering process: sauce, pasta, ricotta mix, cheese, and basil, building height and flavor with each addition.
9. Complete the final layer with a generous coating of sauce and an extra handful of cheese on top.
10. Cover the lasagne with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
11. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top turns golden and slightly crispy.
12. Remove from oven and let the lasagne rest for 10 minutes, allowing it to set and cool slightly.
13. Slice into portions and serve while still warm, revealing beautiful layered edges.

Notes

• Select fresh, high-quality spinach for vibrant flavor and maximum nutrients.
• Use whole milk ricotta for creamier, richer texture and better binding.
• Squeeze excess moisture from spinach to prevent watery lasagne layers.
• Swap regular pasta with gluten-free lasagne sheets for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Consider adding roasted garlic or pine nuts for extra depth and complexity.
• Make vegetarian version more protein-rich by incorporating tofu or lentils in filling.
• Allow lasagne to rest fully before cutting to help layers set and maintain structure.
• Freeze individual portions for convenient meal prep and future quick dinners.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 408
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 640 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg