Description
Creamy spinach and mushroom lasagna delivers Italian comfort with layers of silky ricotta, earthy mushrooms, and tender spinach. Cheese lovers will savor each rich, herbaceous bite, finding pure satisfaction in this hearty vegetarian classic.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Cheese:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Seasonings and Pasta:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked
Instructions
- Carefully sauté sliced mushrooms in olive oil until they release their moisture and turn golden brown, creating a rich, caramelized base for the dish.
- Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, allowing its aromatic essence to infuse the mushrooms, then gently fold in fresh spinach leaves until they gracefully wilt and become vibrant emerald green.
- Craft a velvety white sauce by melting butter and creating a smooth roux with flour, whisking diligently to prevent any lumpy textures.
- Gradually stream milk and cream into the roux, maintaining constant motion to develop a luxurious, silky consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
- Season the sauce with a delicate hint of nutmeg, transforming the basic white sauce into a complex, fragrant foundation for the lasagna.
- Prepare a baking dish by creating a thin protective layer of white sauce to prevent the bottom noodles from sticking.
- Construct layers of lasagna by alternating tender noodles with the earthy mushroom and spinach mixture, creating generous dollops of creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan between each stratum.
- Ensure the final layer showcases a lavish coating of white sauce and a generous sprinkle of mixed cheeses for a golden, bubbling surface.
- Envelop the lasagna in foil and bake, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify, then unveil for a final bronzing that creates an irresistible crispy top.
- Allow the lasagna to rest and settle, enabling the layers to set and the flavors to harmonize before serving this elegant, vegetarian masterpiece.
Notes
- Vegetable Prep Tip: Ensure mushrooms are completely dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture, which could make the lasagna watery.
- Cheese Selection: Mix different cheese varieties like fontina or gruyère for a more complex, rich flavor profile.
- Healthier Adaptation: Replace regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free lasagna noodles to suit dietary restrictions and boost nutritional value.
- Make-Ahead Strategy: Assemble the lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making dinner preparation easier on busy days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg