Introduction
Discover the delightful combination of flavors in this delicious spinach and cheese lasagna. With layers of tender pasta, a savory spinach filling, and a generous amount of gooey mozzarella, this dish is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrition. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 tablespoon olive oil
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
4–5 cups fresh spinach
2 cups 4% cottage cheese
2 eggs
1/4 cup ground flaxmeal (optional)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon oregano
A very tiny dusting of nutmeg
A squeeze of lemon juice
12 no-boil or oven-ready lasagna noodles
4 cups tomato sauce
3–4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Total Time
1 hour
Yield
Serves 8
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Spinach Mixture:
– Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
– Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
– Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
– Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Mix the Cheese Filling:
– In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, eggs, ground flaxmeal (if using), Italian seasoning, oregano, a tiny dusting of nutmeg, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
– Add the cooked spinach mixture to the bowl and stir until well combined.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
– Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
– Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
– Spread 1/3 of the spinach and cheese mixture over the noodles.
– Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the mixture.
– Repeat the layers two more times: tomato sauce, noodles, spinach and cheese mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
– After the final layer, pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake the Lasagna:
– Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
– Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
6. Rest and Serve:
– Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes.
– Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Spinach Mixture
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Mix the Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, eggs, ground flaxmeal (if using), Italian seasoning, oregano, a tiny dusting of nutmeg, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Add the cooked spinach mixture to the bowl and stir until well combined.
Assemble the Lasagna
Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
Spread 1/3 of the spinach and cheese mixture over the noodles.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the mixture.
Repeat the layers two more times: tomato sauce, noodles, spinach and cheese mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
After the final layer, pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake the Lasagna
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Rest and Serve
Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
Optional Ingredients
Ground flaxmeal is optional and can be added for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve garnished with chopped fresh parsley for added freshness and flavor.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Cook techniques
Sauteing
Heat olive oil in a skillet and add minced garlic. Saute until fragrant, then add fresh spinach to wilt it down, enhancing the flavor of the filling.
Mixing
In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, eggs, seasonings, and the cooked spinach mixture. Mix until well combined to create a creamy and flavorful cheese filling.
Layering
Assemble the lasagna by spreading tomato sauce, followed by lasagna noodles, the spinach and cheese mixture, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers for a nice structure.
Baking
Cover the lasagna with foil and bake in the preheated oven to ensure even cooking, removing the foil to allow the cheese to brown and bubble for a perfect finish.
Resting
After baking, let the lasagna rest before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
FAQ
Can I use other types of cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta cheese or a cream cheese blend for a different texture and flavor.
How can I make this lasagna gluten-free?
Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure that the tomato sauce does not contain any gluten-based additives.
Can I add meat to this lasagna?
Absolutely! You can layer ground meat, like beef or turkey, between the cheese mixture for added protein.
Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna beforehand and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How do I store leftover lasagna?
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
This delicious spinach and cheese lasagna is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal dish for family dinners or gatherings. The creamy cottage cheese filling paired with fresh spinach and hearty tomato sauce creates a satisfying meal that is both nutritious and comforting. Enjoy it hot, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top, for a delightful finish that will leave everyone wanting more.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Lasagna
Substitute the spinach with a mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a colorful and wholesome vegetable lasagna.
Meat Lovers Lasagna
Add layers of cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the spinach and cheese mixture for a hearty, meat-filled version.
Gluten-Free Lasagna
Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and be sure to choose gluten-free tomato sauce for a delicious gluten-free option.
Cheesy Broccoli Lasagna
Incorporate steamed broccoli florets into the spinach mixture for an added crunch and flavor.
Lasagna Roll-Ups
Roll the spinach and cheese filling into lasagna noodles and place them upright in the baking dish, topped with sauce and cheese.
Herbed Ricotta Lasagna
Replace cottage cheese with ricotta, adding fresh herbs like basil and thyme for a fragrant twist on the classic recipe.
One-Pot Lasagna
Prepare a one-pot version by layering ingredients directly in a large pot with sauce and a bit of broth, cooking until the noodles are tender.
Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna
Sauté mushrooms with garlic and spinach for a richer and earthier flavor profile in the cheese filling.
