Perfect Spinach Lasagna Recipe For Dinner Tonight

When comfort food calls, lasagna always answers. But if you want something hearty that doesn’t feel too heavy, spinach lasagna is the way to go. It’s cheesy, warm and packed with flavor but feels fresher thanks to tender spinach layered between noodles and sauce. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or planning a cozy Sunday meal, this perfect spinach lasagna will hit the spot every single time.

Why Spinach Lasagna Works So Well

Classic lasagna can be rich with lots of meat and heavy sauces. Spinach lightens it up without losing that classic baked pasta comfort. The greens add a gentle earthiness that pairs beautifully with creamy ricotta and tangy tomato sauce. It’s also a great way to sneak more veggies onto everyone’s plate without any complaints.

Plus, spinach lasagna is easy to prep ahead. You can assemble it the night before, pop it in the fridge and bake when you’re ready. Leftovers reheat beautifully for easy lunches too.

The Best Ingredients To Use

Quality ingredients make all the difference. Here’s what you need for the perfect spinach lasagna:

12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 to 4 cups fresh baby spinach (or thawed frozen spinach, squeezed dry)
3 cloves garlic, minced
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 jar (about 24 ounces) good marinara sauce or homemade sauce
Salt and pepper
A pinch of nutmeg (optional but classic for spinach and ricotta)

Prep The Spinach Filling

Fresh spinach works great but frozen is fine too. If using fresh, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

If you’re using frozen, thaw it fully and squeeze out as much water as possible. Watery spinach will make your lasagna runny, so don’t skip this part.

In a bowl, mix the cooked spinach with ricotta, egg, half the Parmesan, a pinch of salt and nutmeg if you like. This mixture should be creamy and spreadable.

Cook The Noodles Right

If using traditional lasagna noodles, cook them in a big pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. You don’t want them mushy since they’ll cook more in the oven. Drain and lay them flat on parchment or lightly oiled foil so they don’t stick.

No-boil noodles save time and work well too, especially if your sauce has enough moisture to soften them while baking.

Assemble Like A Pro

Get your baking dish ready and preheat the oven to 375°F.

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish. This keeps noodles from sticking.
Add a layer of noodles, slightly overlapping them.
Spread a layer of the spinach-ricotta mixture.
Spoon more sauce over the spinach layer.
Sprinkle a handful of mozzarella.

Repeat these layers until all your ingredients are used up. Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining sauce, mozzarella and the rest of the Parmesan on top.

Bake Until Bubbly

Cover the dish with foil (spray the underside with a bit of cooking spray to stop the cheese from sticking) and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden brown spots.

Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers hold together instead of sliding apart.

Make It Your Own

Once you master the basics, tweak it to your taste.

Add sautéed mushrooms for extra earthiness.
Mix in fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Swap half the ricotta for cottage cheese if you prefer.
Use a mix of cheeses like fontina or provolone for more depth.

What To Serve With Spinach Lasagna

This dish is filling on its own but a crisp side salad or garlic bread makes it even better. A simple green salad with balsamic dressing cuts through the richness nicely.

How To Store Leftovers

Cover leftover slices tightly or pack them in airtight containers. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until hot, or pop a slice in the microwave for a quick meal.

You can also freeze spinach lasagna. Let it cool completely, wrap slices individually and store for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge first.

Final Thoughts

Perfect spinach lasagna isn’t complicated but feels special every time you make it. It’s cozy enough for a family dinner yet nice enough for guests. The creamy spinach layers, stretchy cheese and tangy sauce come together into comfort food that feels a bit lighter but still totally satisfying.

Next time you crave lasagna but want something with a fresh twist, give this version a try. It’s bound to become one of your go-to favorites for any day of the week.