This Hearty Mushroom Spinach Lasagna is the perfect dish for cozy dinners and family gatherings. With layers of savory mushrooms, fresh spinach, and three types of cheese, it's comfort food with a nutritious twist.
Lasagna noodles form the structure of this dish, holding all the delicious layers together. Olive oil is used for sautéing, adding a subtle richness. Cremini mushrooms bring an earthy depth, while garlic adds a punch of flavor. Fresh spinach not only adds nutrition but also a vibrant green color that contrasts beautifully with the cheese. Salt and black pepper season the vegetables just right. Ricotta cheese creates a creamy texture, Parmesan cheese adds a nutty flavor, and mozzarella cheese melts into gooey perfection. Marinara sauce ties everything together with its tangy tomato goodness, and fresh basil finishes the dish with a fragrant, aromatic touch.
This lasagna pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve it with some garlic bread on the side. A glass of red wine like Chianti or a non-alcoholic grape juice can complement the flavors perfectly.
First, preheat your oven to 375°F. While it warms up, cook your lasagna noodles according to their package instructions, then drain them and set aside. Now, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Toss in your sliced cremini mushrooms and minced garlic, sautéing until the mushrooms are golden, which should take about five minutes.
With the mushrooms nicely browned, stir in the fresh spinach, salt, and pepper. Cook until the spinach is wilted, which happens quickly—just a couple of minutes. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta and Parmesan cheese to make a creamy mixture.
Now it’s time to start layering. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Lay down four lasagna noodles, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, half of the mushroom-spinach mixture, and one cup of mozzarella.
Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing off with noodles, the remaining marinara sauce, and topping everything with the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Cover your dish with foil and bake in the oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
Once out of the oven, let the lasagna stand for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps everything set nicely. Garnish with fresh basil just before serving for a burst of color and flavor.