Best 5 Make Ahead Creamy Spinach Lasagna Recipes

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Indulge in the delectable flavors of our creamy spinach lasagna, a culinary masterpiece that combines the richness of creamy sauce, the freshness of spinach, and the savory goodness of lasagna sheets. This make-ahead dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, offering a delightful symphony of flavors in every bite. Our curated collection of recipes caters to various dietary preferences, including a classic lasagna recipe, a vegetarian version packed with spinach and mushrooms, and a gluten-free alternative for those with dietary restrictions. Each recipe is meticulously crafted to ensure a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making this creamy spinach lasagna an unforgettable culinary experience.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

CREAMY SPINACH AND MUSHROOM LASAGNA



Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna image

This is sure to become a family favorite. Best of all, it's freezer-friendly and can also be made ahead of time!

Provided by Chungah Rhee

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

9 lasagna noodles
1 (15-ounce) package whole milk ricotta
2 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, divided
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 onion, diced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk, at room temperature
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Pinch of nutmeg
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. To make the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, mushrooms and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, and cook, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in basil, oregano and nutmeg until fragrant, about 1 minute; season with salt and pepper, to taste; set aside. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Spread 1 cup mushroom sauce onto the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish; top with 3 lasagna noodles, 1/2 of the ricotta cheese, 1/2 of the spinach, 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Repeat with a second layer. Top with remaining noodles, mushroom sauce and cheeses.* Place into oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until bubbling. Then broil for 2-3 minutes, or until top is browned in spots. Let cool 15 minutes. Serve, garnished with parsley, if desired.

CREAMY SPINACH AND MUSHROOM LASAGNA



Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h40m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 23

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature, for greasing the baking dish
All-purpose flour, for dusting
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
12 ounces cremini mushrooms, cleaned and quartered
1 medium onion, chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups heavy cream, at room temperature
1 3/4 cups whole milk, at room temperature
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups grated Pecorino Romano
2 cups shredded mozzarella
Two 5-ounce bags baby spinach, coarsely chopped
1/4 packed cup chopped fresh basil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 recipe Fresh Pasta, recipe follows, or nine 8- by 5-inch fresh lasagna noodles
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
2 cups cake flour
1 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
4 large egg yolks, at room temperature
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9- by 13- by 1-inch glass or ceramic baking dish. Set aside.
  • For the vegetables: In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over high heat. Add the mushrooms, onions, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and any liquid from the mushrooms has evaporated, about 20 minutes.
  • For the sauce: In a heavy-bottomed 5-quart saucepan, bring the cream, milk and flour to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly for 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low. Add the Pecorino and the mozzarella. Whisk until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the spinach, basil, garlic, salt and pepper.
  • Add the mushroom mixture to the sauce and stir to combine. Set aside to cool slightly.
  • Cut the Fresh Pasta dough in quarters and press flat. Run each piece of pasta dough several times through a pasta-rolling machine adjusting the setting each time until the pasta is about 1/16-inch thick. Cut the pasta into six 12- by 4-inch rectangles (reserve any pasta trimmings for another use). The pasta dough can also be rolled out by hand. Cut the chilled dough into quarters and using a rolling pin, roll out the dough until 1/8 to 1/16-inch thick.
  • Spread 1 cup of the sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange 2 sheets of pasta on top in a single layer. Spread 2 cups of the sauce over the pasta sheets. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta sheets and sauce, ending with the sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella. Drizzle with olive oil and bake until the filling is bubbling and the top is golden, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool for 20 minutes. Cut into squares and serve.
  • Place the cake flour, all-purpose flour, egg yolks and salt in a food processor. Pulse to combine. With the machine running, gradually add the oil then 1/3 to 1/2 cup water until the mixture forms a dough (the dough should stick together if pinched between your fingers). If necessary, add additional water, 1 teaspoon at a time if the dough is too dry.
  • Place the dough on a lightly floured surface. Gather the dough into a ball and knead until the dough is smooth, 5 to 8 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

THE BEST SPINACH LASAGNA RECIPE



The Best Spinach Lasagna Recipe image

Fresh ricotta, leafy spinach, white sauce, fresh pasta, and careful assembly of layers are key to producing the ultimate creamy, cheesy, spinach lasagna flavored with a hint of nutmeg.

Provided by J. Kenji López-Alt

Categories     Mains

Time 2h

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 20

For the Spinach:
2 tablespoons butter, divided
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 shallot, finely minced (about 1/2 cup)
6 medium cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds fresh flat or curly spinach leaves, washed and dried
For the Ricotta:
2 pounds fresh ricotta cheese (see note)
2 eggs
4 ounces finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
For the White Sauce:
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup flour
1 quart (4 cups) whole milk
12 ounces grated low moisture mozzarella cheese
12 ounces grated Comté, Gruyère, or Emmenthaler cheese
For Assembly:
1 1/2 pounds (enough sheets to make 12 layers) fresh lasagna noodles

Steps:

  • For the Spinach: Heat olive oil and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until melted. Add shallots and garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant, about 1 minute. Add a few large handfuls of spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted. Continue adding spinach a handful at a time until it is all in the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until spinach expels its moisture and most of that moisture evaporates, leaving a dry bottom as you stir. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Transfer spinach to a fine mesh strainer set over the sink and press out excess moisture with a rubber spatula. Let spinach continue to drain as you prepare the ricotta mixture.
  • For the Ricotta: Transfer half of the ricotta, both eggs, the Parmesan, and the nutmeg to the bowl of a food processor. Season with salt and pepper. Process until completely smooth, about 1 minute.
  • Transfer mixture to a large bowl but do not wipe out food processor. Transfer spinach to food processor and pulse until finely chopped, 10 to 12 short pulses. Add spinach and remaining ricotta to the ricotta mixture and fold gently to combine.
  • For the White Sauce: Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until melted. Add flour and increase heat to medium high. Cook, stirring butter and flour with a whisk until paled golden blond, about 1 minute. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in milk. Continue to cook, whisking frequently, until mixture comes to a boil and thickens. Remove from heat and add 3/4 of mozzarella and Comté, Gruyère, or Emmenthale cheese. Whisk until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • To Assemble: Adjust oven rack to lower middle position and preheat oven to 400°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta sheets a few at a time and cook until barely tender, about 45 seconds. Transfer to a fine mesh strainer and run under cool water until well chilled. Transfer to a clean kitchen towel in a single layer. Continue until all pasta is par-cooked and dried.
  • Drizzle a small amount of white sauce over the bottom of a lasagna pan or large casserole. Add a layer of noodles. Top with 1/12th of spinach mixture and 1/12th of remaining white sauce. Continue layering pasta, spinach, and white sauce until you lay down the top sheet of pasta.
  • Spread remaining spinach mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Comté or Emmentaler cheese and drizzle with remaining white sauce. Spread into an even layer with a rubber spatula.
  • Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until bubble and lightly browned, about 20 minutes longer. Let rest at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes, then slice and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 653 kcal, Carbohydrate 42 g, Cholesterol 146 mg, Fiber 4 g, Protein 37 g, SaturatedFat 21 g, Sodium 874 mg, Sugar 9 g, Fat 38 g, ServingSize Serves 8 to 10, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

SPINACH LASAGNA ROLL-UPS



Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups image

One night friends on a tight schedule stopped by. I invited them to stay for dinner, so I needed something I could fix in short order. I created these savory roll-ups, featuring a creamy three-cheese filling. They taste like lasagna but bake in a fraction of the time. -Julia Trachsel Victoria, British Columbia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

12 uncooked lasagna noodles
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
2-1/2 cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
2-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 jar (24 ounces) meatless pasta sauce

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°. Cook noodles according to package directions; drain. Meanwhile, mix eggs, spinach, cheeses and seasonings., Pour 1 cup pasta sauce into an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Spread 1/3 cup cheese mixture over each noodle; roll up and place over sauce, seam side down. Top with remaining sauce. Bake, covered, 20 minutes. Uncover; bake until heated through, 5-10 minutes longer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 569 calories, Fat 22g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 145mg cholesterol, Sodium 1165mg sodium, Carbohydrate 57g carbohydrate (17g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 38g protein.

CREAMY SPINACH LASAGNA



Creamy Spinach Lasagna image

This tasty vegetarian lasagna is made special with spinach and Alfredo sauce.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h15m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

12 uncooked lasagna noodles (12 oz)
2 boxes (9 oz each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed to drain
1 container (16 oz) ricotta cheese
1 egg, slightly beaten
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 cups shredded Italian cheese blend (12 oz)
1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo pasta sauce

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook and drain noodles as directed on package.
  • Meanwhile, in medium bowl, stir together spinach, ricotta cheese, egg, garlic, salt, pepper and 1 1/2 cups of the Italian cheese.
  • To assemble, place 4 cooked noodles in bottom of baking dish. Top with one-third of the Alfredo sauce (about 1/2 cup) and half of the spinach mixture. Repeat layers once. Top with remaining 4 noodles, Alfredo sauce and 1 1/2 cups Italian cheese. Spray sheet of foil with cooking spray; cover baking dish tightly with foil, sprayed side down.
  • Bake 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 15 minutes longer or until bubbly around edges. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 500, Carbohydrate 41 g, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 3 g, Protein 28 g, SaturatedFat 13 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1030 mg

Tips:

  • Mise en Place: Before you start cooking, make sure all of your ingredients are prepped and measured. This will help you stay organized and avoid scrambling during the cooking process.
  • Use Quality Ingredients: The fresher and higher quality your ingredients are, the better your lasagna will taste. If possible, use organic or locally sourced ingredients.
  • Don't Overcook the Spinach: Spinach cooks very quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. Otherwise, it will become mushy and lose its flavor.
  • Let the Lasagna Rest: Once the lasagna is baked, let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the flavors to meld together and the lasagna to set.

Conclusion:

Make-ahead creamy spinach lasagna is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With a little planning and preparation, you can have a delicious and satisfying lasagna meal on the table in no time.

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