White Lasagna with Spinach
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Servings
12
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Calories
453 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
Italian
White Lasagna with Spinach
Description
The recipe begins by cooking lasagna noodles until al dente and wilting baby spinach briefly in the microwave to soften it. A roux is made using butter and flour, then milk is slowly incorporated and warmed to thicken the sauce. Pressed garlic enhances this base before ricotta and Parmesan cheeses create a smooth, luscious white sauce. Mozzarella adds stretch and meltiness during assembly.
To assemble, the sauce is spread thinly in a baking dish before layering noodles, sauce, spinach, and shredded mozzarella. This layering repeats to build a creamy, cheesy casserole that bakes until bubbly and lightly golden. The textures balance creamy richness with the gentle body of spinach and pasta.
This lasagna works well as a main dish for family dinners or occasions where a comforting vegetarian option is desired. Fresh parsley can be added for garnish to introduce a mild herb freshness. The recipe’s size suggests it serves a crowd or provides ample leftovers. It can be reduced proportionally for smaller groups by using a smaller baking dish.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces lasagna noodles
- 16 ounces baby spinach
- 12 ounces mozzarella cheese
For the white sauce
- 1/2 cup butter (one stick)
- 1/2 cup flour
- 4 cups milk whole
- 3 cloves garlic pressed
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese whole milk
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (optional)
- parsley freshly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
- Cook lasagna noodles to al dente per package directions.
- Place spinach in a micowave safe bowl, and heat for 30 second increments until it just starts to wilt. Set aside.
To make the white sauce:
- In a large sauce pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and continue whisking until the paste begins to bubble and thicken, about 2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, until it is fully incorporated and no lumps remain. Raise heat to high and bring to a boil, then reduce to low and continue to simmer until sauce has thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, salt and pepper, then mix in the ricotta and parmesan cheeses, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
To Assemble Lasagna
- Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Lay a layer of lasagna noodles over the bottom.
- Spread a layer of sauce on the noodles, and about half of the spinach, and top with mozzarella cheese. Repeat with another layer of noodles, sauce, the rest of the spinach, and mozzarella cheese. To finish top off with a layer of noodles, sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 350˚F for about 40-50 minutes or until the lasagna is completely heated through and the cheese is melted. Remove from oven and let set for about 5-10 minutes.Optional- broil for the last 5 minutes to get the cheese browned on top.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- This recipe makes about 12 servings or 8 large portions, suitable for group meals.
- To serve fewer people, halve the recipe and use a 9x9 inch baking dish.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 453 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 453kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 21g | 42% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 0.3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 75mg | 25% |
| Sodium | 788mg | 33% |
| Potassium | 495mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 4306IU | 86% |
| Vitamin C | 11mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 422mg | 42% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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