Easy Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta

Easy Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta is a hearty, comforting vegetarian dish made with layers of tender lasagna noodles, creamy ricotta cheese, flavorful spinach, and tangy marinara sauce. It’s the perfect no-fuss recipe for a wholesome dinner that feels both indulgent and nutritious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This spinach lasagna is rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor—yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. It’s a great way to add more greens to your diet and an ideal dish for vegetarians or anyone looking for a meatless meal. Make it ahead, freeze it, or enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
• Ricotta cheese
• Frozen chopped spinach (thawed and drained) or fresh spinach
• Egg
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Marinara or pasta sauce
• Garlic (optional)
• Olive oil (if using fresh spinach)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning or nutmeg (optional, for ricotta mixture)

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions if not using oven-ready noodles. Drain and set aside.
3. If using fresh spinach, sauté it in olive oil with minced garlic until wilted, then let cool slightly and chop. If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out all excess moisture.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, spinach, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning or a pinch of nutmeg. Mix well.
5. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Add a layer of noodles, then spread a portion of the ricotta-spinach mixture, followed by marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella.
7. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and a generous sprinkle of parmesan.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
• Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter version.
• Mix in pesto with the ricotta for a herbaceous flavor.
• Use a white béchamel sauce instead of marinara for a creamy twist.
• Make it gluten-free with gluten-free lasagna noodles.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. You can also freeze the lasagna, baked or unbaked, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, just sauté it until wilted, chop, and squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the ricotta mixture.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely—assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Do I need to cook oven-ready noodles?

No, they cook in the oven as the lasagna bakes, just ensure there’s enough sauce to keep them moist.

Is it okay to skip the egg?

The egg helps bind the ricotta mixture, but you can skip it if needed or replace it with a flax egg.

Can I add protein to this recipe?

Yes, add cooked lentils or a meat substitute to the layers for extra protein.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes, use vegan ricotta, dairy-free mozzarella, and egg substitute to make it fully plant-based.

How do I prevent watery lasagna?

Be sure to drain spinach well and use a thicker sauce to avoid excess moisture.

What kind of sauce works best?

A classic marinara or tomato basil sauce works well. Avoid overly watery sauces.

What cheeses work best?

A combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan gives the best flavor and texture.

Can I freeze individual portions?

Yes, slice the cooled lasagna into portions, wrap individually, and freeze for easy reheating.

Conclusion

Easy Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta is a cozy, nourishing meal that combines cheesy layers and flavorful spinach with a rich tomato sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Simple to assemble and full of comforting flavors, this vegetarian lasagna is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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