© Original Recipe By Sweets & Wonders ©
🍄🌿 Cozy Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna for Weeknight Dinners
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a hearty, yet healthy Italian dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, this mushroom spinach lasagna is your answer. It’s a vegetarian lasagna that combines the earthy aroma of fresh mushrooms with vibrant spinach, layered beneath tender pasta sheets and a luscious cheese sauce. This dish is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients, making it a smart choice for a quick, wholesome dinner. Ready in less than an hour, it’s a weeknight winner that everyone will love!
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 mins: This recipe is designed with busy schedules in mind.
- One-pan harmony: Minimal cleanup with layered baking in a single dish.
- Healthy & vegetarian: A nourishing way to enjoy indulgent Italian flavors without meat.
- Flavorful and creamy: The earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach infuse each bite with aromatic goodness.
3. Ingredient Notes
For a truly irresistible mushroom spinach lasagna, choose high-quality ingredients. Opt for fresh, firm mushrooms like cremini or button for a robust earthy flavor that simulates a richer umami. Fresh spinach adds brightness and nutrition, but frozen spinach is a convenient alternative—just ensure it’s well-drained to prevent excess moisture. Use a good quality mozzarella and ricotta cheese for a creamy, gooey melt that elevates the dish.
For the pasta, commercial no-boil lasagna noodles make assembly easier, but if you prefer, regular dried lasagna sheets work just as well if pre-cooked. Season your layers generously with garlic, salt, and pepper, and add fresh herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor depth.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
Having the right tools can make preparing this lasagna even easier. A high-quality Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer helps you quickly sauté mushrooms or warm ingredients without extra pans, saving time and effort. For prepping ingredients efficiently, consider the Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master—it makes chopping and slicing a breeze. A sturdy KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer ensures you can mix your cheeses and sauces smoothly, adding professional touch to your homemade sauce.
5. How to Make Cozy Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna
Preparing the filling
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or non-stick pan. Sauté sliced mushrooms until they release their earthy aroma and turn golden brown—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in fresh spinach or defrosted, drained frozen spinach, cooking just until wilted and tender. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for a flavor boost. The mixture should be aromatic with a slightly creamy texture now liquid has evaporated.
Assembling the lasagna
Spread a generous layer of cheese sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Layer lasagna noodles over the sauce—break them to fit if needed. Spread the mushroom spinach mixture over the noodles, then drizzle with more cheese sauce. Repeat the layers until reaching the top of the dish, finishing with a final layer of noodles and a good coverage of cheese sauce. Sprinkle grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top for that perfect golden crust.
Baking and finishing
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, until bubbling and the top is crispy and golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. The aroma of melted cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and baked pasta will be irresistible!
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Ensure your mushrooms are well-sautéed to develop full flavor—that umami richness is key to the dish.
- Drain excess moisture from spinach thoroughly to prevent the lasagna from becoming watery.
- Cover the dish with foil during baking to keep it moist; remove the foil for the last 5 minutes for a crispy top.
- For a richer sauce, add a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta between layers.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If you want to switch things up, consider adding roasted eggplant or zucchini slices for extra vegetable goodness. For vegan-friendly options, substitute cheese with vegan cheeses and use plant-based béchamel or tomato sauces. Whole wheat lasagna noodles or gluten-free options make this dish accessible for various dietary needs.
8. Storage & Reheating
Leftover mushroom spinach lasagna stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until hot and bubbly. This dish tastes just as delightful the next day—perfect for easy weeknight leftovers.
9. FAQ
Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. It allows the flavors to meld nicely and makes dinner prep even quicker.
Can I use frozen mushrooms instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen mushrooms work well—just be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before sautéing to avoid sogginess.
Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
You can adapt the recipe by using gluten-free lasagna noodles. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for a safe, tasty meal.
What wine pairs well with mushroom spinach lasagna?
A medium-bodied red like Chianti or a dry white such as Pinot Grigio complements the earthy flavors beautifully.
10. Conclusion
This cozy mushroom and spinach lasagna offers all the warmth and richness of traditional Italian comfort food, with the health benefits of fresh vegetables. It’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough to impress guests. Embrace the earthy aroma, cheesy layers, and vibrant greens for a delightful vegetarian lasagna that’s sure to become a family favorite. Happy cooking!
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Cozy Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna for Weeknight Dinners
A hearty vegetarian lasagna layered with sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese, baked until bubbly and golden.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 9 no-boil lasagna noodles
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add mushrooms, cook until tender, season with salt and pepper.
- Add chopped spinach to the skillet, cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer noodles, mushroom-spinach mixture, ricotta, and mozzarella. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- You can substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for variation.
- Use part-skim mozzarella for a lighter dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Method: Baking, sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
