She Strengthens

Comfort Food at Its Finest: A Simple Spinach and Cheese Lasagna Recipe

Lasagna, the ultimate comfort food, is often perceived as a daunting task to prepare. However, with this easy recipe, you’ll be on your way to homemade lasagna glory in no time. This simplified version skips the traditional béchamel sauce, making it fast and easy to assemble.

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

A harmonious ratio of filling, cheese, sauce, and noodles is key to a perfect lasagna. This spinach and cheese version boasts creamy ricotta and spinach filling, tangy tomato sauce, and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.

Get Started with These Essential Ingredients

• 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (15- to 16-ounce) container whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 2 10-ounce boxes of frozen spinach, thawed and liquid squeezed out
• 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large egg
• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans tomato sauce or jarred marinara sauce
• 1 (8- to 9-ounce) box no-boil lasagna noodles (12 noodles)
• 1 pound of mozzarella cheese, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Assemble and Bake with Ease

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F, allowing at least 20 minutes for it to warm up.
2. Mix the garlic, ricotta, spinach, half of the Parmesan, and the egg in a bowl until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Layering Perfection

1. Spread a fifth of the tomato sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
2. Overlap a quarter of the noodles in a layer on top of the sauce.
3. Spread a fifth of the tomato sauce on top of the noodles.
4. Dollop a third of the ricotta mixture in a few spots over the noodles and flatten.
5. Lay a quarter of the mozzarella on top.
6. Repeat the process two more times, alternating the direction of the noodles.
7. Cover with the last quarter of the noodles, top with the last fifth of the tomato sauce, last quarter of the mozzarella, and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan.

Bake and Serve

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly around the edges.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the top is bubbly and light golden brown.
3. Let the lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving with a simple salad or vegetable side for a cozy vegetarian meal.

Yield: 8 to 12 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes