© Original recipe by Crave & Craft ©
🍄🥬 Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna for Cozy Weeknights 🍽️
1. Introduction
Imagine layers of tender pasta embraced by a velvety mushroom and spinach filling, topped with bubbling cheese — this is the magic of a mushroom spinach lasagna. Perfect for cozy weeknights, this creamy lasagna combines earthy mushrooms with fresh spinach, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. As you savor each bite, you’ll appreciate how effortlessly comforting and satisfying this dish is, especially when made with tender, high-quality ingredients.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 45 minutes — ideal for busy weeknights.
- One-pan assembly — minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Creamy and cheesy — irresistible for cheese lovers.
- Vegetarian-friendly — packed with hearty vegetables.
- Meal prep — refrigerate leftovers for easy future dinners.
3. Ingredient Notes
This easy spinach lasagna uses a handful of simple ingredients, but each is thoughtfully selected for maximum flavor and texture. Fresh mushrooms, such as cremini or shiitake, lend an earthy umami that intensifies as they cook down. Use fresh, organic spinach for vibrant greens and optimal nutrients, which wilt beautifully into the creamy filling. A high-quality mozzarella and ricotta cheese create a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth experience, while a dash of nutmeg in the béchamel sauce adds warmth and depth.
For the pasta, no-boil lasagna sheets save time and prevent mushiness. Consider premium brands for a sturdy layered structure. To elevate this dish further, choose a flavorful vegetable broth instead of water in the béchamel, enriching the overall taste. Explore more recipes here for other cozy dinners.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
Achieve the perfect creamy mushroom and spinach lasagna with a few essential tools. A Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer helps crisp the edges if you prefer a golden crust. A durable T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set ensures easy sautéing of the mushrooms and spinach without sticking. For smooth, even béchamel sauce, a quality KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer makes blending effortless. These tools streamline your cooking process and help you craft a truly restaurant-quality dish.
5. How to Make Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna
Prepare your ingredients
Begin by cleaning and slicing a variety of mushrooms. Sauté them in a bit of olive oil until they release their juices and turn golden brown — the aroma is rich and inviting now. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt down quickly. This filling should be flavorful and moist, but not watery.
Make the béchamel and assemble
Next, create a silky béchamel sauce by gently warming butter and whisking in flour, then gradually adding warm vegetable broth and milk. Stir constantly until thickened, then season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of your lasagna pan, followed by pasta sheets, mushroom-spinach mixture, and cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with a generous topping of cheese and béchamel.
Bake to perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top. The kitchen fills with a warm, cheesy aroma that beckons everyone to the table. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing — this ensures clean, neat servings, and enhances the flavors.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the vegetables; they should retain some bite and vibrancy.
- Use high-quality cheese to ensure a rich, gooey layer that melts beautifully.
- Allow the lasagna to rest after baking for cleaner slices and better flavor integration.
- Consider adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If you want a vegan version, substitute dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives, and use coconut milk or almond milk in the béchamel. For added protein, consider mixing in cooked lentils or tofu. To keep it gluten-free, swap traditional pasta with gluten-free lasagna sheets. Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for variety.
8. Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispy top—reheat in an air fryer like the Ninja Air Fryer Pro. This method keeps the edges crisp and fresh-tasting.
9. FAQ
Can I prepare this lasagna in advance?
Yes! Assemble the lasagna a day ahead, store it covered in the fridge, and bake when ready. Encase it tightly with plastic wrap, or refrigerate in an airtight container.
Can I freeze leftover lasagna?
Absolutely. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What makes this dish so creamy?
The béchamel sauce, made from butter, flour, and milk, is the secret to the luscious, velvety texture. It melds seamlessly with the cooked vegetables and cheese in each layer.
10. Conclusion
This creamy mushroom and spinach lasagna is the epitome of cozy weeknights. Its rich flavors, gratifying texture, and simple preparation make it a family favorite. Get creative with the ingredients, and enjoy a hearty, vegetarian-friendly meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Happy cooking!
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Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna for Cozy Weeknights
A hearty, cheesy lasagna layered with sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach, baked to perfection for a comforting dinner.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic and mushrooms until tender. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, and half of the mozzarella.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Layer noodles, mushroom-spinach mixture, ricotta blend, and sauce. Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining mozzarella, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute with gluten-free noodles if needed.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based cheese and skip the Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Method: Baking, sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg