SPINACH MUSHROOM LASAGNA EASY DINNER

Imagine layers of tender pasta melding with a creamy, cheesy sauce, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach – a symphony of flavors and textures that’s both comforting and satisfying. This Spinach Mushroom Lasagna is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, and I promise, it’s easier to make than you think!

Ingredients

For the Spinach Mushroom Filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
• 10 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese

Other:

• 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready, no-boil)
• Cooking spray

Let’s Talk About the Stars of the Show

Before we dive into the step-by-step, let’s chat about some key ingredients. The mushrooms are the earthy backbone of this lasagna. I love using cremini mushrooms for their rich flavor, but good old button mushrooms work just fine. Spinach adds a vibrant color and a healthy boost. Fresh spinach is best, but if you’re short on time, you can use frozen (just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water). And don’t skimp on the nutmeg! A pinch of it enhances the creamy sauce and complements the earthy flavors beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started: Prep the Spinach Mushroom Filling

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Add the chopped spinach, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
6. Add the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and ricotta cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Spread a thin layer of the cheese sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
4. Spread half of the spinach mushroom filling over the noodles.
5. Spoon half of the remaining cheese sauce over the filling.
6. Repeat layers: 3 lasagna noodles, remaining spinach mushroom filling, remaining cheese sauce.
7. Top with the final 3 lasagna noodles and any remaining cheese sauce. If you are feeling fancy, sprinkle with extra parmesan.

Bake to Golden Perfection

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
2. Bake for 30 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
4. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut.

Troubleshooting and Tips for Success

Lasagna can be a little tricky, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here are a few common issues and how to avoid them:

• Dry Lasagna: This usually happens when there isn’t enough sauce. Make sure you have a generous layer of sauce between each layer of noodles. Also, covering the lasagna with foil during the first part of baking helps to trap moisture.
• Soggy Lasagna: This can happen if your spinach is too wet. Make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from frozen spinach. Also, letting the lasagna rest before slicing helps the layers to set and prevents it from being too watery.
• Noodles Not Cooking Properly: Using oven-ready lasagna noodles eliminates the need for pre-boiling, which is a huge time-saver. However, make sure they are completely covered in sauce to ensure they cook properly. If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, you’ll need to boil them according to the package directions before assembling the lasagna.

Variations to Make it Your Own

This Spinach Mushroom Lasagna is delicious as is, but feel free to customize it to your liking!

• Add Protein: Ground beef, Italian sausage, or cooked chicken would all be great additions. Just brown the meat before adding it to the spinach mushroom filling.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a little heat.
• Use Different Vegetables: Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant would also be delicious in this lasagna.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and all-purpose gluten-free flour for the cheese sauce.

If you’re looking for other comforting pasta dishes, you might also enjoy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti for a simple and flavorful weeknight meal. Alternatively, for a creamy and satisfying bake, you could try the Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole. And if you are looking for something with a bit more of a kick, you can also check out Marry Me Chicken Pasta or even Philly Cheesesteak Pasta.

Serving Suggestions

This Spinach Mushroom Lasagna is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a simple side salad and some crusty bread. A light vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the lasagna perfectly. If you are serving a crowd, consider adding a soup as well to offer some variety.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual slices or bake the entire lasagna in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also freeze lasagna for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Get Ready to Dig In

This Spinach Mushroom Lasagna is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a dish that brings people together, fills bellies, and creates memories. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and let’s get cooking! You’ve got this! Enjoy!