Name: Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 24 ounces fresh spinach leaves; 15 ounces ricotta cheese; 2 eggs; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste); 1/4 teaspoon pepper (plus more to taste); 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 box lasagna noodles; 24 ounce jar marinara sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Cooking spray; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

If you’ve been hunting for the ultimate comfort food that’s also a little on the healthier side, you’re going to absolutely adore this Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table with a massive smile—imagine layers of tender noodles, fresh spinach, a creamy trio of cheeses, and rich marinara sauce baked until bubbly and golden. Trust me, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings where you want to impress without hours in the kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded with Cheese and Veggies: Combines creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and fresh spinach for a hearty yet fresh flavor.
Perfect for Vegetarians: A filling main dish without any meat, but still packs a protein punch.
Family Favorite: My loved ones go absolutely crazy for this, and I bet yours will too.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Easy to prep in advance and freezes beautifully for busy weeknights.

A black pan with a gold handle holds mac and cheese with two layers: the bottom layer is pale cream macaroni in cheese sauce, topped with a thicker, bubbly, bright yellow melted cheese layer sprinkled with black pepper. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a pink cloth draped beside it. Around the pan, there are white bowls with blue inside rims, one small white bowl with black pepper, a gold spoon, and another white bowl filled with golden breadcrumbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Spinach Lasagna, vegetarian lasagna recipe, cheesy spinach lasagna, healthy lasagna ideas, easy baked spinach lasagna

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Recipe comes from the balance of fresh and rich ingredients that layer perfectly together. When I shop for this, I always reach for the freshest spinach I can find, quality ricotta, and whole-milk mozzarella — it makes a noticeable difference!

Flat lay of fresh bright green spinach leaves, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy white ricotta cheese, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl filled with finely grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of shredded mozzarella cheese, a neat stack of uncooked flat rectangular lasagna noodles, a small white bowl with vibrant red marinara sauce, a small white bowl with dried Italian seasoning, a small white bowl containing coarse white salt, a small white bowl with cracked black pepper, and a small white bowl of chopped fresh green parsley, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cheesy Spinach Lasagna, vegetarian lasagna recipe, cheesy spinach lasagna, healthy lasagna ideas, easy baked spinach lasagna

Butter: Helps sauté the spinach gently without burning and adds richness.
Fresh spinach leaves: Using fresh spinach gives a vibrant flavor and texture that frozen just can’t match.
Ricotta cheese: The creamy base that ties everything together with just the right hint of tang.
Eggs: Bind the cheese mixture so your layers stay perfectly set after baking.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty bite—grate it fresh if you can!
Mozzarella cheese: A double dose—one mixed into the ricotta layer and extra shredded for topping for that melty, golden finish.
Salt and pepper: Essential to season the spinach mixture perfectly.
Italian seasoning: Brings that classic Italian flavor profile front and center with herbs like oregano and basil.
Lasagna noodles: Use no-boil noodles for ease, or cook regular noodles al dente if you prefer.
Marinara sauce: A rich jarred sauce works perfectly here to layer in a tangy, tomato flavor.
Cooking spray: To keep your pan non-stick and your lasagna easy to serve.
Chopped parsley: Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a lovely, fresh finish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Recipe is — once you’ve got the basic technique down, you can really make it your own. Don’t hesitate to tweak the cheeses or sneak in other veggies to fit your family’s tastes!

Add Mushrooms: I’ve added sautéed mushrooms along with spinach for a deeper earthy flavor that my husband adores.
Swap in Kale: For a heartier green, kale can replace spinach, just be sure to cook it a bit longer for tenderness.
Use Gluten-Free Noodles: Great for gluten-sensitive diets without losing any of the delicious texture.
Make it Vegan: Try dairy-free cheeses and tofu ricotta to keep the creaminess without dairy.

How to Make Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Spinach with Care

Start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your fresh spinach and sauté gently until fully wilted but still vibrant green—this usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Make sure to season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning here, as this is where the flavors start building. I like to drain any excess moisture to avoid a watery lasagna.

Step 2: Mix the Cheesy Filling

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, grated Parmesan, one cup of shredded mozzarella, and the sautéed spinach. Mix thoroughly but gently—overmixing can make the filling runny. This mixture is your creamy, cheesy heart of the lasagna, so don’t skip tasting and adjusting salt and pepper at this stage.

Step 3: Assemble Your Layers

Grab a baking dish and lightly spray it with cooking spray. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom, then add a layer of lasagna noodles. Next, spoon a generous amount of your cheese-spinach mixture over the noodles, followed by another layer of sauce. Repeat until you’ve used all your filling—usually about three layers, ending with noodles topped by sauce and the remaining shredded mozzarella. This layered approach is what makes the dish so satisfying and comforting.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the lasagna tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes to let the cheese on top bubble and brown beautifully. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing—this helps everything set so your portions hold together nicely.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Recipe

Dry Your Spinach Well: I discovered this trick when I realized watery spinach makes the lasagna soggy; always press or squeeze out moisture.
Use No-Boil Noodles: They save time and soak up sauce just right without turning mushy.
Cover Tightly While Baking: Keeps the moisture in so every layer is tender but not dry.
Let It Rest Before Serving: This step helps your lasagna firm up for cleaner slices and better presentation.

How to Serve Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Recipe

The image shows two white bowls with a deep blue inside, each filled with creamy macaroni and cheese made from shell pasta coated in a smooth white cheese sauce with patches of melted bright orange cheese on top. The cheese sauce is thick and glossy, slightly pooling around the pasta. A gold fork with a textured handle rests inside the main bowl on the right side. The bowls sit on a white marbled surface with a pink cloth napkin folded beside the main bowl. To the top right, there is a white bowl with blue speckles filled with golden-brown breadcrumbs and a gold spoon resting in it, while a small white bowl filled with coarse black pepper is in the top left. Some black pepper is scattered on the surface around the bowls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Spinach Lasagna, vegetarian lasagna recipe, cheesy spinach lasagna, healthy lasagna ideas, easy baked spinach lasagna

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley right after baking — it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens the dish. Sometimes, I add a little extra grated Parmesan on top for cheesier appeal.

Side Dishes

This lasagna pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. My family also loves a simple bowl of steamed green beans or sautéed zucchini on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes make individual lasagna portions in ramekins — it looks elegant and guarantees everyone gets their own perfectly layered portion. Another fun idea is topping with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a gourmet twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers covered tightly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it’s perfect to enjoy the next day or two.

Freezing

This is a fantastic freezer-friendly meal. After assembling but before baking, I wrap the dish securely with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, I thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a bit of extra time if still frozen.

Reheating

To reheat, cover your portion with foil and pop it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until hot throughout. Avoid using the microwave if you can—it tends to make the noodles gummy and the cheese separates. Oven reheating keeps everything tasting fresh and melty.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh in this Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Recipe?

Absolutely! If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much water as possible before mixing it into the cheese mixture. This prevents excess moisture that can make your lasagna watery.
Do I need to boil the lasagna noodles?

You can use no-boil noodles to save time; they work great because they soften during baking. If you’re using traditional noodles, boil them until just al dente before layering to ensure they cook through fully.
How can I make this lasagna vegan-friendly?

Swap out the ricotta and mozzarella for plant-based cheese alternatives and replace the eggs with flax or chia egg substitutes. Using a vegan marinara sauce ensures the entire dish stays animal-free while still maintaining that creamy, cheesy texture.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover cheesy spinach lasagna?

Reheating in the oven wrapped with foil at 350°F helps maintain texture and flavor without drying it out. Microwaving works in a pinch but might make the cheese separate and noodles gummy.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Recipe is genuinely one of my go-to dishes when I want something comforting, nourishing, and crowd-pleasing all at once. Whether you’re cooking for a big family dinner or prepping meals ahead, it ticks all the boxes. I hope you try it out soon — I promise it’ll become a favorite in your rotation just like it did in mine. Don’t forget to pour yourself a glass of wine (or a sparkling water!) and savor every cheesy, saucy bite with folks you love.