Spinach and courgette lasagne

Spinach and courgette lasagne

45 min
This spinach and courgette lasagne combines fresh spinach and sweet courgette with a smooth, cheesy béchamel sauce, topped with a golden mix of cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner or to impress at a social gathering, this lasagne offers a tasty variation of an Italian favourite.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/spinach-and-courgette-lasagne/

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 190 °C.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Sauté onion with ½ teaspoon of salt for 3 minutes or until soft and translucent.
  • Gradually add spinach, stirring for 3 minutes until tender. Remove from the pot, place in a colander, and gently press to drain.
  • Wash the courgette and slice it lengthwise into 2 cm thick slices.
  • Heat the remaining oil in a large pan over medium heat. Fry the courgette slices for 2 minutes on each side until golden. Remove and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
  • Divide the béchamel sauce into 4 portions. Spread the first portion in a 22×33 cm baking dish. Place two lasagne sheets on top.
  • Layer with béchamel sauce, a third of the spinach mixture, another layer of lasagne sheets, béchamel sauce, spinach mixture, and courgette slices. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
  • Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Romano cheese. Cover with aluminium foil and bake for 45–55 minutes.
  • Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to turn golden and the lasagne to bubble.
  • Let the dish rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!

FAQ: Questions about spinach and courgette lasagne

Our lasagne is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients and creamy comfort. Discover answers to common questions that will help you master this lasagne and get the best result every time.

How do I prevent the lasagne from becoming too watery?
To prevent the lasagne from becoming watery, thoroughly drain the spinach after cooking. Place fried courgette slices on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. These steps ensure your lasagne stays firm and flavourful.
Can I make this lasagne ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this lasagne in advance. Assemble it without baking it, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day. When you are ready to enjoy it, bake it fresh from the fridge following the recipe. This way, you get the freshest taste straight from the oven.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Cool the lasagne completely before storing it. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap the dish in cling film and foil to prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to enjoy the lasagne leftovers, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Ingredients

Bechamel sauce with cheese
500 ml
Fresh spinach
1 kilo
Courgette, medium-sized
500 g
Lasagne sheets
250 g
Olive oil
1 cup
Onion, finely chopped
1
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
150 g
Romano cheese, grated
50 g
Salt
1 tsp

Tips: Make the perfect spinach and courgette lasagne

Make this lasagne even better with a few tips to the recipe. Keep reading below, then get started on your lasagne adventure!

Let the lasagne rest

Once baked, let the lasagne rest for 10–15 minutes. This resting period helps the layers firm up for easy slicing and allows the flavours to meld together. Patience here ensures that your lasagne looks neat on the plate and tastes fantastic, with all the ingredients having time to fully integrate and enhance each other.

Optimal reheating for leftovers

To reheat your leftover spinach and courgette lasagne while keeping it moist and flavourful, cover it with aluminium foil and warm it in your oven at 180 °C for 15–20 minutes. This prevents the lasagne from drying out and ensures it heats evenly. For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the lasagne in a microwave-safe container, add a few drops of water on top, and heat on high for 5–6 minutes or until hot. That way, your lasagne stays creamy, with the edges remaining soft, just like when it was first baked.

Spinach preparation

To get the best texture from your spinach, make sure to drain it thoroughly after cooking. Spinach tends to hold a lot of water, which can make your lasagne watery. Place the cooked spinach in a colander and press gently with the back of a spoon to remove excess moisture. You can also use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out the water.

Layering for balance

Balance is key when layering your lasagne. Spread the spinach and courgette slices evenly between layers. This ensures that each bite is packed with a variety of flavours and textures. For the best results, use a spatula to smooth out each layer and distribute the ingredients evenly.

Enjoy our recipe for creamy spinach and courgette lasagne

Delight in our creamy spinach and courgette lasagne with fresh ingredients and comforting flavours. Each layer offers a delightful combination of earthy spinach, sweet courgette, and rich cheeses, enveloped in a smooth, cheesy béchamel sauce. This dish is ideal for family dinners or social gatherings, showcasing a delicious twist on a classic Italian favourite. The lasagne's golden, crispy top gives way to a creamy, flavourful interior that is sure to impress.

With sautéed spinach leaves and fried courgette

The earthy taste of spinach combines beautifully with the gentle sweetness of courgette. The sautéed spinach leaves are tender and flavourful, while the fried courgette slices add a slight crispness and a delightful sweetness. Garlic sautéed with the onions enhances the depth of flavour, creating a robust base for the vegetables. These simple, fresh ingredients come together to create a culinary delight that is both satisfying and rich in taste, making every bite a pleasure.

Layers of rich and creamy béchamel sauce

Our lasagne features layers of rich and creamy béchamel sauce with cheese that ties all the ingredients together. This delicate sauce, enriched with cheese, provides a smooth and luxurious texture. It balances the earthy spinach and sweet courgette, adding a creamy consistency that makes each layer cohesive and indulgent. The béchamel sauce also ensures that the lasagne remains moist and creamy, making every mouthful delightful and satisfying with a delicate cheesiness throughout.

Mozzarella and Romano cheese for a crispy crust

A generous topping of mozzarella and Romano cheese creates a perfect, golden-brown crust. Creamy mozzarella melts beautifully, offering a soft, mild taste that pairs well with the vegetables. The sharpness of Romano cheese adds a flavourful contrast, enhancing each layer with its distinct taste. These cheeses make the lasagne fuller and provide a delicious textural contrast to the creamy layers beneath.

We have a cornucopia of recipes with beautiful layers of pasta and sauce, for example, a cheesy cottage cheese lasagne, vegetarian lasagne with halloumi, salmon lasagne with courgette and aubergine, or beef and vegetable lasagne.

Experiment with the ingredients

Although delicious in its simplicity, experiment with the filling to make it just how you like it. Add other vegetables than spinach and courgettes, for example, leafy greens such as kale or chard in addition to spinach, or add to the vegetables with peppers, aubergine, or mushrooms.

You can use Parmesan cheese instead of Romano cheese to add a nutty and sharp flavour that complements the béchamel sauce. For even more cheesiness, add dollops of ricotta cheese between the layers for a creamy texture and mild flavour. This works especially well when combined with spinach or other leafy greens.

For a tomato touch, include layers of tomato sauce along with the béchamel sauce. The tomato sauce adds a tangy and rich flavour, providing a nice balance to the creamy béchamel. To complement the tomato, use fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme, either added to the tomato sauce, between the layers, or sprinkled on top before baking.