Spinach and ricotta lasagne

Spinach and ricotta lasagne

45 min
Discover Italian traditions with our spinach and ricotta lasagne. It combines the gentle taste of fresh spinach with rich ricotta cheese, nestled between layers of ricotta lasagne sheets, cheesy béchamel sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for family and dinner parties, this recipe delivers an elegant and tasty experience, inviting you to enjoy each bite of its creamy, flavourful fillings.
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https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/spinach-and-ricotta-lasagne/

Instructions

  • Cook the lasagne sheets according to the package instructions.
Filling
  • Blanch spinach in salted boiling water for 5 to 10 seconds, then drain and coarsely chop.
  • Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic, and mix well with the spinach and ricotta cheese. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
To assemble
  • Preheat the oven to 180 °C (conventional oven).
  • Cover the base of a baking dish with béchamel sauce. Place the cooked lasagne sheets on top, followed by one more layer of béchamel sauce. Then add the ricotta and spinach mixture and Parmesan cheese, and finish with a layer of lasagne topped with béchamel sauce and some more Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake for 30 minutes.
Enjoy!

FAQ: Questions about spinach and ricotta lasagne

We have gathered answers to your most common questions to help you make this classic lasagne with ricotta and spinach.

Can I make spinach and ricotta lasagne in advance?
Yes, you can make the lasagne ahead of time. Assemble the lasagne and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day before baking it. When you are ready to bake it, bring it to room temperature or adjust the baking time if it is still cold. You can also bake the lasagne in advance and then store it whole.
How do I store leftover lasagne?
To store leftover lasagne, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. If you need to store it longer, freeze it. Wrap it tightly in cling film and aluminium foil to prevent freezer burn. Store it for up to 3 months. You can store it whole or wrap individual slices for easy serving later.
What is the best way to reheat lasagne?
For the best results, reheat lasagne in the oven. Preheat your oven to 180 °C, cover the lasagne with aluminium foil so it does not dry out, and bake for about 20–30 minutes or until heated through. For a crispier top, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but you get the best moist texture and crisp top in the oven.
Can I replace fresh spinach with frozen in the lasagne?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach instead of fresh in your spinach and ricotta lasagne. To replace the 400 grams of fresh spinach called for in the recipe, you will need about 250 grams of frozen spinach. Thaw the frozen spinach in the fridge overnight, or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, remove as much excess water as possible to prevent your lasagne from becoming too watery. To do this, place the spinach in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and wring out the water thoroughly. After this, proceed with the recipe.

Ingredients

Spinach lasagne sheets
10
Filling
Olive oil
2 tbsp
Onion, finely chopped
1
Garlic cloves, minced
2
Spinach
400 g
Ricotta cheese (about 250 g)
1 cup
Nutmeg, grated
1 tsp
Salt
1 tsp
Black pepper
1 tsp
To assemble
Bechamel sauce with cheese (about 500 ml)
2 cups
Parmesan cheese, grated (about 115 g)
1 cup
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Tips: Make the best spinach and ricotta lasagne

Raise the bar for your spinach and ricotta lasagne with our best tips for the recipe.

Let it rest before serving

After baking, let the lasagne rest for about 10 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the layers enough time to set and makes it easier to cut neat portions. The resting period also helps the flavours meld together.

Keep it moist

Cover the lasagne with aluminium foil for the first 20 minutes of baking to keep it moist. Remove the foil for the remaining 10 minutes to allow the top to brown and become crispy.

Cooking lasagne sheets

For the best texture, cook the lasagne sheets until al dente, meaning firm to the bite. This ensures they retain their structure during baking and can absorb moisture from the béchamel and spinach-ricotta mixture. Boil the sheets in salted water, cooking them for 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and lay them flat to prevent sticking. The sheets continue cooking in the oven, melding with the sauce and fillings without becoming mushy, resulting in a well-structured and flavourful lasagne. 

Enjoy our recipe for delicious spinach and ricotta lasagne

Indulge in some real comfort food with this delicious lasagne with spinach and ricotta. This bright green filling keeps the lasagne moist and tender. Layered with béchamel sauce and topped with Parmesan, it achieves a perfect balance of rich, creamy, and savoury elements. It is a hit with kids and adults alike, ensuring cheesy goodness with each bite.

For more delicious pasta dishes, try our chicken fettuccine Alfredo, a Mediterranean pasta salad, or a salmon lasagne.

Creamy ricotta cheese and spinach filling

The creamy ricotta cheese and spinach filling is the heart of this lasagne. It offers a deliciously rich and smooth texture that elevates every layer. The ricotta adds a luxurious creaminess, making each bite wonderfully velvety and indulgent. Fresh spinach brings a subtle earthiness with its tender, slightly wilted texture that provides a delightful contrast to the creamy ricotta. The vibrant green of the spinach adds a pop of colour and infuses the dish with a fresh, wholesome note that makes you want to try it again and again.

Layers of rich béchamel sauce and Parmesan cheese

The cheesy béchamel sauce adds a creamy and velvety richness to the lasagne. In the sauce, classic béchamel spices like nutmeg and white pepper enhance the flavour and blend seamlessly with the ricotta mixture. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty contrast that boosts the overall flavour, making the lasagne more full-bodied. Sprinkled between layers of ricotta filling and creamy white sauce, Parmesan melts smoothly within the layers and forms a crispy crust on top when baked.

With the perfect golden crust

A delightful, golden crust makes for a nice contrast to the soft layers underneath. The cheese-infused béchamel sauce is the key to this crust as it melts and bubbles as it bakes. This forms a rich, golden-brown layer that is quite irresistible. Topping the lasagne with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese enhances this effect, as Parmesan crisps up beautifully in the oven.

Serve with light and fresh sides

To balance the creamy richness in the ricotta and spinach lasagne, serve it with fresh sides. A crisp salad dressed in tangy dressing offers a refreshing contrast.

Lightly steamed vegetables also make a great accompaniment. Season a colourful selection like broccoli, carrots, and green beans with salt, pepper, and a dash of lemon. Also, consider a fresh Caprese salad featuring sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze.

Garlic bread is a comforting side that pairs beautifully with lasagne. Its crunchy texture and fragrant garlic flavour are perfect for soaking up the rich sauce. Alternatively, herb focaccia and tomato bruschetta also provide delightful, flavourful complements to the lasagne.

Make it your own

Add a personal touch by sprinkling toasted pine nuts between the layers for a satisfying crunch and rich, nutty flavour. For cheese lovers, incorporate slices of fresh mozzarella for an extra gooey and cheesy experience that melds beautifully with the béchamel and ricotta.

Introduce a burst of flavour by adding dollops of pesto between the layers, which offer a harmonious blend of basil, garlic, and pine nuts. It pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheese and spinach. Fresh basil leaves can also infuse a fragrant, herbal note that enhances the overall flavour.

For a twist on a classic lasagne, layer with a rich tomato sauce along with the spinach and ricotta mixture. The acidity and sweetness of the tomato sauce balance out the creamy béchamel, adding a vibrant, savoury flavour and beautiful colour contrast.

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