Ingredients

For the Spinach Cream Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (about 40 grams)
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (about 625 ml)
• 1 1/2 cups half and half (or equal parts of heavy cream and milk, about 375 ml)
• 5 ounces fresh spinach, coarsely chopped (about 140 grams)
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese (about 425 grams)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped (about 15 grams)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 25 grams)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 340 grams)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Cream Sauce

1. Sauté the Onion: In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.
2. Add Butter and Garlic: Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the onions and let it melt. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Make the Roux: Sprinkle 1/3 cup of flour over the butter and onion mixture. Stir the mixture continuously to form a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring the flour is well incorporated and doesn’t burn.
4. Add the Liquids: Gradually whisk in 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth followed by 1 1/2 cups of half and half. Continue whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the Spinach: Add the coarsely chopped fresh spinach to the sauce. Stir it in and cook for 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts. Season the sauce with 2 teaspoons of sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Once everything is well mixed, remove the pan from heat and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

1. Mix the Ricotta Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, add the 15 ounces of ricotta cheese. Crack the large egg into the bowl and whisk to combine. This will give the cheese sauce a smooth texture.
2. Add the Parmesan and Mozzarella: Stir in the 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until all the cheese is fully incorporated, creating a creamy and cheesy mixture.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
2. Layer the Lasagna: In a baking dish (9×13 inches works well), spread a thin layer of the spinach cream sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Follow with a layer of the cheese sauce mixture, spreading it evenly over the noodles. Repeat the layers, alternating between spinach cream sauce, noodles, and cheese sauce, until you’ve used up all the ingredients. The final layer should be the cheese sauce.
3. Top with More Cheese: For extra cheesiness, you can sprinkle additional mozzarella or Parmesan on top of the final layer.

Step 4: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. This will allow the sauce to set and the flavors to meld together.
2. Uncover and Brown: After 25-30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
3. Rest and Serve: Once baked, let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This will help the layers set and make for easier serving.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)

Note: The following nutritional information is an estimate based on one serving of the recipe.

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 680mg

This creamy spinach and cheese sauce lasagna is a deliciously satisfying meal. It is a rich source of protein and calcium, thanks to the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, while the spinach provides valuable vitamins and minerals. The dish is relatively high in fat, but the inclusion of spinach and a homemade sauce helps balance out the richness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of cheese in the sauce?

Yes, you can definitely customize the cheese in the sauce. If you prefer a more robust flavor, you can use provolone, fontina, or gouda in place of mozzarella. However, mozzarella is recommended for its meltability.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the lasagna in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before baking or add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s straight from the fridge.

3. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the spinach cream sauce. This will prevent excess water from making the sauce too runny.

4. Is there a vegetarian alternative for the chicken broth?

Yes! You can substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth to make this lasagna completely vegetarian.

5. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze this lasagna! After it has cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the oven.

Tips for the Best Lasagna

1. Cook the Noodles Al Dente: If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, cook them al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft and soggy in the lasagna. Alternatively, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles for a quicker version.
2. Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach provides a much brighter flavor and better texture in the sauce. If you must use frozen spinach, make sure it’s properly drained and not watery.
3. Rest Before Serving: Let the lasagna sit for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve without the sauce spilling out.
4. Add Extra Vegetables: You can add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the spinach cream sauce for added flavor and nutrition.

Storage Tips

1. Store Leftovers in the Fridge: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freezing: As mentioned, you can freeze the lasagna for up to 3 months. When reheating from frozen, allow extra time in the oven for it to heat all the way through.

Conclusion

This Creamy Spinach and Cheese Sauce Lasagna is a comforting, indulgent meal perfect for any occasion. With a rich spinach cream sauce and a decadent cheese filling, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings for something cheesy, savory, and hearty. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a gathering, this lasagna will quickly become a favorite. It’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead, and offers layers of flavor.