If you’re craving comfort food that feels both indulgent and wholesome, this Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna Recipe is exactly what you need. Layers of tender lasagna noodles, luscious ricotta, vibrant spinach, and earthy mushrooms swim in a rich, cheesy sauce that’s perfectly seasoned with herbs and just a hint of nutmeg. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, with its silky texture and rich flavors that cozy up any dinner table. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and ideal for making ahead, so you can enjoy a gourmet meal anytime without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that work together beautifully to create a harmonious balance of taste, texture, and color. Each item is essential—from the creamy ricotta that adds richness to the sautéed mushrooms lending depth and umami, to the fresh parsley which brightens the whole dish.
- 9 lasagna noodles: Choose regular noodles that will cook up tender but sturdy for layering.
- 1 15-ounce package whole milk ricotta: Whole milk ricotta ensures a creamy, smooth texture.
- 2 10-ounce packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained: Properly drained spinach prevents excess moisture in the lasagna.
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that gooey, cheesy stretch we all love.
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan, divided: Parmesan adds a punch of nutty, savory flavor.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves: Fresh parsley tops off the dish with a pop of green and freshness.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter: Butter forms the base of the luscious mushroom sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a warm, aromatic foundation.
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced: These mushrooms offer an earthy, meaty bite.
- 1 onion, diced: Onion brings sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Flour thickens the rich sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 3 cups milk, at room temperature: Milk creates the creamy base of the sauce without overpowering other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Basil infuses herby warmth that complements the vegetables.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a hint of classic Italian flavor.
- Pinch of nutmeg: Nutmeg surprises with a subtle, comforting spice in the sauce.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and highlight every flavor.
How to Make Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mushroom Sauce
Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, and diced onion. Cook these together until everything is tender and wonderfully fragrant—around 3 to 4 minutes. Next, sprinkle in the flour and stir it in well, cooking for about a minute until it’s lightly browned. This step is key as it will thicken the sauce and create that beautiful velvety texture.
Step 2: Add the Milk and Seasonings
Slowly whisk in the room temperature milk, ensuring no lumps form. Keep whisking for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken up nicely. Now, stir in dried basil, oregano, and the pinch of nutmeg—these herbs will awaken the flavors and complement the mushrooms and spinach perfectly. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your taste, then set the sauce aside. It’s already smelling incredible!
Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
While the sauce cools slightly, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and lay them flat to prevent sticking. The noodles will create the sturdy yet tender layers that hold all those creamy fillings together so beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble Your Lasagna
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread 1 cup of the mushroom sauce evenly on the bottom. Layer on 3 lasagna noodles, then half of the ricotta, followed by half of the drained spinach, 1 cup of mozzarella, and a quarter cup of Parmesan cheese. Repeat this layering process once more for a rich, double-layered structure. After that, top with the remaining noodles, mushroom sauce, and cheeses. This final layer seals in all the gooey goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the assembled lasagna into a preheated 350°F oven and let bake for 35 to 45 minutes until it’s bubbling happily and heated through. For that irresistible golden, slightly crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes. Keep an eye on it—it goes from beautifully browned to burnt quickly! After removing, let it rest for about 15 minutes to set up for perfect slicing.
How to Serve Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your lasagna with freshly chopped parsley really brightens the plate and adds a refreshing herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan at the table invites those who want a cheesier experience.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, simple sides like a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. They add a pleasant crunch and freshness to each satisfying, creamy bite of lasagna. Garlic bread is also a classic companion, perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the lasagna in individual ramekins or smaller portions. Garnish each one with a sprig of parsley and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Another idea is layering the ingredients in a glass casserole dish for a beautiful visual effect where you can see each luscious layer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, so leftovers often taste even better than when freshly made.
Freezing
This lasagna shines as a freezer-friendly meal. After assembling and before baking, cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. It’s the perfect stress-free dinner option for busy weeks.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 2 minutes or until heated through, or warm a larger portion in a 350°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying out. If frozen, make sure to thaw completely for even heating and best texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen in this Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh spinach, sauté about 10 ounces until wilted, drain any excess liquid, and use as directed. Frozen spinach is just convenient and helps avoid extra moisture.
Is this lasagna recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna Recipe is completely vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat or meat-based broths—just hearty vegetables, cheese, and herbs.
Can I substitute another type of mushroom?
Definitely. While cremini mushrooms are recommended for their meaty flavor, baby bella, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms work wonderfully too, each adding their own unique character.
How can I make this dish gluten free?
You can swap out regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free varieties. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package since gluten-free noodles can vary in texture and cook time.
What wine pairs well with this lasagna?
A medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light red such as Pinot Noir complement the creamy, earthy flavors nicely. The key is to balance intensity without overpowering the dish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress family or friends with a comforting, delicious meal, don’t hesitate to give this Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna Recipe a try. It’s genuinely one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—rich, satisfying, and made from ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Plus, its make-ahead and freezer-friendly qualities mean you’ll be returning to this recipe time and again. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy spinach and mushroom lasagna is a comforting, family-friendly dish featuring layers of tender noodles, rich ricotta cheese, sautéed mushrooms in a velvety béchamel sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It’s freezer-friendly, perfect for make-ahead meals, and baked to golden, bubbling perfection.
Ingredients
Lasagna Base
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 (15-ounce) package whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves (for garnish)
Sauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, and diced onion. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until lightly browned. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue whisking constantly until the sauce thickens slightly, approximately 2-3 minutes. Stir in dried basil, dried oregano, and a pinch of nutmeg until fragrant, about 1 minute. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then set the sauce aside.
- Cook Noodles: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Spread 1 cup of the mushroom sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Over the noodles, spread half of the ricotta cheese, then half of the drained spinach, followed by 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan. Repeat the layering with the next 3 noodles, remaining ricotta, remaining spinach, 1 cup mozzarella, and ¼ cup Parmesan. Finish by topping with the remaining 3 noodles, the remaining mushroom sauce, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake: Place the assembled lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, until the mixture is bubbly.
- Broil: Switch the oven to broil and broil the lasagna for 2-3 minutes, or until the top is browned in spots. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna cool for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to thoroughly drain the spinach to prevent the lasagna from becoming watery.
- The lasagna can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- This lasagna is freezer-friendly; freeze after baking and cool completely, then reheat at 350°F until warmed through.
- To save time, use no-boil noodles but adjust layering and sauce to ensure noodles soften properly during baking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian