Sep 11 2026
RestaurantsThe Original Italian PieSpinach Lasagna Recipe

Spinach Lasagna Recipe

Time1h 30m
Serves8

Make Spinach Lasagna Recipe in just 1h 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Lasagna Assembly

Method

Tomato Sauce

  1. 1

    Sauté aromatics

    Heat 2 tbs extra-virgin olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 6–8 minutes. Add 3 tbs minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant, stirring to prevent burning.

  2. 2

    Build sauce

    Stir in 2 tbs tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add the 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp sugar (optional), 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt/sugar as needed. Keep warm while preparing filling.

Spinach Ricotta Filling

  1. 3

    Prepare spinach

    If using fresh spinach: wash thoroughly, remove tough stems, and wilt in a large skillet over medium heat with no more than 1 tbs water, stirring until collapsed (about 2–4 minutes). Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then squeeze in batches using a clean kitchen towel or fine-mesh sieve to remove as much liquid as possible. If using frozen spinach: thaw completely and squeeze out excess water until dry. You should end up with about 2 cups packed cooked spinach.

  2. 4

    Mix filling

    In a large bowl, combine 3 cups ricotta cheese, the drained spinach (roughly chopped if large), 2 eggs, 2 tbs minced garlic, 2 tbs chopped fresh basil (optional), 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg. Stir until evenly blended and season to taste. If the mixture seems too loose, add up to 1/4 cup grated Parmesan to firm it slightly (the listed Parmesan will also be used for topping).

Lasagna Assembly & Baking

  1. 5

    Preheat and prepare pan

    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a thin layer of olive oil.

  2. 6

    Layer lasagna (first layer)

    Spread about 1 cup of the warm tomato sauce across the bottom of the prepared dish to prevent sticking. Place 4 oven-ready lasagna noodles in a single layer over the sauce, slightly overlapping as needed.

  3. 7

    Layer ricotta filling

    Spoon and gently spread about one-third of the spinach-ricotta mixture (approx. 1 1/4 cups) over the noodles in an even layer. Sprinkle about 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella and 2 tbs grated Parmesan over the ricotta.

  4. 8

    Second layer

    Spoon about 1 cup of tomato sauce over the cheese layer, spreading gently. Add another 4 noodles to cover, then repeat with another one-third of the ricotta mixture, 1/2–3/4 cup shredded mozzarella, 2 tbs Parmesan, and 1 cup sauce.

  5. 9

    Third layer & top

    Place the final 4 noodles, spread remaining ricotta mixture evenly, and top with the remaining sauce (about 1 cup) to cover the noodles. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella (about 1–1 1/4 cups) evenly over the top and finish with remaining Parmesan (about 2–3 tbs). Drizzle 1 tbs olive oil lightly over the top to help browning.

  6. 10

    Cover and bake

    Cover the dish tightly with foil (tenting slightly so cheese doesn't stick to foil). Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

  7. 11

    Rest and serve

    Remove lasagna from oven and let rest uncovered for 10–15 minutes to set (this makes slicing cleaner). Garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing into 8 equal portions. Serve warm.

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