Sunday Baked Spinach Lasagna

Name: Sunday Baked Spinach Lasagna
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Oven Kitchen

I’ve always believed that lasagna is one of the finest comfort foods, and my Sunday Baked Spinach Lasagna is no exception. It’s layered with rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and fresh spinach, creating a harmony of flavors that transports me straight to Italy with every bite. Made on quiet Sundays when time allows for love and care in the kitchen, this lasagna brings friends and family together. I can’t get enough of its gooey, cheesy goodness, making it our go-to dish for gatherings and special occasions.

Created by

Maribel Hawthorne

Last updated on 2026-01-11T16:21:35.293Z

When I first experimented with spinach in my lasagna, I was amazed at how the vibrant flavor and nutrition complemented the traditional layers of pasta and cheese. I decided to utilize fresh spinach, which I sautéed lightly in olive oil to preserve its taste while enhancing its texture. The result was a beautiful balance of creamy and fresh that I’m proud to serve to guests.

Over the years, I've refined my technique to ensure each layer cooks perfectly. One key tip is letting the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to settle, resulting in cleaner slices and a more delightful presentation. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A delightful twist on classic lasagna with fresh spinach and ricotta.
Layers of gooey, melted cheese that create a rich, satisfying experience.
Perfect for meal prep and freezes well for busy weeknights.

Key Techniques for Perfect Lasagna

When layering your lasagna, the order of construction plays a vital role in the final texture and flavor. Begin with a layer of sauce on the bottom to prevent the noodles from sticking and to keep everything moist. As you layer the noodles, ricotta mixture, marinara sauce, and cheese, be sure to press down gently; this helps the layers meld together, creating a cohesive dish that's easy to slice and serve.

An important technique to note is ensuring your spinach is adequately cooked before mixing it with the ricotta. If you skip this step, your filling might contain excess moisture, leading to a watery lasagna. Sauté the spinach until just wilted, and consider draining any excess liquid to maintain the integrity of your layers.

Ingredient Insights and Substitutions

Ricotta cheese is key to achieving that creamy texture in the filling, but if you're looking for a lighter option, consider cottage cheese as a substitute. It provides a similar consistency and flavor when blended. Remember, if you choose to use cottage cheese, blend it briefly in a food processor to achieve a smoother texture that resembles ricotta more closely.

For a boost of flavor and nutrition, feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even artichoke hearts to your spinach filling. These additions can provide additional layers of flavor and texture, while also accommodating different tastes or dietary needs. Just ensure to sauté them to reduce moisture before mixing them into the ricotta.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This lasagna is not only great for gatherings but also perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it a day in advance; simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, remove the wrap and follow the baking instructions. If baking from cold, give it an extra 10-15 minutes to ensure it warms through completely.

For longer storage, this lasagna freezes exceptionally well. After assembling, cover it with foil and freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes, or bake from frozen, increasing the time to around 70-90 minutes. Just check that it's thoroughly heated throughout before serving.

Ingredients

Lasagna Ingredients

12 lasagna noodles
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Cook the Noodles

Boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.

Prepare the Filling

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped spinach and sauté until wilted. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, egg, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper.

Layering the Lasagna

Start layering: Place three noodles over the sauce, spread half of the ricotta mixture, add 1/3 of the marinara sauce, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with noodles, marinara sauce, and topping with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Bake

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Rest and Serve

Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a sprinkle of herbs if desired.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh basil or oregano on top before serving. You can also add layers of zucchini or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing this lasagna with fresh, crunchy garlic bread and a vibrant side salad makes for a complete meal. A salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple balsamic vinaigrette complements the rich, cheesy lasagna without overwhelming it. My family often enjoys adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes on top of the individual servings to elevate the dish.

A classic Italian dessert like tiramisu can round out the meal beautifully. The rich coffee and creamy layers provide a nice contrast to the savory lasagna. If you want a lighter dessert option, consider serving fresh fruit or a sorbet for a refreshing finish.

Common Troubleshooting

If you find your lasagna comes out runny, it’s often due to excess moisture from not cooking the spinach thoroughly or skipping the pre-bake resting period. Make sure to sauté the spinach well, and allow the assembled lasagna to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking; this helps it firm up and slice beautifully.

Another common issue is uneven cooking. Ensure your oven is properly calibrated and avoid opening the oven door frequently. When covering with foil, be cautious of it touching the cheese; using non-stick foil can prevent this and keep your cheese from getting pulled off during the removal.

Scaling Up or Down

If you're cooking for a larger crowd, it’s easy to scale this recipe. Simply multiply the ingredients as needed. A double batch works beautifully in a larger baking dish; make sure to adjust baking time slightly, checking for doneness, especially with a thicker lasagna. Alternatively, you can make mini lasagnas in individual portions using smaller baking dishes, which can be a fun presentation for gatherings.

On the other hand, if you need to make a smaller version, you can prepare half the recipe in an 8x8-inch dish. Just ensure to reduce baking time accordingly and keep an eye on it as it bakes. A smaller portion can still deliver all the same rich flavors without the leftovers, making it a great option for smaller families or weeknight dinners.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it a day before and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.

→ What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and sour cream for a different flavor.

→ Is it possible to freeze this lasagna?

Absolutely! Just bake it, let it cool, then wrap tightly and freeze. It’ll keep well for 2-3 months.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian. You can add more vegetables or even use a meat substitute for an alternative flavor.