Sunday Baked Spinach Lasagna

Name: Sunday Baked Spinach Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 10 ounces fresh spinach, chopped; 15 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 3 cups marinara sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Highlighted under: Soft Ideas

I love making Sunday Baked Spinach Lasagna for my family because it's a hearty dish that's perfect for sharing. The layers of fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella create a comforting meal that brings everyone together at the table. I often prepare it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in the fridge. When baked, the dish comes out bubbling and golden, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. With plenty of greens and cheesy goodness, this lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that makes any Sunday special.

Created by

Kendra Lawson

Last updated on 2026-01-11T19:30:37.406Z

When I first tried making spinach lasagna, I focused on balancing the flavors to create something truly delightful. The trick is to sauté the spinach first, as this brightens up its flavor and helps reduce its moisture, preventing a soggy lasagna. I also experimented with different cheeses, finally settling on a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for richness and depth.

Cooking this lasagna in a deep dish allows for extra layers of goodness. I love letting it rest for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven, which makes serving cleaner and allows the layers to firm up just enough. It’s an irresistible comfort food that never seems to last long at dinner time!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Layers of fresh spinach and hearty cheese create a rich flavor profile.
Perfect for meal prep, it tastes even better the next day.
A family-friendly recipe that everyone will enjoy.

The Importance of Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh spinach is key to achieving a vibrant flavor in this lasagna. Fresh spinach adds a slightly earthy taste that marries perfectly with the creamy ricotta and robust marinara sauce. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute with frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, which can make the lasagna soggy.

The quality of cheese also dramatically affects the overall taste and texture. I recommend using whole milk ricotta for its rich creaminess and opting for block mozzarella that you shred yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting fully, leaving you with a less desirable texture.

Layering Techniques

When assembling your lasagna, remember that the order of ingredients can influence the blending of flavors. Start with sauce to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the dish. It's also beneficial to ensure an even distribution of ricotta and vegetables across layers to maintain balance in each serving.

To optimize the cheese melt, I suggest placing a little extra mozzarella on every layer, especially under the top layer, which keeps it from browning too quickly. This not only enhances the flavor but also creates a gooey interior that contrasts beautifully with the slightly crispy edges of the noodles.

Ingredients

Lasagna Ingredients

12 lasagna noodles
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
10 ounces fresh spinach, chopped
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Cook the noodles

Boil the lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the vegetables

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion until translucent, then add garlic and fresh spinach. Cook until spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Mix the cheese filling

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth.

Assemble the lasagna

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared dish. Layer 4 lasagna noodles, half of the ricotta mixture, half of the sautéed spinach, and a third of the mozzarella. Repeat the layers, finishing with remaining noodles and sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Rest and serve

Allow the lasagna to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, add chopped herbs like basil or oregano to the cheese mixture. You can also substitute the spinach with other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for a different twist.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This lasagna is an excellent candidate for make-ahead preparation. You can assemble the entire dish a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just remember to add about 10-15 minutes to your baking time if you’re taking it directly from the fridge to the oven, to ensure it heats through adequately.

If you want to make it even earlier, consider freezing it before baking. Wrap the assembled lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking, using the same cooking times as straight from the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

This Baked Spinach Lasagna pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal. A simple mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the cheese, enhancing the overall dining experience.

For an extra touch, consider garnishing the lasagna with fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving. It's a small detail that adds color and brightness, elevating the presentation and flavor profile of the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before using.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the assembled lasagna before baking for later use.

→ What can I serve with lasagna?

Serve your lasagna with a fresh garden salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

→ Can I make this lasagna vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the ricotta and mozzarella with vegan cheese and use a flax egg in place of the egg.