Sunday Ricotta Lasagna

$- 9 lasagna noodles - 2 cups ricotta cheese - 2 cups marinara sauce - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish To make my Sunday Ricotta Lasagna, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a key role. The lasagna noodles hold everything together. Ricotta cheese adds creaminess and flavor. Marinara sauce brings a rich taste and moisture. Shredded mozzarella gives that melty goodness we all love. Parmesan cheese adds a salty touch. The egg helps bind the ricotta mix. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. Dried oregano and garlic powder boost the flavor. Salt and pepper are must-haves to season it right. Lastly, fresh basil leaves make the dish pop with freshness. - Gluten-free lasagna noodles - Vegan ricotta substitutes - Homemade marinara recipe If you have dietary needs, you can swap some ingredients. Use gluten-free noodles if you need them. Vegan ricotta is easy to make with tofu and lemon juice. A homemade marinara sauce can have fresh tomatoes and herbs. Each swap can still give you a tasty lasagna. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking dish and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. This helps keep the noodles from sticking. 2. Cook lasagna noodles. Boil a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add the 9 lasagna noodles. Cook them for about 8 minutes, or until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside. 1. Spread marinara sauce and layer noodles. Start by spreading a layer of marinara sauce in the dish. Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce. 2. Add ricotta mixture and spinach. In a bowl, mix 2 cups of ricotta cheese with 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and some salt and pepper. Spread half of this ricotta mix on the noodles. Next, layer half of the 2 cups of chopped spinach over the ricotta. Finally, add a third of the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. 3. Repeat the layers. Add another layer of marinara sauce, followed by noodles, ricotta, spinach, and mozzarella. Repeat until you run out of ingredients. Finish with a final layer of noodles and top with the remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle the last of the mozzarella and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. 1. Cover and bake initially. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Make sure the foil doesn’t touch the cheese. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. 2. Remove foil and complete baking. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy your delicious Sunday Ricotta Lasagna! - Best way to cook lasagna noodles: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water for flavor. Cook the noodles until they are al dente, about 8 minutes. This keeps them firm for layering. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps prevent sticking. - Ensuring even layering: When layering your lasagna, use a spatula for even spreads. Start with marinara sauce on the bottom. Place three noodles next, then spread the ricotta mix evenly. Add chopped spinach and sprinkle mozzarella on top. Repeat these layers for a balanced taste. - Garnishing with basil and Parmesan: After baking, let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes. This makes slicing easier. Top each piece with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This adds color and a fresh taste. - Serving suggestions with side dishes: Serve lasagna on individual plates for a nice touch. Pair it with a simple side salad. A fresh salad adds crunch and brightness to your meal. You can also serve garlic bread for extra flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality cheeses make a significant difference in flavor and texture. Layering Technique: Ensure even distribution of ingredients in layers for balanced flavor in every bite. Resting Time: Allowing the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes after baking helps it set, making it easier to slice. Make Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat in your lasagna. Ground beef, turkey, or sausage works great. If you want a lighter dish, try a vegetable-rich option. Use mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. These add flavor and color. If you want a twist, use gluten-free lasagna noodles. You can also try vegan ricotta. Blend tofu, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast for a tasty alternative. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish. To boost the flavor, add crushed red pepper. This gives your lasagna a nice kick. You can also mix different cheese blends. Try using gouda or fontina with the mozzarella. This adds depth and richness to each bite. Experiment with herbs. Fresh basil and thyme can really enhance the taste. Just sprinkle some on each layer. The result will be a lasagna full of amazing flavors. After you enjoy your Sunday Ricotta Lasagna, store any leftovers properly. Use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they seal tightly. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Refrigerate the leftovers within two hours of cooking. They should stay good for about three to five days. When it's time to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them with care. You can use the oven, microwave, or stovetop. To use the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the lasagna in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until it’s hot all the way through. If using the microwave, cut a piece and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Add a splash of water or sauce on top. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds. To avoid drying out, always cover the lasagna while reheating. This keeps it soft and tasty. Enjoy your delicious meal again! How long to bake ricotta lasagna? You should bake ricotta lasagna for about 40 minutes. First, cover it with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes. This helps the cheese get bubbly and golden. Can I make lasagna ahead of time? Yes, you can make ricotta lasagna ahead of time. Simply prepare it, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. You can bake it the next day. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time. Is ricotta lasagna vegetarian-friendly? Yes, ricotta lasagna is vegetarian-friendly. It uses cheese and veggies, making it a tasty option for those who don’t eat meat. The spinach adds great flavor and nutrition. What are gluten-free alternatives? If you need a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free lasagna noodles. You can also use thin slices of zucchini or eggplant instead of noodles. These alternatives will still give you a delicious lasagna. What to serve with lasagna? Lasagna pairs well with a fresh side salad. A simple green salad with a light dressing works best. You can also serve garlic bread for a tasty addition. Can I freeze ricotta lasagna? Yes, you can freeze ricotta lasagna. Just make sure it cools completely before wrapping it. Use plastic wrap and then foil to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge and bake as usual. This blog post detailed a tasty ricotta lasagna recipe with easy steps. We covered the main ingredients, cooking tips, and ways to store leftovers. You learned about variations to suit your taste and dietary needs. Making lasagna can be fun and rewarding. With these tips, you will impress your family and friends. Enjoy creating new flavors and sharing this dish. Dive into the kitchen and start making your perfect lasagna today!$

Sunday Ricotta Lasagna

A delicious layered lasagna made with ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and fresh spinach.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 50

Total Time 1 10

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

9 noodles lasagna noodles
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread half of the ricotta mixture on top.
Layer half of the chopped spinach and a third of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
Repeat the layers: sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, spinach, and mozzarella.
Finish with a final layer of noodles and the remaining marinara sauce on top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it's not touching the cheese. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve pieces of lasagna on individual plates, garnished with extra basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan. A side salad adds a pop of color and freshness!

Keyword lasagna, pasta, ricotta, vegetarian