Tips: Make the best spinach and ricotta lasagna
Raise the bar for your spinach and ricotta lasagna with our best tips for the recipe.
Let it rest before serving
After baking, let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the layers enough time to set and makes it easier to cut neat portions. The resting period also helps the flavors meld together.
Keep it moist
Cover the lasagna with aluminium foil for the first 20 minutes of baking to keep it moist. Remove the foil for the remaining 10 minutes to allow the top to brown and become crispy.
Cooking lasagna sheets
For the best texture, cook the lasagna sheets until al dente, meaning firm to the bite. This ensures they retain their structure during baking and can absorb moisture from the béchamel and spinach-ricotta mixture. Boil the sheets in salted water, cooking them for 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and lay them flat to prevent sticking. The sheets continue cooking in the oven, melding with the sauce and fillings without becoming mushy, resulting in a well-structured and flavorful lasagna.
Enjoy our recipe for delicious spinach and ricotta lasagna
Indulge in some real comfort food with this delicious lasagna with spinach and ricotta. This bright green filling keeps the lasagna moist and tender. Layered with béchamel sauce and topped with Parmesan, it achieves a perfect balance of rich, creamy, and savory elements. It is a hit with kids and adults alike, ensuring cheesy goodness with each bite.
For more delicious pasta dishes, try our chicken fettuccine Alfredo, a Mediterranean pasta salad with Feta Cheese, or a salmon lasagna.
Creamy ricotta cheese and spinach filling
The creamy ricotta cheese and spinach filling is the heart of this lasagna. It offers a deliciously rich and smooth texture that elevates every layer. The ricotta adds a rich creaminess, making each bite wonderfully velvety and indulgent. Fresh spinach brings a subtle earthiness with its tender, slightly wilted texture that provides a delightful contrast to the creamy ricotta. The vibrant green of the spinach adds a pop of colour and infuses the dish with a fresh, wholesome note that makes you want to try it again and again.
Layers of rich béchamel sauce and Parmesan cheese
The cheesy béchamel sauce adds a creamy and velvety richness to the lasagna. In the sauce, classic béchamel spices like nutmeg and white pepper enhance the flavor and blend seamlessly with the ricotta mixture. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty contrast that boosts the overall flavor, making the lasagna more full-bodied. Sprinkled between layers of ricotta filling and creamy white sauce, Parmesan melts smoothly within the layers and forms a crispy crust on top when baked.
With the perfect golden crust
A delightful, golden crust makes for a nice contrast to the soft layers underneath. The cheese-infused béchamel sauce is the key to this crust as it melts and bubbles as it bakes. This forms a rich, golden-brown layer that is quite irresistible. Topping the lasagna with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese enhances this effect, as Parmesan crisps up beautifully in the oven.
Serve with light and fresh sides
To balance the creamy richness in the ricotta and spinach lasagna, serve it with fresh sides. A crisp salad dressed in tangy dressing offers a refreshing contrast.
Lightly steamed vegetables also make a great accompaniment. Season a colorful selection like broccoli, carrots, and green beans with salt, pepper, and a dash of lemon. Also, consider a fresh Caprese salad featuring sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze.
Garlic bread is a comforting side that pairs beautifully with lasagna. Its crunchy texture and fragrant garlic flavor are perfect for soaking up the rich sauce. Alternatively, herb focaccia and tomato bruschetta also provide delightful, flavorful complements to the lasagna.
Make it your own
Add a personal touch by sprinkling toasted pine nuts between the layers for a satisfying crunch and rich, nutty flavor. For cheese lovers, incorporate slices of fresh mozzarella for an extra gooey and cheesy experience that melds beautifully with the béchamel and ricotta.
Introduce a burst of flavor by adding dollops of pesto between the layers, which offer a harmonious blend of basil, garlic, and pine nuts. It pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheese and spinach. Fresh basil leaves can also infuse a fragrant, herbal note that enhances the overall flavor.
For a twist on a classic lasagna, layer with a rich tomato sauce along with the spinach and ricotta mixture. The acidity and sweetness of the tomato sauce balance out the creamy béchamel, adding a vibrant, savory flavor and beautiful colour contrast.
