Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Lasagna is a comforting, satisfying dish that proves vegetarian meals can be just as indulgent as classic meat-based versions. Layers of tender lasagna noodles, a velvety cream sauce, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach come together to create a perfectly balanced bake. I often make this lasagna when I want something cozy and filling that still feels wholesome and fresh. The mushrooms provide a hearty, almost meaty texture, while the spinach adds color and lightness. What I love most is how well the flavors meld as the lasagna bakes, resulting in a creamy, cohesive dish that slices beautifully. It is ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or make-ahead meals. If you enjoy comforting casseroles with rich flavor and elegant simplicity, this Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Lasagna will quickly become a favorite.
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Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Lasagna That Is Rich, Comforting, and Meat-Free
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting vegetarian lasagna layered with tender mushrooms, creamy spinach filling, rich béchamel sauce, and melted cheese, baked until perfectly bubbly.
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 300 g mushrooms, sliced
- 200 g fresh spinach
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion until soft.
- Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms release moisture.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until thickened.
- Season béchamel with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce in a baking dish.
- Layer noodles, mushroom-spinach mixture, ricotta, béchamel, and mozzarella.
- Repeat layers and finish with béchamel, mozzarella, and parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Let lasagna rest before serving for clean slices.
- Use no-boil noodles to save time.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for mild heat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Lasagna noodles
Lasagna noodles form the structure of the dish and hold the creamy layers together.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables and enhance their natural flavor.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms add depth, earthiness, and a satisfying texture to the lasagna.
Fresh spinach
Spinach brings freshness, color, and balance to the creamy layers.
Garlic
Garlic adds aromatic warmth and enhances the overall savory flavor.
Unsalted butter
Butter forms the base of the creamy white sauce and adds richness.
All-purpose flour
Flour thickens the sauce, giving it a smooth and stable consistency.
Whole milk
Milk creates a creamy, pourable sauce that coats each layer evenly.
Heavy cream
Heavy cream adds extra richness and a luxurious mouthfeel.
Ricotta cheese
Ricotta lightens the layers and adds subtle creaminess.
Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella melts beautifully and creates gooey, cheesy layers.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds sharpness and depth, balancing the creaminess.
Salt
Salt enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds gentle heat and complexity.
Italian seasoning
Italian seasoning ties the flavors together with subtle herbal notes.
Directions
Begin by cooking the lasagna noodles in well-salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside. While the noodles cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and turn golden. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly, then add the spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
To prepare the cream sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook briefly until smooth. Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
To assemble, spread a thin layer of sauce in a baking dish. Add a layer of noodles, followed by ricotta, the spinach and mushroom mixture, mozzarella, and sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake until bubbly and lightly golden on top. Allow the lasagna to rest before slicing and serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 6 to 8 people. Preparation takes about 30 minutes, with a baking time of approximately 40 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Lasagna is very adaptable. You can add sliced zucchini or roasted red peppers for extra vegetables. For a stronger cheese flavor, substitute part of the mozzarella with fontina or provolone. If you prefer a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Fresh herbs such as basil or thyme can be added for extra aroma. These variations allow you to tailor the lasagna while keeping its comforting, creamy character intact.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish is vegetarian and contains dairy and gluten. Whole wheat or gluten-free noodles can be used if needed.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do Not Overcook Noodles
Slightly firm noodles hold up better during baking.
Brown the Mushrooms Well
Proper browning enhances flavor and prevents excess moisture.
Let It Rest
Resting the lasagna helps it slice cleanly.
Season Each Layer
Light seasoning throughout builds balanced flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it a day in advance and bake when ready.
Can I freeze spinach and mushroom lasagna?
Yes, freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.
What mushrooms work best?
Cremini or button mushrooms are excellent choices.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture first.
Is this lasagna very rich?
It is creamy but balanced by vegetables.
Can I add protein?
Yes, cooked chicken or tofu can be added if desired.
What size baking dish should I use?
A standard 9×13-inch dish works well.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free noodles and flour.
Why is my lasagna watery?
Excess moisture from vegetables or sauce can cause this.
What should I serve with this lasagna?
A green salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly.
Conclusion
Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Lasagna is a comforting, flavorful dish that delivers rich texture and satisfying taste without meat. Perfect for family meals or entertaining, this recipe is easy to customize and sure to become a reliable favorite in your kitchen.
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