A delicious and easy pasta dinner that the whole family will love! Layers of creamy white sauce, tender pasta, and fresh spinach create the ultimate comfort food. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, as it can be prepared in advance and baked when needed.
Prep Time20 minutesmins
Cook Time40 minutesmins
Servings: 12
Calories: 453kcal
Ingredients
12ounceslasagna noodles
16ouncesbaby spinach
12ouncesmozzarella
For the white sauce
1/2cupbutter(one stick)
1/2cupflour
4cupswhole milk
3clovesgarlicpressed
16ounceswhole milk ricotta
1/2cupgrated parmesan
2teaspoonssalt
1teaspoonpepper
Garnish (optional)
freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
Cook lasagna noodles to al dente per package directions.
Place spinach in a micowave safe bowl, and heat for 30 second increments until it just starts to wilt. Set aside.
To make the white sauce:
In a large sauce pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and continue whisking until the paste begins to bubble and thicken, about 2 minutes.
Slowly whisk in the milk, until it is fully incorporated and no lumps remain. Raise heat to high and bring to a boil, then reduce to low and continue to simmer until sauce has thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in garlic, salt and pepper, then mix in the ricotta and parmesan cheeses, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
To Assemble Lasagna
Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Lay a layer of lasagna noodles over the bottom.
Spread a layer of sauce on the noodles, and about half of the spinach, and top with mozzarella cheese. Repeat with another layer of noodles, sauce, the rest of the spinach, and mozzarella cheese. To finish top off with a layer of noodles, sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
Bake at 350˚F for about 40-50 minutes or until the lasagna is completely heated through and the cheese is melted. Remove from oven and let set for about 5-10 minutes.Optional- broil for the last 5 minutes to get the cheese browned on top.
Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
This makes 12 servings, or 8 extra large servings. We find that it goes a long way since it is such a rich dish. You can cut the recipe in half easily to make 4-5 servings in a 9x9 square baking dish.