Description
Hearty Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Lasagna invites layers of rich Italian comfort onto dinner plates. Generous cheese, tender vegetables, and savory sauce meld together, promising a satisfying meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 9 lasagna noodles (no-boil or pre-cooked)
- 12 oz (340 g) mushrooms, sliced
- 10 oz (280 g) fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
- 4 cups (1 L) milk, warmed
- 2 cups (200 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsps olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 4 tbsps (60 g) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Aromatic Foundation: Sauté onions in a skillet until translucent, then introduce minced garlic for a fragrant base. Add sliced mushrooms, allowing them to caramelize and release moisture, creating a concentrated flavor profile.
- Vegetable Integration: Fold in fresh spinach leaves, stirring until they wilt completely and blend seamlessly with the mushroom mixture. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper to elevate the vegetable medley’s depth.
- Bechamel Crafting: Melt butter and whisk in flour to create a smooth, golden roux. Gradually stream warm milk, continuously whisking to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, thick consistency. Enhance with a delicate touch of nutmeg and seasonings.
- Lasagna Assembly: Lightly coat the baking dish with oil and create an initial bechamel layer. Strategically build layers by arranging lasagna noodles, distributing the spinach-mushroom blend, bechamel sauce, and generously sprinkling mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat layering process twice, ensuring a lavish cheese topping.
- Baking Perfection: Cover with foil and bake in a preheated 375F (190C) oven, allowing flavors to meld and texture to become tender. Uncover during the final baking phase to achieve a golden, crisp cheese crust.
- Serving Presentation: Rest the lasagna for several minutes to set layers and intensify flavors. Slice and serve warm, revealing the intricate layers of vegetables, cheese, and creamy sauce.
Notes
- Moisture Management: Pat mushrooms and spinach dry before sautéing to prevent excess liquid and ensure proper caramelization and texture.
- Roux Technique: Whisk flour and butter continuously to avoid burning and create a smooth base for the bechamel sauce, which guarantees a silky, lump-free consistency.
- Cheese Selection: Use freshly grated cheese for superior melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the lasagna.
- Resting Period: Let the lasagna rest 10-15 minutes after baking to allow layers to set and absorb moisture, making slicing cleaner and preventing runny servings.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 359
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 256 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 57 mg