Sometimes, you just need a dish that feels like a warm hug, and that’s exactly what I get from this Creamy Mushroom Spinach Lasagna Recipe. It’s rich, comforting, and perfectly balanced with earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach layered under a luscious, cheesy sauce. Let me walk you through why it’s been a go-to in my kitchen.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’m genuinely excited to share this Creamy Mushroom Spinach Lasagna Recipe because it strikes that perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome. It’s not just a meatless lasagna—it’s a flavor experience with layers that feel handcrafted and deeply satisfying every single time.
- Velvety Creamy Sauce: The homemade white sauce enriched with nutmeg creates a silky backdrop for all those flavorful layers.
- Earthy Mushrooms & Fresh Spinach: The combination of button and cremini mushrooms with spinach adds wonderful texture and a fresh, vibrant taste.
- Cheese Harmony: A clever mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese makes every bite gooey yet light, with just the right amount of tang.
- Simple Yet Impressive: No-cook noodles and easy layering make it accessible, even if you’re not a lasagna pro, but it looks and tastes like you are.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Creamy Mushroom Spinach Lasagna Recipe plays a special role. From the cheeses that bring creaminess and depth, to the fresh veggies that keep it balanced, here’s why I use each component and tips to choose the best versions.
- Ricotta: This creamy cheese adds a smooth, luscious texture and mild flavor that acts as the base of the filling—look for whole milk ricotta for best creaminess.
- Mozzarella: Mild and melty, it melts beautifully providing gooey pockets of cheesy goodness throughout and on top.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan adds a sharp, nutty kick that brightens the richness of the sauce and cheese layers.
- Egg: It binds the ricotta filling, helping it set so slices hold together perfectly.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh herbal note and a pop of color both inside the lasagna and as a garnish.
- Nutmeg: A tiny dash in the sauce and filling adds a warm, subtle spice that elevates the creamy flavors without overpowering.
- Butter: Used both to sauté and in the sauce, butter enriches and rounds the flavor.
- Sweet Yellow Onion: Adds gentle sweetness and depth when sautéed before layering.
- Baby Spinach: Tender and slightly earthy, it’s the perfect green to add freshness and nutrition.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch brings a nice, gentle heat that gives the filling some dimension.
- Button and Cremini Mushrooms: These two types give a wonderful mix of textures and deep umami flavor when cooked low and slow.
- Garlic: A must for aroma and savory depth—mince it finely to infuse the mushrooms perfectly.
- No-cook Lasagna Noodles: A big time-saver! They soften as it bakes, cutting down prep time and simplifying the process.
- Flour & Milk: For the white sauce, flour is the thickening agent, and whole milk gives the sauce its creamy, velvety finish.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I adore about this Creamy Mushroom Spinach Lasagna Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you prefer it lighter, more herby, or with a completely different twist, feel free to make it truly your own.
- Variation: I sometimes swap out baby spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a heartier bite—just make sure to sauté it thoroughly to soften the toughness.
- Dairy-Free Twist: For a dairy-free version, try cashew cream instead of the white sauce and your favorite vegan cheeses; it’s surprisingly rich and satisfying.
- Adding Protein: If you want to add some protein, I’ve tossed in cooked lentils or crumbled tofu in the ricotta mixture. It works beautifully and keeps everything plant-based.
- Level Up the Herbs: Sometimes, I add fresh thyme or rosemary to the mushroom sauté for an extra layer of flavor.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Mushroom Spinach Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Whip up the Ricotta Filling
Start by combining ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, a beaten egg, parsley, nutmeg, and your salt and pepper. Make sure the cheeses are at room temperature—they’ll blend better and create a smooth, even filling. Stir gently until everything is combined but don’t overmix; you want it creamy, not rubbery.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Spinach
Heat ½ tablespoon of butter over medium heat and cook diced onion until it’s soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Then toss in the spinach and red pepper flakes and cook just until it wilts. Drain any excess liquid if it’s watery—it’ll keep the layers from becoming soggy.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms and Garlic
Using the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms and let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes to brown nicely. Stir occasionally after that, then add garlic, salt, and pepper, cooking just another minute. This slow caramelization is key to packing in flavor.
Step 4: Make the Creamy White Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2½ tablespoons butter and whisk in flour. Keep whisking for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste—this also thickens the sauce perfectly. Slowly pour in milk while whisking constantly. Cook over medium heat until it thickens and bubbles. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat.
Step 5: Assemble Your Lasagna
Coat a baking dish with cooking spray. Start with a layer of sauce, then place no-cook lasagna noodles on the bottom. Spread the ricotta filling over the noodles, then half the spinach, then the mushrooms. Sprinkle some mozzarella. Repeat for a second layer, then top with noodles and the remaining white sauce. Don’t forget to add a generous layer of mozzarella and parmesan on top for that golden crust.
Step 6: Bake and Enjoy
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes until bubbling and golden on top. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes to set before slicing—trust me, it makes all the difference in neatness and flavor concentration.
Top Tip
From my many attempts making this lasagna, I’ve learned a few tricks that really boost the final result and make the process smoother – here’s what I recommend:
- Perfect Sauté: Don’t crowd the mushrooms in the pan; letting them brown instead of steam develops the richest flavor.
- Drain Greens: If you see any excess liquid after sautéing spinach, press it out with a spoon or paper towel to avoid watery layers.
- Whisk Sauce Constantly: To prevent lumps in your white sauce, keep whisking when adding milk—slow and steady wins the silky texture race.
- Rest Before Serving: Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps it set, making cutting and serving much easier without falling apart.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Spinach Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this lasagna with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and a little brightness. If I’m feeling adventurous, a few grinds of fresh black pepper and a dusting of extra parmesan on top just before serving are divine too.
Side Dishes
A simple mixed green salad with a vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Roasted garlic bread or a crisp cucumber salad also make fantastic companions for this creamy dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I like to assemble this lasagna in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. It looks charming and makes serving easy at the table. You can even prepare them ahead and bake just before guests arrive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I usually cover leftover lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It stays delicious for up to 3-4 days, and flavors seem to deepen overnight.
Freezing
This lasagna freezes beautifully. I recommend freezing it before baking if you want to prep ahead or freezing cooled leftovers in portioned containers. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
I gently reheat leftovers in a moderate oven (about 325°F) covered with foil to keep moisture in, until warm throughout—usually around 20 minutes. This keeps the creamy texture intact without drying out the top.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! Fresh lasagna noodles can be used, but you’ll want to boil them briefly according to package instructions before layering to ensure they soften fully during baking. No-cook noodles are just a convenient shortcut.
Absolutely. This Creamy Mushroom Spinach Lasagna Recipe is meat-free and vegetarian-friendly. For vegan versions, you’ll need to substitute cheeses and the egg.
Yes, assembling the lasagna a day ahead and refrigerating it before baking is a huge time-saver. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to baking time since it will be chilled.
Look for bubbling sauce around the edges and a golden brown top crust. Also, make sure the center is hot—testing with a knife or skewer should feel hot to the touch. Let resting time finish the cooking gently.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Mushroom Spinach Lasagna Recipe has been a cozy anchor in my kitchen during chilly evenings and a fancy centerpiece when friends come over. It’s approachable enough for a weeknight but special enough to feel like a celebration. You’ll love the way the creamy cheese melds with earthy mushrooms and fresh greens—trust me, this one’s a keeper that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
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Creamy Mushroom Spinach Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 100 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy mushroom and spinach lasagna combines tender layers of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, sautéed spinach, and mushrooms with a rich homemade white sauce. It's baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh parsley for a comforting, flavorful Italian-inspired meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Dash of freshly grated nutmeg
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- ½ small sweet yellow onion, diced
- 2 large handfuls baby spinach
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- 8 oz button mushrooms, sliced
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Butter and Flour for Sauce
- 1½ tablespoon butter, divided
- 2½ tablespoon butter
- 2½ tablespoon all-purpose flour
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2½ cups whole milk
- Dash of freshly grated nutmeg
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Other
- No-cook lasagna noodles
- Additional shredded mozzarella cheese, for layering and topping
- Additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a bowl, combine 1 cup ricotta cheese, ¼ cup shredded mozzarella, 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan, the beaten egg, chopped fresh parsley, a dash of freshly grated nutmeg, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir until well combined and set aside.
- Cook onion and spinach: Heat ½ tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until softened. Add the baby spinach and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until spinach starts to wilt. Season with sea salt and pepper, transfer to a bowl, and set aside.
- Sauté mushrooms and garlic: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add sliced button and cremini mushrooms and cook, stirring very rarely, for 4 minutes to brown them. Add minced garlic and season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute more. Remove from heat, transfer to a separate bowl, and set aside.
- Make the white sauce: Heat 2½ tablespoons butter in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2½ tablespoons flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly pour in 2½ cups whole milk while whisking constantly. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens and bubbles. Season with a dash of freshly grated nutmeg, sea salt, and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly coat an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Assemble the lasagna: Spoon a layer of white sauce on the bottom of the prepared dish. Layer no-cook lasagna noodles to cover the bottom. Spread half the ricotta mixture onto the noodles, then half the spinach, half the mushrooms, and a light sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Repeat with another layer of noodles and the remaining ricotta, spinach, mushrooms, and mozzarella. Top with a final layer of noodles, spread the remaining white sauce evenly, and sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the lasagna: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 minutes, until bubbling and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the lasagna cool for 15 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, slice, and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- For quicker preparation, you can use pre-sliced mushrooms and pre-washed spinach.
- No-cook noodles can be replaced with cooked lasagna noodles if preferred; just cook according to package instructions.
- If you want a richer sauce, substitute part of the whole milk with cream.
- Use fresh nutmeg for best flavor, but ground nutmeg can be substituted in a pinch.
- Allowing the lasagna to cool before cutting helps it hold its shape better.
- For a vegetarian diet, make sure cheeses are suitable for vegetarian consumption.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
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