Baked Spinach & Ricotta Lasagna
A creamy white lasagna layered with ricotta, spinach and melted cheese, baked until golden.

This is lasagna in its creamy, vegetarian form: sheets of pasta layered with a herby ricotta-and-spinach filling and plenty of melting cheese, baked until the top is bubbling and golden. There is no meat sauce here — the richness comes from the cheese and the greens.
It takes a little assembly, but nothing difficult, and it rewards you with a crowd-feeding dish that slices into neat, generous squares. It is a reliable make-ahead for gatherings and Sunday dinners alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A comforting, satisfying vegetarian main the whole table enjoys.
- Make it ahead and bake when you need it.
- Feeds a crowd and slices beautifully.
- Freezer-friendly for easy future dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 lasagna sheets — No-boil or pre-cooked; follow the pack for which you use.
- 2 cups ricotta — The creamy heart of the filling; drain if very wet.
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry — Squeeze out all the water or the lasagna will be watery.
- 1 large egg — Binds the ricotta filling so it sets cleanly.
- 2½ cups mozzarella, shredded — Layered through and over the top for that melty finish.
- ¾ cup parmesan, grated — Sharpens the creamy layers.
- 3 cups béchamel or jarred white sauce — Keeps every layer moist; a simple homemade béchamel is ideal.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced — Stirred into the ricotta for flavour.
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg — The classic partner to spinach and cream.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste — Season the ricotta filling well.
How to Make It
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix the ricotta, squeezed spinach, egg, garlic, parmesan (reserve a little for the top), nutmeg, salt and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of white sauce in the base of a baking dish.
- Layer: pasta sheets, a third of the ricotta mixture, a spoonful of white sauce and a scatter of mozzarella. Repeat to build three layers.
- Finish with a final layer of pasta, the remaining white sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing so the layers hold together.
Cooking Tips
- Squeeze the spinach until no more water comes out — this is the difference between creamy and soggy.
- Resting before slicing is not optional; it lets the layers set.
- Cover for the first half of baking so the top does not brown too soon.
- Undercook no-boil sheets slightly rely on a saucy build to soften properly, so do not skimp on the béchamel.
Serving Suggestions
Serve in generous squares with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. A few basil leaves or a drizzle of good olive oil on top is a nice finishing touch.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate, covered, for up to 4 days; the flavours deepen overnight. Reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave. It freezes well, baked or unbaked, for up to 3 months — thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix the ricotta, squeezed spinach, egg, garlic, parmesan (reserve a little for the top), nutmeg, salt and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of white sauce in the base of a baking dish.
- Layer: pasta sheets, a third of the ricotta mixture, a spoonful of white sauce and a scatter of mozzarella. Repeat to build three layers.
- Finish with a final layer of pasta, the remaining white sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing so the layers hold together.
Recipe Notes
- Assemble it a day ahead and keep refrigerated until you bake.
- Fresh spinach works too; wilt about 1 lb and squeeze it dry.