There’s something genuinely comforting about layers of creamy cheese, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant greens baked to bubbly perfection. This Creamy Mushroom Spinach Lasagna Recipe is one of those dishes that somehow feels like a warm hug on a plate—rich, yet fresh and so incredibly satisfying.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made plenty of lasagnas over the years, but this creamy mushroom spinach version quickly climbed to one of my all-time favorites. It’s vegetarian but never feels like it’s missing out, thanks to the depth of flavor and the perfect creaminess. Honestly, it's become my go-to when I want something a bit special but still cozy.
- Loaded with flavor: Earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a hint of nutmeg create layers that sing together beautifully.
- Rich yet light: The creamy white sauce balances the dish so well without feeling heavy or greasy.
- Simple ingredients, impressive results: Most items are pantry staples or easy to source, making it accessible for any cook.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering, it impresses every time.
Ingredients & Why They Work
These ingredients come together in harmony, each playing a vital role — creamy cheeses add richness, mushrooms bring umami, and spinach adds freshness and color. I love how ricotta gives a smooth body while mozzarella melts perfectly for that gooey texture.
- Ricotta: The creamy base that makes every bite smooth and luscious, blending beautifully with the herbs and cheese.
- Mozzarella: For that classic melty pull and mild flavor that complements but doesn’t overpower.
- Parmesan: Adds a sharp, nutty bite that amps up the savory factor—freshly grated is a game changer!
- Egg: This binds the ricotta mixture, keeping it nice and firm during baking.
- Fresh parsley: A pop of herbaceous brightness to balance the richness.
- Nutmeg: A small dash works wonders in the ricotta and white sauce to give subtle warmth and depth.
- Butter: Essential for sautéing veggies and building the roux for the white sauce.
- Sweet yellow onion: Provides gentle sweetness and depth when softened.
- Baby spinach: Adds freshness and vibrant green color without overpowering the dish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch to bring a tiny kick of heat—optional but I love the contrast!
- Button and cremini mushrooms: The earthy backbone of the recipe; a combo gives nice texture and flavor complexity.
- Garlic: Because what mushroom dish is complete without it?
- No-cook lasagna noodles: So convenient—cuts prep time and layers nicely with the creamy sauce.
- Flour and whole milk: For that classic béchamel (white sauce) which ties everything together with richness and silkiness.
- Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper: To season layers perfectly and highlight all the other flavors.
Make It Your Way
I love experimenting a bit with this recipe depending on the season or who I’m cooking for. It’s so versatile, and honestly, playing with it keeps things fun in the kitchen—you should definitely feel free to make it your own!
- Variation: Sometimes I swap out half the mozzarella for fontina cheese for an extra nutty layer that melts beautifully.
- Dietary tweaks: Use lactose-free milk and vegan ricotta alternatives to make it dairy-free—just be mindful the bake time might vary a bit.
- Seasonal swaps: In the fall, I’ve added sautéed butternut squash cubes alongside the mushrooms for a sweet, earthy touch I adore.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Mushroom Spinach Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up That Ricotta Mixture
This is where the magic begins! Combine your ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, chopped parsley, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir gently until everything is evenly mixed but be careful not to overwork it—you want it creamy, not curdled. I always set this aside while I tackle the veggies, letting it chill slightly to keep its texture perfect during layering.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Spinach
In a skillet over medium heat, melt half a tablespoon of butter and gently cook your diced onions until they turn translucent and sweet, about 4 to 5 minutes. Then toss in the fresh spinach with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for just a minute until it wilts slightly. Season with salt and pepper and transfer this vibrant mix to a bowl. It’s simple but adding that pinch of heat really wakes up those greens.
Step 3: Cook Mushrooms and Garlic
Using the same skillet, add a tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat and add your sliced mushrooms. Don’t stir too often here—letting them sit helps develop that gorgeous caramelized color and deep flavor. After 3-4 minutes, add the minced garlic along with salt and pepper, cooking for another minute. The aroma at this point is absolutely irresistible! Pour the mushrooms into a separate bowl and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Velvety White Sauce
This step really ties the whole lasagna together. Melt the remaining butter, whisk in the flour, and cook for 1-2 minutes—it should smell slightly nutty but not browned. Slowly whisk in the milk, keeping it smooth as you go, and continue cooking until the sauce thickens and bubbles softly. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg, salt, and pepper. This béchamel is the unsung hero for that creamy texture in every bite.
Step 5: Layer and Bake Your Lasagna
Spray your baking dish and start with a bit of the white sauce on the bottom. Layer on your no-cook noodles, then spread a generous layer of the ricotta mixture, half the spinach, mushrooms, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat, ending with noodles topped by the final white sauce and a cheesy crown of mozzarella and parmesan. Bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top. Let it cool 10-15 minutes before cutting—that wait is worth it for perfect slices.
Top Tip
From my experience, a few small tweaks can make a big difference with this creamy mushroom spinach lasagna recipe. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way:
- Don’t rush the mushroom sauté: Let them brown well without stirring too often for the best umami flavor.
- Whisk continuously for the white sauce: Helps avoid lumps and keeps it silky smooth.
- Use no-cook noodles for convenience: It’s a game-changer on busy days and the noodles soften perfectly in the sauce.
- Let it rest before serving: This pause allows the layers to settle so it slices beautifully without falling apart.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Spinach Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a fan of just keeping it fresh and simple here—a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley brightens both the look and flavor. Sometimes I add a few shavings of parmesan on top just before serving for a bit of extra savory punch.
Side Dishes
Pairing this lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Roasted garlic bread is also a must-have in my book—perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve layered the lasagna in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—everyone gets their own little bubbling masterpiece! It’s a fun presentation that's also great for portion control and sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually cover leftovers tightly with foil or place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight and it reheats beautifully the next day, which is a win in my book.
Freezing
This recipe freezes amazingly well—just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze before baking. When ready, bake it straight from frozen, adding extra baking time, and you’ll have a convenient, homemade meal whenever you need it.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to keep things moist, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. The texture stays creamy, and the top often crisps up nicely again.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh noodles, just be sure to adjust moisture levels and bake time slightly. You might want to reduce the sauce a bit so it doesn’t get too watery, and ensure noodles are covered well during baking to avoid drying out.
Since this recipe relies heavily on cheese and milk, it’s not vegan as is. However, you can swap dairy products for plant-based alternatives such as vegan ricotta, mozzarella, and milk substitutes. Keep in mind that texture and baking might differ, so you might need to experiment a bit.
Yes! You can assemble the entire lasagna a day or two ahead, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and bake it when you’re ready. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Using no-cook noodles helps absorb moisture well, but also make sure to sauté vegetables until any excess water evaporates. Drain and squeeze spinach to minimize added moisture. Avoid over-saucing; layering evenly and allowing it to rest after baking helps set the dish beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Mushroom Spinach Lasagna Recipe has a special place in my heart (and my freezer). It’s the kind of dish that invites lingering conversations and second helpings, perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in a solo cozy dinner. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food.
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Creamy Mushroom Spinach Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy mushroom and spinach lasagna is a delightful vegetarian dish featuring layers of ricotta and mozzarella cheese, sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a velvety white sauce. Prepared with no-boil lasagna noodles and baked to golden perfection, this recipe offers a rich and comforting meal perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella (plus more for layers and top)
- 2 tablespoon freshly grated parmesan (plus more for top)
- 1 small egg (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, plus more for garnish)
- Dash of freshly grated nutmeg
- Sea salt and freshly cracked 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)
Sauces and Others
- 1½ tablespoon butter (divided)
- 2½ tablespoon butter
- 2½ tablespoon flour
- 2½ cups whole milk
- Dash of freshly grated nutmeg
- Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper (to taste)
- No-cook lasagna noodles
- Cooking spray (for greasing baking dish)
Instructions
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ¼ cup shredded mozzarella, 2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan, beaten egg, chopped fresh parsley, a dash of freshly grated nutmeg, sea salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Stir well until fully incorporated and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Spinach: Heat ½ tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until softened. Add baby spinach and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for 1 minute until spinach starts to wilt. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Cook Mushrooms and Garlic: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add sliced button and cremini mushrooms. Cook without stirring much for 4 minutes to allow browning. Add minced garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1 more minute stirring constantly. Remove from heat and transfer to another bowl.
- Make White Sauce (Béchamel): Heat remaining 2½ tablespoons butter in the skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle flour over melted butter, whisking continuously for 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually pour in milk while whisking constantly. Continue cooking and whisking until sauce thickens and bubbles. Season with freshly grated nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Assemble Lasagna: Spoon a small amount of white sauce onto the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange a layer of no-cook lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over noodles, then half of the spinach mixture, followed by half of the mushrooms. Sprinkle lightly with shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layering process with noodles, ricotta, remaining spinach, mushrooms, and mozzarella. Finish with a final layer of noodles topped with the remaining white sauce. Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella and freshly grated parmesan on top.
- Bake: Place assembled lasagna in the oven and bake for 40 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the top turns golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before slicing and serving. Enjoy your creamy mushroom and spinach lasagna!
Notes
- Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time, or boil noodles if preferred.
- Freshly grated Parmesan yields better flavor than pre-grated.
- Allowing the lasagna to cool before slicing helps it hold its shape.
- Crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle heat but can be omitted for milder taste.
- Whole milk in the white sauce creates a rich creaminess; low-fat milk can be substituted for a lighter version.
- Use a mixture of button and cremini mushrooms for depth of flavor; other mushrooms like shiitake can be added.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
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