© Original recipe by The Pantry Post ©
🥄✨ Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna for Cozy Weeknights 🍄🌱
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dish that satisfies without the heaviness, this vegetarian lasagna recipe is your new go-to. Bursting with the earthy richness of mushrooms and the vibrant freshness of spinach, this veggie lasagna offers a creamy, cheesy experience perfect for cozy weeknights. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a meat-free meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to whip up after a long day.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 45 minutes — perfect for weeknights when time is tight.
- One-pan assembly — minimal cleanup, more time to relax.
- Rich and creamy texture with a comforting cheesy goodness.
- Vegetarian and packed with nutritious vegetables.
- Customizable— add your favorite herbs or swap in different greens.
3. Ingredient Notes
For this mushroom spinach lasagna, selecting high-quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference. Use ripe, fresh mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for a deep umami flavor that intensifies during sautéing. Fresh spinach adds a vibrant color and nutrients—opt for organic if available for a sweeter, more tender leaf. The creamy sauce benefits from a good parmesan or mozzarella cheese, ensuring a luscious, cheesy texture. For the pasta sheets, choose either no-boil or traditional for a softer, silky result.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
To make the perfect veggie lasagna, having the right kitchen tools is essential. Consider investing in a high-quality Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer for versatile cooking, or a sturdy KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer to prepare your cheese sauce with ease. A reliable Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer can help with crispy vegetable toppings or sides, adding a delightful crunch to your meal.
5. How to Make Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna
Prepare the Mushroom Filling
Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large skillet. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their juices and turn golden brown with a rich aroma. This process concentrates the earthy flavor, giving your lasagna its signature depth. Toss in minced garlic and cook until fragrant—your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible scent. Stir in chopped spinach, letting it wilt into the mushroom mixture; vibrant green and tender, it’s the veggie star of the dish.
Make the Creamy Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly pour in milk or cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Once the mixture thickens, add grated cheese (parmesan and mozzarella work beautifully) along with a pinch of nutmeg and black pepper. Stir until smooth and luscious. The sauce should be velvety and cling to the mushroom and spinach mixture, forming the creamy core of your lasagna.
Assemble the Lasagna
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the cheese sauce. Top with lasagna sheets, then spoon over the mushroom-spinach filling. Repeat the layering until the dish is filled, finishing with a generous layer of cheese sauce. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Ensure mushrooms are thoroughly cooked to develop their umami flavor.
- Use fresh spinach for a tender, bright green finish—if using frozen, make sure to squeeze out excess moisture.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking—this helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn.
7. Variations & Substitutions
Vegetarian or vegan? Swap dairy cheese for plant-based alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheeses to keep it dairy-free. Replace spinach with kale or swiss chard for different greens, or add sautéed zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. If you’d like to make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free lasagna noodles or thinly sliced zucchini for a low-carb option.
8. Storage & Reheating
Leftover mushroom spinach lasagna is perfect for make-ahead meals. Store covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, until heated through. For quicker reheating, microwave individual slices, covered, for 1-2 minutes, then finish with a quick broil to regain some crispiness on top.
9. FAQ
Can I freeze this veggie lasagna?
Yes! Assemble the lasagna without baking, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare and assemble the lasagna, then refrigerate overnight before baking. It’s a great way to save time during busy weekdays.
What type of cheese works best?
A blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan provides a creamy, cheesy texture. Feel free to experiment with your favorites for a personalized touch.
Are there gluten-free options?
Yes, use gluten-free lasagna noodles or thinly sliced vegetables like zucchini as a base. Just ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to keep the dish safe for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
10. Conclusion
This creamy mushroom and spinach lasagna transforms simple vegetables into a luxurious, comforting meal perfect for cozy nights. Its vibrant flavors and velvety texture will have everyone coming back for seconds. With minimal prep and full of wholesome ingredients, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that proves you don’t need meat to enjoy a satisfying, hearty lasagna. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of Italy right in your own kitchen!
Print
Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna for Cozy Weeknights
A hearty and comforting vegetarian lasagna layered with mushrooms, spinach, and rich cheese in a creamy sauce, baked to perfection.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles al dente, drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add mushrooms and cook until tender.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
- Layer noodles, mushroom-spinach mixture, ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and sauce.
- Repeat layers until ingredients are used, ending with mozzarella cheese.
- Top with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Feel free to add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle fresh basil before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg