Get ready to transform your dinner table with a mouthwatering Vegetable Lasagna that's not just a meal, but a culinary adventure! This isn't your ordinary lasagna - we're talking about a creamy, cheesy masterpiece packed with vibrant spinach and three incredible cheeses that will make every bite an explosion of flavor. Whether you're a vegetarian looking for a show-stopping dish or simply someone who appreciates gourmet comfort food, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 3 cups spinach, chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your lasagna bakes evenly and thoroughly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 9 lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the noodles are cooking, prepare the vegetable filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, crumbled goat cheese, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Once the lasagna noodles are cooked, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. This will help prevent the lasagna from sticking to the dish.
- Place 3 lasagna noodles over the marinara sauce in a single layer. Then, spread half of the vegetable and cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce over the vegetable mixture, spreading it evenly. Then, sprinkle 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Repeat the layering process: place another 3 lasagna noodles over the cheese, followed by the remaining vegetable and cheese mixture, another cup of marinara sauce, and another 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese.
- For the final layer, place the last 3 lasagna noodles on top. Spread the remaining marinara sauce over the noodles, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese. This will prevent the cheese from burning while the lasagna bakes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.
- Slice the lasagna into servings and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Vegetable Lasagna with Goat Cheese!
Tips
- Always slightly undercook your lasagna noodles, as they'll continue cooking in the oven and you want to avoid mushy texture.
- Use room temperature cheeses for better mixing and more even melting.
- For extra flavor, consider sautéing your spinach lightly before mixing with the cheese blend.
- Let the lasagna rest after baking - this helps the layers set and makes cutting much easier.
- For a golden, crispy top, consider broiling the lasagna for 2-3 minutes after baking (watch carefully to prevent burning).
- If you want to make this dish ahead, you can assemble it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute part-skim ricotta and reduce the amount of mozzarella.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 70mg
