Indulge in a culinary journey to Italy with our mouthwatering Lasagne Verdi e Bianco, a delightful twist on the classic lasagna that will tantalize your taste buds! This creamy, cheesy masterpiece combines vibrant spinach with rich ricotta, layered between tender lasagna noodles and enveloped in savory marinara sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, this recipe promises to be the star of your table. Ready to impress your guests and elevate your cooking game? Dive into our detailed recipe and discover the secrets to creating this Italian classic that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
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
- 2 cups spinach, cooked and drained
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your lasagna cooks evenly.
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cooked and drained spinach, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. This will be your creamy spinach filling.
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. This will also add flavor to the base of your lasagna.
- Lay three lasagna noodles over the marinara sauce, ensuring they do not overlap. This will be the first layer of your lasagna.
- Spread half of the ricotta and spinach mixture evenly over the noodles. Then, sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the ricotta layer.
- Pour another layer of marinara sauce over the mozzarella cheese, spreading it evenly.
- Repeat the layering process: add three more lasagna noodles, the remaining ricotta and spinach mixture, another third of the mozzarella cheese, and another layer of marinara sauce.
- For the final layer, place the last three lasagna noodles on top. Spread the remaining marinara sauce over the noodles, ensuring they are well-covered. This will keep the top layer moist during baking.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer of marinara sauce. This will create a delicious cheesy crust.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it does not touch the cheese to avoid sticking. 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 cooked, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.
- Serve your Lasagne Verdi e Bianco warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian meal!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the ricotta and spinach mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the lasagna.
- Use Fresh Spinach: If possible, opt for fresh spinach instead of frozen for a brighter flavor and better texture. Just sauté it lightly before mixing with the ricotta.
- Layering: Ensure that each layer is evenly spread to create a balanced flavor in every bite. Don’t skimp on the marinara sauce; it keeps the noodles moist!
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Adding a blend of provolone or fontina can give your lasagna a unique twist.
- Resting Time: Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking is crucial. This helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.
- Garnish: For an extra touch, garnish your lasagna with fresh basil or parsley before serving. It adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: 73g
Protein: 68g
Fat: 59g
Saturated Fat: 33g
Cholesterol: 250mg
