Prepare your baking dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent the lasagna from sticking.
Layer the noodles: Start by placing a layer of lasagna noodles at the bottom of the dish. If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, ensure they overlap slightly to cover the entire surface.
Spread the creamy spinach and mushroom mixture: Spoon a generous portion of the creamy spinach and mushroom sauce over the noodles. Spread it evenly with the back of a spoon to cover the noodles fully.
Add the ricotta cheese: Spread a layer of ricotta cheese over the sauce. Use about one-third of the ricotta mixture and smooth it out over the surface. This will add creaminess and richness to every layer.
Top with mozzarella and Parmesan: Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the ricotta. These cheeses will melt beautifully, creating a gooey, golden crust on top.
Repeat the layers: Continue layering the noodles, spinach and mushroom sauce, ricotta, and shredded cheeses two more times, ending with a final layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Step 4: Baking the Lasagna
Once your lasagna is fully assembled, it’s time to bake it to perfection:
Cover the lasagna: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps the lasagna cook evenly and prevents the top from getting too browned before the rest is cooked.
Bake: Place the lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese has melted.
Uncover and brown the top: After 30-35 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Rest the lasagna: Once the lasagna is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice.
Tips for Perfecting Your Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Lasagna
Use fresh spinach: Fresh spinach wilts down and releases moisture as it cooks, giving the lasagna a deliciously tender texture. If you choose frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in your sauce.
Enhance the flavor: For added depth, you can stir in a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg to the cream sauce. This subtle addition enhances the creaminess and pairs well with the earthy mushrooms and spinach.
Make it ahead: Lasagna is an excellent make-ahead dish. You can assemble it the day before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it. The next day, bake it as directed. The flavors will meld together, making it even more flavorful.
Add a crispy topping: For an extra-crunchy texture, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top of the lasagna before baking. This will create a crispy, golden crust that contrasts nicely with the creamy layers inside.
Adjust the cheese: If you prefer a stronger cheesy flavor, you can substitute the ricotta for mascarpone or cream cheese. These will add a slightly richer taste and creamy consistency.
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