Nothing quite beats the rich, velvety layers of a homemade lasagna that’s filled with earthy mushrooms and vibrant spinach. This Creamy Mushroom Spinach Lasagna Recipe hits all those cozy comfort food notes, turning simple ingredients into a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal you’ll want to make again and again.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made a lot of lasagnas over the years, but this creamy mushroom spinach version steals the show for me. It’s packed with flavor, feels indulgent without being heavy, and it’s surprisingly easy to put together, so you don’t need hours in the kitchen.
- Decadent Creaminess: The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and a luscious homemade white sauce creates a velvety texture that feels luxurious with every bite.
- Flavor-Packed Veggies: Two types of mushrooms and fresh spinach bring depth and earthiness that elevates this beyond your typical lasagna.
- No-Boil Convenience: Using no-cook lasagna noodles cuts down prep time, making it perfect for weekday dinners or relaxed weekends.
- Customizable Layers: You'll love that you can easily swap out veggies, cheeses, or spice levels to suit your taste or pantry staples.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe balances creamy cheeses with earthy mushrooms and bright spinach, all tied together by a silky homemade white sauce. The ingredients complement each other perfectly, so sourcing fresh mushrooms and quality cheeses will really make a difference.
- Ricotta: It provides a smooth, slightly tangy creaminess that binds the filling together.
- Mozzarella: Adds gooey, melty goodness that makes each bite irresistible.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty kick that elevates the flavor.
- Egg: Helps the cheese mixture set perfectly without being rubbery.
- Fresh Parsley: Brings a touch of freshness and color, both in the mixture and as garnish.
- Nutmeg: Just a small dash in the cheese and sauce makes a subtle but magical flavor boost.
- Butter: Essential for sautéing and for the roux in the white sauce, lending richness.
- Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when gently sautéed.
- Baby Spinach: Wilts down to add vibrant green color and earthy flavor without overpowering.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: They wake things up with a gentle heat – optional but highly recommended.
- Button and Cremini Mushrooms: These varieties offer a wonderful combination of mild and robust mushroom flavors and a beautiful texture contrast.
- Garlic: A flavor essential that pairs perfectly with mushrooms.
- No-Cook Lasagna Noodles: Saves time and keeps the layers tender without fuss.
- Flour & Whole Milk: Make the creamy béchamel sauce base, crucial for that rich, silky texture.
- Sea Salt & Freshly Cracked Pepper: Seasoning is key here—don’t be shy with these to bring all the flavors alive.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this creamy mushroom spinach lasagna recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I love experimenting with different cheeses or throwing in other greens depending on what I have on hand — and you should, too!
- Variation: I like swapping out half the spinach for kale when it’s in season — it adds a wonderful texture and extra nutrients without losing that vibrant earthy flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Using dairy-free ricotta and a plant-based white sauce variation works surprisingly well if you need to avoid dairy.
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked lentils or chopped walnuts for a meatless boost of protein that keeps the dish hearty.
- Spicy Kick: If you love spice, add a bit more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the mushroom mix for extra warmth.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Mushroom Spinach Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Perfect Ricotta Mixture
Start by combining your ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, beaten egg, fresh parsley, and that magical dash of nutmeg in a bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper, then stir until it’s well blended. This mixture will give you creamy, cheesy layers that set beautifully without being too dense. Pro tip: Don’t overbeat the egg, or you’ll lose that luscious texture.
Step 2: Sauté the Spinach and Onion
Heat a little butter in your skillet, then gently cook the diced onion until soft and sweet—about 4-5 minutes. Toss in the spinach with some crushed red pepper flakes and keep stirring for just a minute until the spinach wilts but still looks bright. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside in a bowl to keep the flavors bright and fresh.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms with Garlic
In the same skillet, melt a bit more butter and add your mixed mushrooms. Let them sizzle undisturbed for a few minutes so they caramelize gently — this is where that deep mushroom flavor develops. Add the garlic, season well, and cook another minute. Remember not to stir too often while cooking mushrooms; you want that golden color, not steamed mush.
Step 4: Make the Silky White Sauce
Now for the béchamel: melt butter and whisk in flour, cooking till it just starts smelling nutty and blond—don’t skip this part or your sauce might taste floury. Slowly add milk, whisking like you mean it, until your sauce thickens and bubbles. Finish with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. This sauce adds that signature creamy layer that turns the whole dish into a dream.
Step 5: Layer Your Lasagna Like a Pro
Start with a thin layer of that white sauce on the bottom of your baking dish – this keeps everything from sticking. Layer your no-cook noodles, then spread the ricotta mixture, half the spinach, half the mushrooms, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat one more time, then top with a final layer of noodles, the remaining white sauce, and a generous scattering of mozzarella and parmesan. Trust me, this layering builds those rich, creamy, satisfying bites.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes until bubbling and golden on top. Let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing to let everything set—this is a game-changer for neat slices and better flavor melding.
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make this creamy mushroom spinach lasagna recipe turn out perfectly every time:
- Careful Mushroom Cooking: Give your mushrooms space in the pan and avoid overcrowding; stir infrequently so they brown rather than steam.
- Season as You Go: Taste and season each component individually – the ricotta mixture, sautéed veggies, and white sauce all benefit from well-balanced salt and pepper before assembling.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the lasagna cool after baking to firm up the layers so your slices hold together beautifully.
- Use Fresh Nutmeg: That little dash in cheese and béchamel is subtle but transformative—grate it fresh if you can.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Spinach Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
I always sprinkle fresh chopped parsley right after the lasagna cools—it brightens up the whole dish and adds a lovely pop of green. Sometimes I add a little extra parmesan on top too, just because cheesy goodness never gets old.
Side Dishes
Since this lasagna is rich and filling, I like to serve it with a crisp, tangy arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a simple roasted vegetable medley to keep things fresh and balanced on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve layered this lasagna in a larger glass dish so the gorgeous layers show through the sides, then topped it with edible flowers and extra herbs for a wow factor. It’s impressive but not complicated, making everyone feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. I find the flavors even deepen overnight, making it a perfect lunch or dinner option. Just bring to room temperature before reheating for best results.
Freezing
This creamy mushroom spinach lasagna recipe freezes very well. I usually assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating
To reheat, I cover the lasagna with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through — this keeps the cheese melty and prevents drying out. If in a hurry, microwave in short bursts but watch the texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Fresh lasagna noodles will work beautifully. Just cook them briefly according to the package instructions to soften before layering, and be sure to drain and dry them well to avoid excess moisture.
To make a vegan or dairy-free version, you can substitute ricotta with plant-based ricotta or blended tofu, use vegan mozzarella cheese alternatives, and swap the milk in the white sauce for almond or oat milk. You’ll also want to replace butter with olive oil or vegan margarine. Season well and consider adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor lift.
Yes! You can prepare this lasagna up to a day ahead. Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature, then bake as directed. This makes dinner prep super convenient.
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To maintain the best texture and flavor, reheat gently in the oven covered with foil. For longer storage, you can freeze slices wrapped well in foil and plastic wrap for up to three months.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Mushroom Spinach Lasagna Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it turns humble ingredients into something truly comforting and satisfying, perfect for sharing with friends or family. Don’t be intimidated by the steps — it’s so rewarding when you serve up those layers of creamy goodness baked to golden perfection. Trust me, once you try it, this creamy, savory lasagna will be a go-to recipe in your kitchen, just like it is in mine.
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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 combines tender mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a luscious white sauce layered with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella. Perfectly baked to a golden brown, this vegetarian lasagna is a comforting and flavorful dish ideal for dinner.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella
- 2 tablespoon freshly grated parmesan (plus more for the top)
- 1 small egg (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, plus more for garnish)
- Dash of fresh nutmeg (grated)
- 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)
White Sauce
- 2½ tablespoon butter
- 2½ tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups whole milk
- Dash of fresh nutmeg (grated)
- Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper (to taste)
Other
- 1½ tablespoon butter (divided)
- No-cook lasagna noodles
- Additional shredded mozzarella and freshly grated parmesan (for layering and topping)
- Cooking spray (to grease the baking dish)
Instructions
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, ¼ cup shredded mozzarella, 2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan, beaten egg, chopped fresh parsley, a dash of grated nutmeg, sea salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Spinach: Heat ½ tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add baby spinach and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for 1 minute until spinach begins to wilt. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Cook Mushrooms: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add the button and cremini mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring much to allow browning. Add minced garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and transfer to a separate bowl.
- Make White Sauce: Heat remaining 2½ tablespoons butter in the skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the flour with a whisk and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously to form a roux. Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously. Continue cooking and whisking over medium heat until the sauce thickens and bubbles. Season with grated nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly coat an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Assemble Lasagna: Spoon some white sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add a layer of no-cook lasagna noodles. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, then half of the sautéed spinach, followed by half of the mushrooms. Sprinkle lightly with shredded mozzarella. Repeat layers with noodles, remaining ricotta, spinach, mushrooms, and mozzarella. End with a final layer of noodles topped with the remaining white sauce. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the assembled lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before slicing and serving. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese for the topping.
- If you prefer, pre-cook the no-bake lasagna noodles according to package instructions for a softer texture.
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a lighter sauce.
- Fresh nutmeg adds depth to the white sauce; if unavailable, a pinch of ground nutmeg will suffice.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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