Creamy Spinach & Eggplant Parmesan Lasagna
Indulge in this deliciously layered Creamy Spinach & Eggplant Parmesan Lasagna, a delightful fusion of flavors that combines the richness of cottage cheese and mozzarella with the hearty goodness of frozen eggplant cutlets. Inspired by a brilliant idea from JackieOhNo, this vegetarian lasagna is both satisfying and easy to prepare, making it the perfect one-dish meal for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. The combination of spicy spaghetti sauce and fire-roasted tomatoes adds depth, while the spinach infuses every bite with nutritious greens. Bake it to perfection and enjoy the warmth of this homemade dish.
N/A
Servings
320
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
prepared spaghetti sauce
24 ounces (Use Bertolli Arrabbiata Sauce for added spiciness.)
diced tomatoes
14 ounces (Choose Muir Glen Fire Roasted for a smoky flavor.)
cottage cheese
24 ounces (Use 2% for a creamy consistency.)
no-boil lasagna noodles
8 ounces (No preparation needed.)
frozen eggplant cutlets
16 ounces (Minimally thaw cutlets before layering.)
eggs or Egg Beaters egg substitute
4 (Lightly beat before adding to the mixture.)
shredded mozzarella cheese
2-3 cups (Reserve 1 cup for topping.)
frozen chopped spinach
10 ounces (Thaw and squeeze dry to remove excess moisture.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Spray a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the prepared spaghetti sauce with the undrained diced tomatoes for added flavor. Stir well to mix.
4
In another bowl, mix together cottage cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, thawed and squeezed-dry spinach, and eggs until well combined.
5
Spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a flavorful base.
6
Layer the lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by half of the spinach and cheese mixture, 1 cup of the tomato mixture, and half of the frozen eggplant cutlets.
7
Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients: another layer of noodles, the second half of the spinach and cheese mixture, another cup of sauce, and the rest of the eggplant.
8
Finish by topping with the remaining sauce mixture and a generous sprinkling of the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
9
Cover the pan with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in during baking.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the lasagna is bubbling.
11
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for 15 minutes to allow the layers to set before cutting and serving.
Nutrition Information
9.5g
Fat
38g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this lasagna recipe?
The recipe is for Creamy Spinach & Eggplant Parmesan Lasagna.
Is this lasagna recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is a vegetarian lasagna featuring eggplant and spinach.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 320 calories.
What type of sauce is recommended for extra spiciness?
The recipe suggests using Bertolli Arrabbiata Sauce for a spicy flavor profile.
What kind of tomatoes should I use for a smoky flavor?
Muir Glen Fire Roasted diced tomatoes are recommended to add a smoky depth to the sauce.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before beginning the assembly.
Do I need to boil the lasagna noodles beforehand?
No, this recipe uses 8 ounces of no-boil lasagna noodles, so no preparation is needed for the pasta.
What size baking pan is required?
You will need a 13 x 9-inch baking pan, sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
How much cottage cheese is used in the mixture?
The recipe calls for 24 ounces of cottage cheese, preferably 2% for a creamy consistency.
Should the frozen spinach be prepared in a specific way?
Yes, the 10 ounces of frozen spinach should be thawed and squeezed dry to remove excess moisture before mixing.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed in total?
You will need 2 to 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, with 1 cup reserved specifically for the topping.
Can I use an egg substitute in this recipe?
Yes, you can use either 4 regular eggs or an equivalent amount of Egg Beaters egg substitute.
How much frozen eggplant is used and how should it be prepared?
Use 16 ounces of frozen eggplant cutlets and minimally thaw them before layering.
What is the protein content per serving?
This lasagna provides 18g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in one serving of this lasagna?
There are 9.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
A serving contains 38g of carbohydrates.
How long should the lasagna bake while covered with foil?
The lasagna should be baked covered with aluminum foil for 30 minutes.
How long should the lasagna bake after the foil is removed?
After removing the foil, bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Is it necessary to let the lasagna rest after taking it out of the oven?
Yes, you should let it sit for 15 minutes to allow the layers to set before cutting and serving.
Who was the inspiration for this recipe idea?
This recipe was inspired by a brilliant idea from JackieOhNo.
What is the very first layer in the baking pan?
The first step in layering is spreading a thin layer of the sauce mixture in the bottom of the pan.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used to prepare this lasagna.
Should the diced tomatoes be drained?
No, you should use the undrained diced tomatoes to add flavor and moisture to the sauce mixture.
What ingredients make up the cheese and spinach mixture?
The mixture consists of cottage cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, thawed/squeezed spinach, and beaten eggs.
How do you finish the top of the lasagna before baking?
Finish by topping with the remaining sauce mixture and a generous sprinkling of the remaining shredded mozzarella.
Is this dish considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is described as a satisfying one-dish meal perfect for family gatherings.
What tags define the style of this dish?
It is categorized with tags like Italian cuisine, comfort food, and baked dish.
What is the total amount of sauce mixture used?
The recipe uses 24 ounces of spaghetti sauce combined with 14 ounces of diced tomatoes.
How many layers of eggplant are there?
There are two layers of eggplant cutlets, each using half of the 16-ounce package.
How can I tell if the lasagna is done baking?
The lasagna is done when the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbling.