Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Pesto Lasagna
Indulge in a delightful twist on traditional lasagna with this Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Pesto Lasagna. Inspired by a healthy eating cookbook, this recipe transforms classic ingredients into a savory and satisfying one-dish meal. The layers of no-boil noodles are generously filled with a rich blend of ricotta cheese and silky tofu, combined with earthy spinach and vibrant artichoke hearts. Every bite is bursting with flavor thanks to the luscious Classico pesto, which adds a herby freshness to the dish. Perfect for meal prep, this lasagna reheats wonderfully and is guaranteed to impress at any gathering.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen chopped spinach
10 ounces (Thawed and lightly drained)
Part-skim ricotta cheese
15 ounces (None)
Soft or silken tofu
16 ounces (None)
No-boil lasagna noodles
9 ounces (None)
Classico traditional basil pesto
10 ounces (None)
Quartered artichoke hearts
14 ounces (Sliced lengthwise into halves)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
16 ounces (None)
Garlic cloves
3 (Thinly sliced)
Italian seasoning
To taste (None)
Dried basil
To taste (None)
Garlic powder
To taste (None)
Dried parsley
To taste (None)
Salt
To taste (None)
Pepper
To taste (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Lightly grease a 9" x 13" baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
3
If using no-boil lasagna noodles, thaw the frozen spinach and drain it lightly. If using traditional noodles, completely drain the spinach.
4
In a medium mixing bowl, blend the ricotta and soft or silken tofu until smooth. Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, basil, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper to taste, then fold in the thawed spinach until well incorporated.
5
Spread a layer of pesto evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish and place four no-boil lasagna noodles on top, slightly overlapping them.
6
Spread one-fourth of the spinach, ricotta, and tofu mixture over the noodles. Top with half of the quartered artichoke hearts and half of the sliced garlic.
7
Add another layer of four noodles, then spread about one-third of the remaining pesto over the noodles. Repeat the layering process by adding spinach mixture, a sprinkle of half the remaining mozzarella cheese, and the rest of the artichoke and garlic.
8
Layer four more noodles, repeating the spread of pesto followed by the spinach mixture. Top with the last four noodles followed by the remaining pesto and finalize with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
9
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
10
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden around the edges.
11
Allow the lasagna to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Pesto Lasagna?
This dish is a vegetarian twist on traditional lasagna that uses no-boil noodles, a blend of ricotta and tofu, earthy spinach, artichoke hearts, and basil pesto.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish is needed?
A 9 inch by 13 inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Do I need to boil the lasagna noodles?
No, this recipe specifically calls for 9 ounces of no-boil lasagna noodles.
How should the frozen spinach be prepared?
The frozen chopped spinach should be thawed and lightly drained before being folded into the cheese mixture.
What kind of tofu should I use for the filling?
You should use 16 ounces of soft or silken tofu to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
How do I prepare the ricotta and tofu mixture?
In a medium bowl, blend the ricotta and tofu until smooth, season with spices, and then fold in the spinach.
Which brand of pesto does the recipe suggest?
The recipe suggests using Classico traditional basil pesto for a luscious, herby flavor.
How should the artichoke hearts be prepared?
Use 14 ounces of quartered artichoke hearts and slice them lengthwise into halves.
How should the fresh garlic be prepped?
The three garlic cloves should be thinly sliced before being added to the layers.
What is the total baking time?
The lasagna bakes covered for 45 minutes and then uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
Why should I let the lasagna rest after baking?
Allowing the lasagna to rest for 5 to 10 minutes helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Should the baking dish be covered during cooking?
Yes, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil for the first 45 minutes of baking.
Is this lasagna recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian recipe that uses cheese, tofu, and vegetables.
What seasonings are added to the filling?
The filling is seasoned with Italian seasoning, dried basil, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
Can I use traditional lasagna noodles?
Yes, but if using traditional noodles, you must completely drain the spinach and likely boil the noodles first according to package directions.
How much mozzarella cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese.
What goes on the bottom of the baking dish?
A layer of pesto should be spread evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish before adding the first layer of noodles.
How many noodles are used per layer?
The recipe uses four no-boil lasagna noodles per layer, slightly overlapping them.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as it reheats wonderfully.
What provides the 'creamy' element in the filling?
The combination of part-skim ricotta cheese and soft or silken tofu creates the creamy filling.
How do I grease the baking dish?
You can lightly grease the dish with either cooking spray or olive oil.
Are the artichokes added to every layer?
No, the artichokes are added to the first two internal layers of the spinach and cheese mixture.
How do I know when the lasagna is finished baking?
The lasagna is done when the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden around the edges.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
The recipe specifies dried herbs like basil and parsley, but fresh herbs can be used if adjusted for potency.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How many layers of noodles are in this lasagna?
The recipe describes four layers of noodles in total.
What kind of ricotta is recommended?
The recipe specifies 15 ounces of part-skim ricotta cheese.
Does this recipe contain meat?
No, this is a meatless lasagna recipe.
How much spinach is required?
You will need one 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach.