Creamy Spinach and Mushroom No-Boil Lasagna
This delightful Creamy Spinach and Mushroom No-Boil Lasagna is a comforting and healthy twist on a classic dish. Featuring layers of tender noodles, sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce made with low-fat ingredients, this lasagna is not only lower in fat but bursting with flavor. It's perfect for family meals or gatherings, and even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds! With a unique blend of Havarti and Gouda cheese, this recipe is a guaranteed hit that will please both kids and adults alike. Enjoy a slice of this wholesome dish with a crisp salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal!
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
5 tablespoons (divided)
Mushrooms
16 ounces (sliced)
Onion
3/4 cup (finely chopped)
Garlic
3 cloves (minced)
Frozen Chopped Spinach
10 ounces (thawed and squeezed dry)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Lasagna Noodles
10 noodles
Flour
1/4 cup
Chicken or Vegetable Broth
1 1/2 cups
2% Low-Fat Milk
1 cup
Dried Thyme
1 teaspoon
Dried Basil
1/2 teaspoon
Havarti Cheese
1/2 lb (shredded)
Gouda Cheese
7 ounces (shredded)
Instructions
1
In a large sauté pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are golden brown, approximately 5 minutes.
2
Stir in the finely chopped onions and minced garlic; sauté for an additional 3 minutes until the onions are translucent.
3
Add the thawed and squeezed-dry spinach along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
4
In a separate saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, cooking and stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, but do not let it brown.
5
Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth and low-fat milk. Cook while stirring occasionally until the mixture is smooth and thickened, approximately 5 minutes.
6
Once the sauce reaches a gentle boil, remove from heat and stir in the dried thyme and dried basil.
7
In a bowl, combine the shredded Havarti and Gouda cheeses and mix well.
8
Pour 1/2 cup of the prepared sauce into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly.
9
Lay out 5 lasagna noodles in a single layer within the pan (use 4 noodles lengthwise and break one noodle as needed to fit).
10
Layer half of the mushroom and spinach mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the shredded cheese mixture, and then drizzle 1/2 of the remaining sauce on top.
11
Repeat this process: add another layer of noodles, the remaining mushroom and spinach mixture, the rest of the cheese, and finish with the final portion of sauce.
12
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to achieve a bubbly cheese topping.
13
Once cooked, remove the lasagna from the oven and allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
25g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spinach and Mushroom No-Boil Lasagna?
It is a comforting and healthy twist on classic lasagna featuring layers of tender noodles, sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a rich sauce made with low-fat ingredients.
Is this lasagna recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it is vegetarian-friendly as long as you choose vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How many calories are in a serving of this lasagna?
There are approximately 250 calories per serving.
Do I need to boil the lasagna noodles beforehand?
No, this recipe is designed as a no-boil lasagna where the noodles cook directly in the sauce while baking.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses a unique and flavorful blend of shredded Havarti and Gouda cheeses.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 15 grams of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 8 grams of fat per serving, making it a lower-fat option compared to traditional lasagna.
How long does it take to bake the lasagna?
The total baking time is 60 minutes: 45 minutes covered with foil and an additional 15 minutes uncovered.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated and set to 350°F (175°C).
How many lasagna noodles do I need?
You will need a total of 10 lasagna noodles for the layers.
What type of milk is recommended for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of 2% low-fat milk to keep the sauce creamy yet light.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach, but you must cook it down and ensure it is squeezed dry to prevent the lasagna from becoming watery.
What size baking pan should I use?
A standard 9x13-inch baking pan is required for this recipe.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The sauce is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil.
How many mushrooms are required?
You will need 16 ounces of sliced mushrooms, which are sautéed until golden brown.
Why do I need to squeeze the spinach dry?
Squeezing the spinach dry removes excess moisture, ensuring the lasagna remains creamy and not soggy.
How long should the lasagna rest after baking?
It is recommended to let the lasagna sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much butter is used in the entire recipe?
A total of 5 tablespoons of butter is used: 1 for sautéing vegetables and 4 for making the sauce roux.
Can I use different types of broth?
Yes, you can use 1 1/2 cups of either chicken broth or vegetable broth.
How many cloves of garlic are included?
The recipe calls for 3 cloves of minced garlic for a savory flavor profile.
What is the order of layering for this lasagna?
Layer sauce, then noodles, followed by half the veggie mixture, half the cheese, and half the remaining sauce; then repeat.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, the mild and creamy cheese blend makes it very family-friendly and appealing to children.
Can I substitute Havarti or Gouda if I can't find them?
Yes, you can substitute with other good melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Muenster, or mild Mozzarella.
What should I serve with this lasagna?
It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How do you make the white sauce?
The sauce is made by whisking flour into melted butter, then gradually adding broth and milk until thickened.
Can I add other vegetables to the mix?
While this recipe focuses on spinach and mushrooms, you could easily add shredded carrots or sautéed zucchini.
How do you fit the noodles in the pan?
Lay 4 noodles lengthwise and break a 5th noodle to fit the remaining space in the layer.
Is the onion finely chopped?
Yes, the recipe suggests 3/4 cup of finely chopped onion for the vegetable base.
Why is the pan covered with foil during baking?
Foil traps steam from the sauce, which is necessary to cook the no-boil lasagna noodles thoroughly.