Savory Spinach and Portabella Mushroom Lasagna Delight
Indulge in this delicious and hearty Savory Spinach and Portabella Mushroom Lasagna Delight, perfect for vegetarians and lasagna lovers alike. This comforting dish features layers of tender lasagna noodles, rich tomato sauce, and a savory blend of cheeses combined with sautéed portabella mushrooms and nutrient-packed spinach. Ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, this lasagna is sure to impress with each flavorful bite. Note that you can use your favorite pasta sauce or try the versatile Classico pasta sauce for convenience. Great served with a side salad for a complete meal!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lasagna noodles
9-10 (uncooked)
Diced tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (with juice, undrained)
Tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can
Tomato paste
1 (6 ounce) can
Balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon (optional)
Dried basil
1 tablespoon
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon
Garlic powder
1/2-1 teaspoon
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Mozzarella cheese
2 cups (shredded, divided)
Feta cheese
1 cup (crumbled)
Frozen chopped spinach
1 (10 ounce) package (thawed and squeezed dry)
Egg
1 (slightly beaten)
Portabella mushrooms
1/2-1 lb (cut into 1/4 inch thick slices)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
2
Cook the uncooked lasagna noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3
In a separate saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar (if using), dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well and let the mixture come to a medium boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4
In a medium bowl, mix together 1-1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, crumbled feta cheese, thawed and drained spinach, and the beaten egg until well combined.
5
Spread 1/3 of the prepared tomato sauce evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Place 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
6
Layer half of the cheese-spinach mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the sliced portabella mushrooms. Spoon another 1/3 of the tomato sauce over this layer.
7
Repeat the layering process by adding another 3 lasagna noodles, the remaining cheese-spinach mixture, the remaining portabella mushrooms, and another 1/3 of the sauce.
8
Finish with the final 3 lasagna noodles, pouring the remaining sauce over the top, and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
9
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10
Allow the lasagna to sit for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to let it set. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Spinach and Portabella Mushroom Lasagna Delight?
It is a hearty vegetarian lasagna featuring layers of noodles, rich tomato sauce, sautéed portabella mushrooms, and a nutrient-packed spinach and cheese blend.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian-friendly as it uses mushrooms and spinach instead of meat.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish is required?
You should use a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
How long should I boil the lasagna noodles?
Cook the noodles in boiling salted water for approximately 8-10 minutes until they are al dente.
How do I prepare the frozen spinach?
The frozen chopped spinach should be thawed and then squeezed completely dry before being mixed with the cheeses.
What types of cheese are used in this lasagna?
This recipe uses a combination of shredded mozzarella cheese and crumbled feta cheese.
How long does the homemade tomato sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should be covered and simmered on low heat for 20-25 minutes.
Why is an egg included in the ingredients?
The beaten egg is mixed with the cheese and spinach to act as a binder, helping the layers hold their shape when sliced.
Can I use pre-made pasta sauce instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, you can use your favorite store-bought pasta sauce, such as Classico, for added convenience.
What are the main spices used in the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with dried basil, dried oregano, and garlic powder.
Do I need to cook the portabella mushrooms before layering them?
In this specific recipe, the sliced mushrooms are layered raw into the lasagna and cook during the baking process.
How thick should the portabella mushrooms be sliced?
The mushrooms should be cut into approximately 1/4 inch thick slices.
How many noodles are used in each layer?
The recipe calls for placing 3 cooked lasagna noodles per layer.
Is balsamic vinegar necessary for the sauce?
Balsamic vinegar is optional but recommended for adding a subtle depth of flavor to the tomato mixture.
Should the lasagna be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 25 minutes of baking.
How do I know when the lasagna is finished baking?
After removing the foil, bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Why should I let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes after baking?
Letting the lasagna rest allows the layers to set, making it much easier to slice and serve.
What is a good side dish to serve with this lasagna?
A fresh side salad is an excellent accompaniment to make this a complete meal.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, but you should cook the fresh spinach and squeeze out the excess moisture before adding it to the cheese mixture.
How many lasagna noodles do I need in total?
You will need 9 to 10 lasagna noodles.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely, this lasagna holds up well and can be portioned out for meals throughout the week.
What should I use to grease the baking dish?
You can use either cooking spray or a light coating of olive oil.
Is this lasagna recipe gluten-free?
The standard recipe uses wheat noodles, but it can be made gluten-free by substituting with gluten-free lasagna noodles.
How much mozzarella cheese goes on the very top?
The remaining 1/2 cup of the 2 cups total of mozzarella should be sprinkled on the top layer.
What goes in the first layer on the bottom of the dish?
The first layer should be 1/3 of the prepared tomato sauce.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, you can easily customize the layers with additional vegetables like bell peppers or onions.
What provides the saltiness in the cheese mixture?
The crumbled feta cheese provides a distinct salty and tangy flavor profile to the filling.
How do I prevent the lasagna from being too watery?
Ensure the spinach is squeezed very dry and the tomato sauce is simmered long enough to thicken.
How long is the total preparation and cook time?
Between prep, simmering, and baking, the recipe takes approximately 75 to 90 minutes.