Zucchini Spinach Vegetarian Lasagna is a wholesome and flavorful dish that combines fresh vegetables with creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese, all layered between tender lasagna noodles. Perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for a lighter take on a classic comfort food, this lasagna is both nutritious and satisfying. Follow this guide to create a delicious zucchini spinach vegetarian lasagna that will become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese (or substitute with low-fat creamed cottage cheese)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp dried or 1 tbsp fresh basil
- 1 tsp dried or 1 tbsp fresh oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 4 cups low-sodium marinara sauce
- 1 lb package of lasagna noodles (regular, whole wheat, or whole grain), cooked and thoroughly drained
- 2 large zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1½ cups of low-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- Combine Cheese and Herbs: In a medium bowl, combine the part-skim ricotta cheese, egg, chopped fresh parsley, dried or fresh basil, dried or fresh oregano, and garlic powder.
- Add Spinach: Fold in the chopped fresh spinach or thawed and drained frozen spinach. Mix until the spinach is evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Ingredients
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice Zucchini: Thinly slice the zucchini using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer.
Assemble the Lasagna
- Spread Sauce: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer Noodles: Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Add Cheese Mixture: Spread a portion of the ricotta-spinach mixture over the noodles.
- Add Zucchini: Layer thin slices of zucchini over the cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle Cheese: Sprinkle a portion of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the zucchini.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers (sauce, noodles, cheese mixture, zucchini, mozzarella) until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of marinara sauce on top.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer of sauce.
Bake the Lasagna
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
Serve
- Rest: Allow the lasagna to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to firm up, making it easier to serve.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve the lasagna hot.
Conclusion
This zucchini spinach vegetarian lasagna is a nutritious and delicious alternative to traditional meat lasagna. The combination of fresh vegetables, creamy ricotta, and savory marinara sauce creates a satisfying and wholesome dish that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the comforting flavors and healthy benefits of this delightful lasagna. Happy cooking!